What is Morton's Neuroma and how is it treated?


Morton's neuroma, also known as interdigital neuroma or intermetatarsal neuroma, is a painful condition that affects the nerve between the toes. It involves the thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to the toes, which can cause sharp, burning pain, tingling, or numbness in the ball of the foot and between the toes.

Diagnosing Morton's neuroma typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests.

Diagnostic tests that may be ordered include:

  • Ultrasound: Ultrasound imaging can help visualize the neuroma and assess its size and location.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): In some cases, an MRI may be recommended to provide detailed images of the soft tissues and nerves in the foot.

Treatment for Morton's neuroma aims to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pressure on the affected nerve. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and individual preferences.

Common treatment options include:

Wearing shoes with a wide toe box and low heels can help reduce pressure on the neuroma and alleviate symptoms. Avoiding high-heeled shoes and narrow or tight-fitting footwear is recommended.

Custom orthotic inserts or padding may be prescribed to provide support and cushioning for the foot, helping to redistribute pressure away from the affected area.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, may be recommended to reduce pain and inflammation associated with Morton's neuroma.

Corticosteroid injections may be administered into the area around the neuroma to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. However, repeated injections should be avoided to prevent potential complications, such as nerve damage or tissue atrophy.

Physical therapy techniques, such as stretching exercises, ultrasound therapy, and massage, may be beneficial in relieving symptoms and improving foot mechanics.

In cases where conservative treatments fail to provide relief, radiofrequency ablation may be considered. This minimally invasive procedure uses radiofrequency energy to destroy the nerve tissue responsible for the pain.

If conservative measures are ineffective, surgical removal of the neuroma may be recommended. The surgical procedure, known as neuroma excision or neurectomy, involves removing the affected nerve tissue to relieve symptoms.