Understanding and Preventing Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma is a common medical condition that affects anywhere from 30% to 54% of the population. Fortunately, many patients are asymptomatic and can go about their daily lives without problems or discomfort. On the other hand, people who can feel the symptoms of this condition may need treatment and/or medication in order to relieve painful symptoms.

What is Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma was first discovered in the mid-1800s. It is a thickening of the tissue next to the nerves leading to your toes. It typically affects the area between the third and fourth toes and the ball of the foot. Women are more susceptible to Morton’s neuroma than men.  

Morton’s Neuroma Symptoms

One of the first symptoms of Morton’s neuroma is a tingling near the ball of the foot and/or between the toes. As time goes on, other symptoms may follow. These include a burning or numb sensation in the toes and shooting pains near the ball of the foot or the base of the toes. Another common symptom is the feeling that there’s a pebble or bunched-up sock under your foot. Some have even described their symptoms as the feeling that they’re walking on razor blades. Putting weight on the affected foot typically increases the intensity of the symptoms, as does wearing high heels or tight-fitting shoes. Conversely, most people report a lessening of symptoms when resting.

Ironically, the severity of symptoms has nothing to do with the size of the neuroma. A person who has a large Morton’s neuroma could experience few or even no symptoms. On the other hand, a small neuroma can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort.

Morton’s Neuroma Treatment

If you suspect you have Morton’s neuroma, you’ll want to see a doctor who specializes in this condition. The doctor will ask about your medical and work history, the types of shoes you wear, and your exercise habits. He or she may also order an X-ray to make sure your pain isn’t caused by a fracture or broken bone. Sometimes an ultrasound or MRI is used to diagnose the presence of a neuroma. However, in many cases, doctors will only order imaging to exclude other possible conditions that could be causing the pain or discomfort. Ultrasound or MRI imaging can show the presence of a neuroma but can’t confirm that the neuroma is the root cause of your symptoms. 

There are multiple non-invasive treatment options for those who have Morton’s neuroma. Your doctor will likely recommend buying wide shoes with plenty of toe room. He or she may also recommend a ready-made or custom shoe insert to reduce pressure on the affected foot. A physical therapist can teach you exercises that will alleviate pain by helping you stretch and strengthen the foot. Additionally, you can take over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen to reduce pain and swelling. An ice massage is also effective in reducing discomfort.  

Corticosteroid

If these treatments don’t work, you may need either corticosteroid or sclerosing alcohol injections. Doctors typically use corticosteroid injections to treat neuromas that are .25 inches or smaller. About 70% of people who get these injections don’t need surgery later on. Sclerosing alcohol injections have a 60% to 80% success rate. Some doctors also use cold therapy, which involves chilling the affected area to kill nerve cells. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), a relatively new yet promising treatment option that destroys affected nerves by applying heat from a medium-frequency alternating current, is a very promising treatment option. Research indicates that it’s even more effective than sclerosing alcohol injections.

Surgery

Surgery is a last resort for anyone battling with Morton’s neuroma. There are two types of surgery doctors may consider performing to alleviate or cure the condition. Decompression surgery alleviates pressure on the affected nerves by cutting ligaments and other nearby structures. Neurectomy surgery removes the entire affected nerve. It’s often the option of choice for someone who has more than one neuroma in the same foot, as doctors can remove all the neuromas with a single incision. Unfortunately, a neurectomy doesn’t always offer long-lasting relief. Scar tissue can form in the affected area after surgery, causing a recurrence of painful symptoms. 

The amount of time it takes to recover from Morton’s neuroma varies depending on the size of the neuroma and the treatment you undergo. Some people recover quickly. Others experience painful symptoms for months before finding relief.

Morton’s Neuroma Prevention

Morton’s neuroma is easily preventable. Doctors warn against wearing high heels and tight shoes, especially for extended periods of time. Wearing shoes with ample padding in the soles and plenty of space for your toes is ideal as doing so protects the foot from nerve damage. Exercises that strengthen the foot are also recommended. Maintaining a healthy weight can also prevent Morton’s neuroma by minimizing pressure on your feet.  

Morton’s Neuroma Prevention in Mesa

If you feel pain or discomfort in your feet when performing daily activities, don’t ignore the symptoms.Visit Red Mountain Footcare, our team can help you identify the root cause of your pain and get proper treatment.