Morton Neuroma

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Neuroma is typically an injury to a nerve that may cause the never tissue to thicken. Anything irritation, regardless if the forces or external or internal, can lead to the development of a neuroma. The compression, will cause the nerve to enlarge with inevitable nerve damage.

The most common neuroma is a Morton’s Neuroma. Morton’s Neuroma occurs between the third and fourth toes. It commonly affects the nerve that travels between the 3rd and 4th toes. Neuromas on other parts of the foot are also possible, but less likely.

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Causes

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People with foot deformities such as bunion, hammer toes, flat feet, and flexible feet are more likely to have neuromas form. Also, people who wear very tight or tapered shoes may have a high incidence of neuromas. Other causes can include high endurance sports such as runners and generic trauma. Morton’s neuroma is more common in women than men.

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Symptoms

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• Tingling in the space between the 3rd and 4th toes

• Toe cramping

• Sharp, shooting, or burning pain in the ball of the foot and sometimes toes

• Pain that increases when wearing tight shoes, high heels, or pressing on the area

• Pain that gets worse over time

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Diagnosis

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Although, many doctors can diagnosis Morton’s neuroma in a clinical setting, MRI is the gold standard for diagnosis.

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Treatment

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• Injection of the neuroma

• Padding and taping the toe area

• Shoe inserts (orthotics)

• Changes to footwear, such as wearing shoes with wider toe boxes or flat heels

• Anti-inflammatory medicines taken by mouth or injected into the toe area

• Nerve blocking medicines injected into the toe area

• Other painkillers

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If conservative therapy fails, there are surgical options to remove the neuroma.