Methods of Treatment for Morton’s Neuroma
Fortunately, there are several methods of treatment for Morton’s Neuroma. Some of these methods are effective in the short term, while others are more likely to be effective in the long term. The treatment method that will work best for you will depend on the severity of your condition, your age, and your health history.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Morton’s neuroma typically start gradually. A burning sensation in the ball of the foot may develop, and numbness in the toes may be experienced. Sometimes, the pain is worse during prolonged standing.
If the burning pain does not improve with rest, you should see your doctor. Your doctor may want to perform an ultrasound or x-ray to determine the cause of your pain. If the pain is severe, it may be necessary to have surgery.
Morton’s neuroma is caused by compression of the nerves that carry sensation to the toes. A person can develop this condition from injury to the foot, repetitive trauma on the ball of the foot, or other factors.
The symptoms of Morton’s neuroma typically begin gradually but may increase in frequency over time. A person may also experience numbness in the toes, tingling, and sharp shooting pain in the ball of the foot. The pain may also increase with prolonged walking and standing.
The symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma are relieved when the patient switches to shoes with a wider toe box and avoids high-heeled shoes. The use of comfortable shoes and padding in the shoe can also help to alleviate the symptoms.
A person with Morton’s Neuroma should also avoid activities that place pressure on the foot, including sports and other high-impact activities. If the pain does not improve, a corticosteroid injection may be needed.
If Morton’s neuroma has been diagnosed, surgery may be necessary. Surgical treatment usually involves resection of the affected nerves. This may be done by making a small incision on the top of the foot.
Recovery from surgery for Morton’s neuroma is usually quick. A small percentage of people may experience a wound infection. However, this is rare. It is important to keep the foot dry and warm until the wound heals. The surgical dressing may be changed in 10-14 days.
While most patients are able to get relief from their symptoms, it may take a few months or even a year before the symptoms are completely gone. If you have Morton’s Neuroma, it is important to seek treatment as soon as you notice the symptoms.
Diagnosis
During a physical examination, a doctor will perform tests to determine the presence of Morton’s neuroma. The most sensitive test is the foot squeeze test. This involves applying pressure in the intermetatarsal space with the thumb and index finger. If the pressure causes pain, then the patient may have Morton’s neuroma.
A doctor may also do an ultrasound to determine if the patient has Morton’s neuroma. The test is expensive but can help rule out other foot conditions. It can also reveal features of Morton’s neuroma, even if the patient does not have pain or a visible lesion.
In most cases, treatment for Morton’s neuroma is non-surgical. The patient can wear padding and custom orthotic inserts to reduce pressure on the nerve. If the symptoms do not respond to non-surgical treatment, the doctor may recommend steroid injections or surgery.
Surgical treatment of Morton’s neuroma can include a neurectomy or decompression surgery. A neurectomy involves removing part of the nerve tissue. The surgeon can also destroy the nerve cells through cryogenic neuro ablation. These procedures are often used to relieve the pain and inflammation of Morton’s neuroma.
Injections can also be used to treat Morton’s neuroma. Injections may cause pain and may cause a loss of fat at the injection site. Steroids can also be used to reduce inflammation and swelling.
The patient should also avoid wearing shoes that squeeze the foot. Shoes with high heels pointed toes and shoes that don’t fit well may increase pressure on the nerve. The patient should also wear shoes with padding. The best shoes to wear are athletic shoes with padding and support. Wearing shoes that are wider in the toe box will also help.
In addition to wearing proper footwear, the patient should maintain a healthy weight. Maintaining a healthy weight will reduce the risk of Morton’s neuroma reoccurring.
Symptoms may persist for days or weeks. If the symptoms continue, a patient may require a surgical procedure to remove the nerve. The doctor may also recommend that the patient rest and limit activity. The patient should also keep the foot dry until the incision heals.
Treatment
Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma include numbness and swelling. The nerve is affected between the third and fourth metatarsal bones.
Treatment of Morton’s Neuroma may include surgery. This may include removing part of the nerve or using decompression techniques.
Another option is to use an ice pack or a Shockwave machine. This treatment may be done at any stage in the healing process. It can improve blood flow to the area, increase blood circulation, and increase healing.
Another option is to wear custom orthotic devices that are molded to the shape of the foot. These orthotics reduce the pressure on the nerve and promote faster recovery.
Surgical excision can also be used to remove thickened nerve tissue. If the pain does not respond to conservative treatment, aggressive treatment may be considered.
Patients are advised to avoid activities that put pressure on the nerve. This may include wearing tight shoes or high heels. Using custom orthotic devices can also reduce the pressure on the nerve.
Injections of anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids, may be used to reduce pain and swelling. However, these injections may cause skin discoloration. They may also damage healthy tissue.
If the pain does not respond to conservative treatment, surgery may be recommended. Depending on the size of the neuroma, surgery can be performed to remove part of the nerve or the nerve itself. This procedure is successful in about three out of four patients.
If you have symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you get treatment, the more likely you will be to be symptom-free.
A physical examination and imaging procedures such as x-rays or an ultrasound may also be used to diagnose Morton’s Neuroma. Surgery is generally successful, but the recovery period may be long.
If you have symptoms of Morton’s neuroma, you should see a podiatrist or sports physician. He or she may also want to perform an ultrasound, x-ray, or MRI to rule out other causes of pain.
Morton’s Neuroma is a common nerve tumor that affects the common plantar digital nerve. It may be symptomless or it may cause numbness and tingle in the foot. The symptoms can last for weeks or months.
Prevention
Using the proper shoes and orthotics is one of the ways to prevent Morton’s Neuroma. The condition develops when the nerve in the ball of the foot suffers excessive pressure. This pressure causes inflammation and irritation. Using proper footwear and orthotics can reduce the pressure on the nerve and alleviate pain.
Shoes that are too tight or high heels can aggravate the neuroma. Wearing roomy shoes and padded socks is the best way to prevent the condition.
High-impact sports can also increase the risk of developing Morton’s Neuroma. If you are an athlete, talk to your coach or trainer about ways to tweak your activity. This can include using orthotics and padded socks.
Keeping your foot in a neutral position is also one of the best ways to prevent Morton’s Neuroma. If your foot is swollen, try icing it. Ice helps to reduce swelling and reduce pain. It is also a good idea to avoid putting pressure on the foot until the neuroma pain subsides.
If you have a foot deformity, such as a bunion or hammertoe, you are at a higher risk of developing Morton’s Neuroma. It can also develop as a result of repetitive trauma to the foot.
The condition can be diagnosed with a physical examination and x-rays. Your doctor will also look for a mass between your toes. If a neuroma is found, it can be removed through surgery. The surgery has a success rate of 80 to 85 percent.
Other ways to treat Morton’s Neuroma include using orthotics and metatarsal pads. Orthotics are custom-made shoe inserts that correct imbalances and reduce the pressure on the nerve. Some can be purchased at drug stores, without a prescription.
The condition is also treated with anti-inflammatory medications. These medications can reduce the inflammation associated with the neuroma. Some people may require corticosteroid injections. These injections can also reduce pain and inflammation.
If you have Morton’s Neuroma, you should not stand or walk for at least two weeks. You should also rest your feet, avoid activities that require high impact and wear athletic shoes.
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Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
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