Morton's Neuroma

Definition

It is a common foot problem associated with pain, swelling and/or an inflammation of a nerve, usually at the ball-of-the-foot between the 3rd and 4th toes. It is a benign growth of the nerves and can become a painful nuisance. Morton's neuroma is usually in response to irritation, trauma or excessive pressure. It is not actually a tumor, but a thickening of the tissue that surrounds the digital nerve leading to the toes. It occurs as the nerve passes under the ligament connecting the metatarsals in the forefoot. It include sharp pain, burning, and even a lack of feeling in the affected area.

Causes of Morton's Neuroma

Causes of morton's neuroma are :-

• The main cause of morton's neuroma is abnormal function of the foot i.e. bones squeezing a nerve usually between the 3rd and 4th metatarsal heads.
• Diabetes and bleeding disorder, are also the main cause of morton's neuroma.
• Smoking and Poor nutrition are the main risk factors that helps in causing morton's neuroma.
• Wearing high-heeled shoes, increases the chances to get affected by morton's neuroma.
• The irritation may occur by wearing shoes that are too tight, which in turn leads to morton's neuroma.
• Morton's neuroma, may be caused by an injury such as a sprain or fracture.
• Repetitive trauma to the foot, increases the chances to get affected by morton's neuroma.

Symptoms of Morton's Neuroma

Symptoms of morton's neuroma includes:-

• There is sharp or dull pain between the third and fourth toes.
• You may have the tingling sensation over the toes.
• The patient may have the burning pain in the ball of the foot that may radiate into the toes.
• There may also be numbness in the toes or an unpleasant feeling in the toes.
• Runners may feel pain as they push off from the starting block.
• The patient may have the feeling of a lump between the toes.

Treatments of Morton's Neuroma

Treatments of morton's neuroma are as:-

• The treatment of morton's neuroma can be achieved by surgery. It is recommended if more conservative treatment does not solve the problem.
• Shoe inserts to help correct any mechanical imbalance in the foot.
• The first step in treating Morton's Neuroma is to select proper footwear.
• The next step is to use an orthotic design with a metatarsal pad.
• Avoid high heels shoes and switching to wide-toed shoes with good arch support are effective treatment of morton's neuroma.
• Injecting the foot with corticosteroids mixed with a local anesthetic in order to reduce pain.