Symptoms, treatments, diagnostic tests, and exercise recommendations for Morton's neuroma, a common foot condition causing pain and numbness.
Foot pain and discomfort in the ball of your foot might be a sign of Morton's neuroma, a common condition affecting the nerve tissue in the foot. Commonly known as Morton's metatarsalgia, Morton's disease, or intermetatarsal neuroma, this issue can cause prickly, burning, or stabbing pain, numbness, and tingling, especially when you walk.
A swollen nerve often causes this condition. Several factors may contribute to this swelling, including:
- Wearing tight, high-heeled, or narrow shoes that squeeze the toes and put pressure on the nerve
- Repetitive stress or trauma to the foot from activities like running or high-impact sports
- Biomechanical foot issues like flat feet, high arches, bunions, or hammertoe
To relieve your symptoms, try altering your footwear, using pain relievers, or receiving steroid injections. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected nerve or release pressure on it.
The treatment options available will depend on factors like the severity of your symptoms, how long they've been present, and whether you've already tried at-home remedies. In general, treating Morton's neuroma earlier reduces the likelihood of needing surgery.
If you have severe or persistent symptoms that don't respond to self-help measures, your doctor may recommend:
- Corticosteroid injections: A medical professional will inject a steroid medication directly into the affected area, reducing inflammation. However, limit the number of injections due to potential side effects such as pain, fat loss, skin discoloration, and elevated blood sugar.
- Alcohol sclerosing injections: Studies have shown that alcohol injections can reduce the size of Morton's neuromas and alleviate pain.
If non-surgical treatments are unsuccessful, your doctor may suggest surgery. Surgery involves removing the affected nerve or cutting surrounding tissue to release pressure on the nerve. You can opt for a dorsal or plantar approach, each with its advantages and disadvantages. The former allows for quicker recovery due to the stitches not being on the weight-bearing side of the foot, while the latter lets surgeons easily reach and remove the neuroma without cutting any structures.
To diagnose Morton's neuroma, a foot specialist, like a podiatrist or sports medicine doctor, will examine your foot and hopefully locate the affected nerve by manipulating it to reveal symptoms. They might also perform a test called a Mulder's or palpation maneuver, pressing between the toes to elicit a sensation of Morton's neuroma. If needed, they can order tests like X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds to get a detailed image of the inside of your foot.
Exercises like plantar fascia stretches, toe stretches, and ball rolls can help maintain and improve foot strength. A combined physical therapy approach that includes exercises, massage, joint mobilization, and pain management education may produce the best results. Self-help measures, such as resting your foot, massaging the foot and toes, icing the affected area, and wearing broad-toed shoes, can also provide relief.
[1] "Morton's Neuroma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment." Healthline. (n.d.). https://www.healthline.com/health/mortons-neuroma
[2] "Morton's Neuroma: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention." Medical News Today. (n.d.). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323417
[3] "Morton's Neuroma." Mayo Clinic. (2019). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mortons-neuroma/symptoms-causes/syc-20354607
[4] "Morton's Neuroma." WebMD. (2019). https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/mortons-neuroma-painful-feet-mortons-neuroma
[5] "Morton's Neuroma." Merck Manuals Consumer Version. (2017). https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/neuromuscular-disorders/peripheral-nervous-system-disorders/morton-s-neuroma
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