What is a Morton Neuroma?
A Morton neuroma is a benign (non-cancerous) condition involving thickening of the tissue around a nerve, usually between the third and fourth toes. It causes pain and numbness in the ball of the foot.
Who gets Morton Neuroma?
It's most common in middle-aged women.
What causes it?
The exact cause isn't fully understood, but it's thought to be related to:
- Compression: Pressure on the nerve from tight shoes (especially high heels) or activities causing repetitive stress.
- Inflammation: The nerve becomes inflamed and thickened.
Symptoms:
- Pain in the ball of your foot, usually between the third and fourth toes. The pain is often worse when you're on your feet or wearing narrow shoes.
- Numbness or tingling in the toes.
- Pain may be relieved by taking off your shoes and massaging your foot.
Diagnosis:
- Physical exam: Your doctor will examine your foot and may feel a thickened area (the neuroma). They might do tests to check for nerve compression.
- Imaging (usually not needed): X-rays are typically normal. Ultrasound or MRI may be used to rule out other problems if needed.
- Nerve block: In some cases, your doctor might inject numbing medicine near the nerve to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment:
- Non-surgical:
- Wide shoes: This is the first line of treatment to reduce pressure on the nerve.
- Metatarsal pads: These cushions can help redistribute pressure.
- Corticosteroid injection: In some cases, an injection can help reduce inflammation. However, this is not always effective.
- Surgical (neurectomy): If non-surgical treatments fail, surgery to remove the affected nerve may be an option. This procedure has a relatively low success rate in alleviating symptoms, based on research.
Surgical Technique:
Surgery usually involves a small incision to access the nerve and remove the affected part. The surgeon will carefully avoid injuring surrounding blood vessels and nerves.
Potential Complications of Surgery:
- Stump neuroma: This is the most common complication, where the remaining nerve develops a new painful thickening. It's more likely to occur if the surgeon doesn't remove enough of the nerve or if the nerve is not properly retracted during surgery.
- Scar tissue: Painful scar tissue can form at the incision site.
Important Note: This is a summary for informational purposes only, and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your doctor or a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment of Morton neuroma. They can assess your individual situation and recommend the best course of action.
