What is Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s Neuroma is a condition characterized by the thickening of tissue around one of the nerves leading to the toes, which can cause a sharp, burning pain or sensation in the ball of the foot.
Causes and Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma:
Although it’s difficult to pinpoint and exact cause of Morton’s Neuroma, scientists suggest it’s likely the product of compression on the plantar nerves that connect to the toes. This can trigger swelling and cause an abnormally thick tissue to form in and around the nerve(s).
Morton’s Neuroma typically does not present in a physical way, but the most common symptoms are:
- Burning or sharp pain in the ball of the foot over a prolonged period
- Intensifying pain with activities like running or walking, subsiding in the evening and overnight
- The feeling that a small rock or marble is under the foot during walking
- Pain specifically between the third and fourth toes, or less commonly between the second and third toes, too
- A sensation of numbness or tingling in the toes
- Difficulty with wearing specific shoes, such as high heels, or shoes that are too tight and narrow
Diagnosing Morton’s Neuroma:
To diagnose Morton’s Neuroma, your doctor will likely do a physical examination, pressing on your foot to feel for a mass or tender spot. There may also be the presence of a clicking feeling in the bones of the foot. Your doctor will likely order imaging tests to confirm Morton’s Neuroma and rule out other conditions. X-rays, ultrasounds, and MRI scans are all commonly used in diagnosing Morton’s Neuroma.
Upon completion of diagnostic imaging, your doctor will receive, read and interpret the results for you and advise you on their recommended treatment plans.
Treatment for Morton’s Neuroma:
Your doctor will evaluate your condition and take into consideration your general health, as well as your medical history to come up with the best treatment plan for your Morton’s Neuroma. A physical exam may be used to assess the foot and ankle region, specifically checking for foot position, deformities, skin conditions, and range of motion among other variables. In many cases, an x-ray or MRI may be used to rule out the possibility of a stress fracture or chronic concern such as arthritis.
Nonsurgical treatment options include:
- Changes in footwear
- Orthoses
- Injection
- Alternative therapies
Nonsurgical treatment options are both cost- and time-effective, however, there is about a 50% chance the treatment will cure the condition for good.
Surgical treatment options include:
- Removal of the diseased or damaged portion of the nerve
- Releasing tissue around the nerve, which is causing compression.
It’s important to note that surgery is considered the most sure-fire form of treatment for Morton’s Neuroma and has an outstanding success rate of 80-95%. Your surgeon will discuss specific techniques with you to decide which is the best for your condition.
Fortunately, only about one in five patients, or less, will experience a recurrence in Morton’s Neuroma after undergoing a surgical procedure to alleviate the condition.