Morton's neuroma is an injury to a nerve in the foot, usually the one that runs between the third and fourth toes, which causes a non-cancerous growth. It can cause tingling, numbness, pain that feels like stepping on a pebble, and difficulty walking. Treatment can range from taping to surgery.
Typical costs:
For patients covered by health insurance, the typical out-of-pocket cost for Morton's neuroma treatment consists of a copay or coinsurance of 10-50%. Morton's neuroma treatment typically is covered by health insurance. However, some treatments might not always be covered by some companies. For example, BlueCross BlueShield of Kansas covers alcohol injections for Morton's neuroma only when several more conservative treatments have failed.
For patients not covered by health insurance, Morton's neuroma treatment typically costs less than $500 for therapeutic shoes and/or pads or other shoe inserts. It typically costs $1,500-$3,000 or more for cryosurgery or for a series of alcohol shots to help relieve pain. Surgery can cost up to $7,000 or more.
For example, at FootSmart.com, shoe inserts and pads for Morton's neuroma[1] cost about $8-$30. And therapeutic shoes[2] cost about $40 -$230.
At Camelback Healthcare, in Arizona, neuroma sclerosing therapy[3] , which involves alcohol injections, costs $200 per injection; about seven to 10 injections are required, for a total of $1,400-$2,000. A patient on a forum[4] at SteadyHealth.com reports a cost of $300 per injection, for a total of $2,100-$3,000. A patient on a forum[5] at SteadyHealth.com reports paying $1,500-$2,500 for cryosurgery.
At Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center, in Nebraska, surgery for Morton's neuroma [6] costs $5,000 or more, not including doctor fee, which can add several thousand dollars to the final bill, for a total of $7,000 or more.
Morton's neuroma sometimes can be diagnosed with a physical examination. In some cases, an MRI might be ordered to rule out other conditions.
The doctor might recommend anti-inflammatory medications in the short term. The doctor also might try various treatments, including therapeutic shoes and/or shoe inserts. In some cases, the doctor might also recommend physical therapy.
For patients who are experiencing ongoing pain, the doctor might recommend steroid injections, alcohol injections -- also called sclerosing injections -- or cryosurgery to help relieve pain.
If non-surgical treatments do not work, outpatient surgery might be required. General or regional anesthesia might be required. During the surgery, the doctor either will remove tissue around the painful nerve, or will remove part of the nerve that contains the painful growth. Surgery usually relieves pain but can result in foot numbness.
PubMed Health has an overview of Morton's neuroma[7] .
Additional costs:
If surgery is required, crutches might be needed during recovery at a cost of about $15-$100.
Physical therapy, which typically costs $50-$350 per session, might be required.
Some patients who undergo surgery develop what is known as a stump neuroma, a painful condition that can require another surgery.
Discounts:
Some websites that sell over-the-counter orthotics or pads offer discounts. For example, FootSmart.com offers discounts[8] such as free shipping or $15 off plus free shipping on orders of $150 or more.
Many hospitals and doctors give discounts of up to 30% or more to uninsured/cash-paying patients. For example, Washington Hospital Healthcare System[9] in California offers a 35% discount.
Shopping for morton's neuroma treatment:
A podiatrist or podiatric surgeon can treat Morton's neuroma. The American Podiatric Medical Association offers a podiatrist locator[10] . It is important to make sure the podiatrist is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine or the American Board of Podiatric Surgery[11] , depending on their area of specialty
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
10 Quick and Inexpensive Home Makeover Projects To Do While At Home You may not be able to host the large family gathering for the holidays, but there are still many ways to pick up items curbside to spruce up your indoor space for your everyday enjoyment and to bring a more festive spirit. || Posted December 30 2020
10 Key Ways to Prepare for Extreme Snow Forecasters are predicting a true nor'easter will hit the eastern and central states with rain, thunderstorms, ice, snow and high winds over the Thanksgiving weekend. It's crucial to plan ahead, before bad weather hits. || Posted November 26 2013
CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.
CostHelper Community
shoulder mri Paid: 8000.00 Seriously, 8K for an MRI before all the secret insurance kicks in. I was stuck with a 1200 bill and my insurance is pretty good. This is insane for a 20 minute procedure with no nurse assistance... [more]
what should have cost under 100 Paid: 399.67 had my back wheel stuck on someone's driveway and I was pulled out as easily as a tractor could have done... [more]
Why is dental insurance stuck in the 80's? Paid: 55000.00 In 1986, I started my first full time Big Girl job, which came with options for medical insurance that ranged from "Volkswagon to Cadillac, and everything in between" which was up to me to choose based on my needs, what I could af... [more]