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Burning, tingling, or numbness in the ball of your foot? DD Podiatry offers FDA-cleared shockwave therapy for Morton's neuroma at our Bethesda, MD and McLean, VA offices — a non-surgical option that targets the irritated nerve directly.
Morton's neuroma is a thickening of tissue around one of the nerves running between your metatarsal bones — most often between the third and fourth toes. It's a common cause of chronic forefoot pain, and DD Podiatry sees it frequently in patients across Bethesda and McLean.
Localized to the ball of the foot, often worse in narrow or high-heeled shoes.
A sensation of standing on a lump, marble, or bunched-up sock that isn't actually there.
Radiating into the adjacent toes, sometimes with an electric or shock-like quality.
Often relieved by removing shoes, resting, or massaging the forefoot.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a well-studied, non-surgical option for Morton's neuroma. DD Podiatry uses it as part of a personalized treatment plan for patients in Bethesda and McLean who want to avoid or delay surgery.
Acoustic pulses are delivered directly over the neuroma. Research suggests this helps quiet overactive pain-signaling nerve endings, contributing to early pain relief.
Beyond the immediate effect, shockwave stimulates blood flow and tissue repair around the nerve, supporting longer-term improvement rather than just masking symptoms.
Randomized, placebo-controlled trials have shown that patients receiving ESWT for Morton's neuroma report significantly less pain and better foot function than those receiving sham treatment.
Our specialists use clinical exam findings and, when needed, diagnostic ultrasound to confirm the exact location of the neuroma before treatment.
Shockwave therapy is delivered in-office with no incision, no anesthesia, and no recovery time — a meaningful advantage over surgical neurectomy.
Each session takes about 15–20 minutes. Most patients complete a short series of weekly treatments and return to normal activity the same day.
We build a stepwise plan tailored to how long you've had symptoms and how you've responded to prior care
Wider toe boxes, metatarsal pads, and activity modification are often the first step, especially for mild or early-stage symptoms.
Custom-molded orthotics redistribute pressure away from the neuroma and help prevent recurrence once symptoms improve.
A non-invasive option for patients with persistent symptoms who want to avoid injections or surgery, or who want to try a conservative option first.
For select patients, image-guided corticosteroid or biologic injections can be combined with shockwave for a comprehensive, multi-modal approach.
A simple, in-office process from diagnosis to relief
Your board-certified podiatrist examines your foot, reviews your history, and confirms the diagnosis and location of the neuroma.
We determine whether shockwave alone, or shockwave combined with orthotics or injections, is the right fit for your symptoms.
Gel is applied to the ball of your foot and the handpiece delivers rhythmic acoustic pulses directly over the neuroma. Sessions take 15–20 minutes.
Most patients complete 3–5 weekly sessions. Many notice reduced pain within the first couple of visits, with continued improvement afterward.
A conservative, evidence-based option before considering surgery
Walk out of the office and carry on with your day — no recovery period required.
A regulatory-cleared technology used in podiatry practices nationwide.
No incision means no risk of surgical scarring, wound complications, or nerve stump pain.
Targets the irritated nerve tissue itself rather than only masking symptoms with medication.
Supported by randomized controlled trials specific to Morton's neuroma, not just extrapolated from other conditions.
Can be combined with orthotics, footwear changes, or injections for a comprehensive approach to lasting relief.
Two convenient locations serving Montgomery County, MD and Northern Virginia with expert podiatric care for forefoot nerve pain
📍 Address: 6316 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, MD 20817
📞 Phone: (301) 363-2676
🕒 Hours:
Mon – Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Serving Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Rockville, Gaithersburg, and surrounding Montgomery County areas with advanced Morton's neuroma treatment.
📍 Address: 6849 Old Dominion Dr #220, McLean, VA 22101
📞 Phone: (703) 902-0417
🕒 Hours:
Mon – Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Conveniently located in McLean serving Northern Virginia, Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, and Fairfax County communities.
Everything you need to know about Morton's neuroma and shockwave therapy
It's often linked to repetitive pressure or irritation of a nerve between the metatarsal bones — commonly from tight or narrow shoes, high heels, high-impact activity, or biomechanical factors like flat feet or high arches.
Most patients describe a pulsing or tapping sensation that can be mildly uncomfortable directly over the neuroma. Treatment intensity is adjusted to your comfort level and typically feels more tolerable as sessions progress.
Most patients complete 3–5 sessions, spaced about one week apart. Your podiatrist will tailor the plan to how long you've had symptoms and how you respond along the way.
Diagnosis usually starts with a physical exam, including tests that reproduce your symptoms by compressing the forefoot. Diagnostic ultrasound is highly effective at confirming the neuroma and can help guide treatment.
Coverage varies by plan and treatment type. Our team will help you understand your options and what to expect before treatment begins.
Patients with persistent forefoot burning, tingling, or numbness that hasn't fully resolved with shoe changes or orthotics, and who want to explore a non-surgical option, are often good candidates. A consultation will confirm if it's right for you.
Yes. There's no downtime — most patients resume normal daily activity immediately. High-impact activity is generally limited for a day or two after each session.
Not every patient responds the same way. If shockwave alone isn't enough, we'll discuss additional options — including ultrasound-guided injections, custom orthotics, or surgical consultation — to find the right path forward.
Schedule a consultation with our board-certified podiatrists and find out if shockwave therapy is right for your Morton's neuroma.
"Dr. Tran was able to treat my Morton's neuroma when other doctors couldn't. All without surgery"
- Matt K.
Bethesda, MD
6316 Democracy Blvd
Bethesda, Maryland 20817
(301) 363-2676
McLean, VA
6849 Old Dominion Drive Ste 220
McLean, VA 22101
(301) 363-2676
Monday - Friday:
9:00am - 5:00pm
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