Morton Neuroma

What is a Morton Neuroma?

A Morton neuroma is a benign (non-cancerous) condition involving thickening of the tissue around a nerve, usually between the third and fourth toes.  It causes pain and numbness in the ball of the foot.

Who gets Morton Neuroma?

It's most common in middle-aged women.

What causes it?

The exact cause isn't fully understood, but it's thought to be related to:

• Compression: Pressure on the nerve from tight shoes (especially high heels) or activities causing repetitive stress.
• Inflammation: The nerve becomes inflamed and thickened.

Symptoms:

• Pain in the ball of your foot, usually between the third and fourth toes. The pain is often worse when you're on your feet or wearing narrow shoes.
• Numbness or tingling in the toes.
• Pain may be relieved by taking off your shoes and massaging your foot.

Diagnosis:

• Physical exam: Your doctor will examine your foot and may feel a thickened area (the neuroma). They might do tests to check for nerve compression.
• Imaging (usually not needed): X-rays are typically normal. Ultrasound or MRI may be used to rule out other problems if needed.
• Nerve block: In some cases, your doctor might inject numbing medicine near the nerve to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment:

• Non-surgical:
  • Wide shoes: This is the first line of treatment to reduce pressure on the nerve.
  • Metatarsal pads: These cushions can help redistribute pressure.
  • Corticosteroid injection: In some cases, an injection can help reduce inflammation. However, this is not always effective.
• Surgical (neurectomy): If non-surgical treatments fail, surgery to remove the affected nerve may be an option. This procedure has a relatively low success rate in alleviating symptoms, based on research.

Surgical Technique:

Surgery usually involves a small incision to access the nerve and remove the affected part.  The surgeon will carefully avoid injuring surrounding blood vessels and nerves.

Potential Complications of Surgery:

• Stump neuroma: This is the most common complication, where the remaining nerve develops a new painful thickening. It's more likely to occur if the surgeon doesn't remove enough of the nerve or if the nerve is not properly retracted during surgery.
• Scar tissue: Painful scar tissue can form at the incision site.

Important Note: This is a summary for informational purposes only, and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice.  Always consult with your doctor or a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment of Morton neuroma.  They can assess your individual situation and recommend the best course of action.

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