Morton’s Neuroma

What is a Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma (also known as Morton’s metatarsalgia , Morton’s neuralgia , plantar neuromaand intermetatarsal neuroma ) is a benign neuroma of the interdigital plantar nerve.

This problem is characterised by numbness and pain, relieved by removing footwear.

Although it is labeled a “neuroma”, many sources do not consider it a true tumor , but rather a thickening of existing tissue.

Symptoms and Signs of a Morton’s Neuroma

Symptoms include: pain on weight bearing, frequently after only a short time; the pain is felt as a shooting pain affecting the contiguous halves of two toes. Burning, numbness and parasthesia may also be experienced. Classically the 3rd digital space between the 3rd and 4th toes is affected, but the condition can occasionally occur in the 2nd and 3rd interdigital space. The pain is caused by pressure on the enlarged section of nerve where it passes between the metatarsal heads, and is squeezed between them. The first toe is usually not involved. Neuroma in the 4th/5th interdigital space is described, but is extremely rare.

Foot Surgery for Morton’s Neuroma Surgery may be considered in patients who have not received adequate relief from other treatments. Generally, there are two surgical approaches to treating a neuroma the affected nerve is either removed or released. Your foot and ankle surgeon will determine which approach is best for your condition.The length of the recovery period will vary, depending on the procedure or procedures performed.

Regardless of whether you’ve undergone surgical or nonsurgical treatment, your foot and ankle surgeon will recommend long-term measures to help keep your symptoms from returning. These include appropriate footwear and modification of activities that cause repetitive pressure on the foot.

Treatment of a Morton’s Neuroma

In developing a treatment plan, your foot and ankle surgeon will first determine how long you’ve had the neuroma and evaluate its stage of development. Treatment approaches vary according to the severity of the problem.

For mild to moderate cases of neuroma, treatment options include:

• Padding. Padding techniques provide support for the metatarsal arch, thereby lessening the pressure on the nerve and decreasing the compression when walking.
• Icing. Placing an icepack on the affected area helps reduce swelling.
• Orthotic devices. Custom orthotic devices provided by your foot and ankle surgeon provide the support needed to reduce pressure and compression on the nerve.
• Activity modifications. Activities that put repetitive pressure on the neuroma should be avoided until the condition improves.
• Changes in shoewear. It’s important to wear shoes with a wide toe box and avoid narrow-toed shoes or shoes with high heels.
• Medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, help reduce the pain and inflammation.
• Injection therapy. If there is no significant improvement after initial treatment, injection therapy may be tried.