Live Life Team
When the nerve tissue gets enlarged or thickened which may be due to compression or irritation of the nerve it may lead to the condition called neuroma. This is also sometimes referred to as nerve tumour. This enlargement or swelling may also lead to nerve getting permanently damaged.
Any part of the body can get affected by neuroma, but Morton’s neuroma is the swelling of the nerve at the base between the third and the fourth toe of the foot. It is also sometimes termed as intermetatarsal neuroma which is derived from the name of the bones running from the toe to the ball of the foot which is called the metatarsal bone.
MORTON’S NEUROMA SYMPTOMS
General symptoms are that there is a feeling of pain which can be dull or sharp located somewhere between third toe and the fourth toe. If tight shoes are worn or when one walks the pain gets worsened and it reduces or lessens by rubbing or when the weight is off from the feet. Other symptoms include
Burning or tingling sensation or numbness in the area
When wearing the shoe, one gets a feeling that inside the shoe there is some stone or the foot is bunched up from inside with something.
A gradual appearance of the symptoms or it could also be sporadic and then it progressively increases.
REASONS OF MORTON’S NEUROMA
One cannot clearly identify the exact cause or reason of Morton’s neuroma, though one can attribute a number of reasons or problems which can be responsible for neuroma formation and include
Wearing tight or pointed shoes or shoes with tight toe boxes which can create compression.
Wearing very high heels specially heels above 2” (5cm)
People with flat foot or high arched foot tend to develop neuroma.
Hammer and bunions toes tend to develop/cause slight instability around the region of the toe joints which could lead to neuroma formation.
Certain sporting activity like racquet sports or running if cause repeated irritation around the ball of the foot can also lead to the formation of neuroma.
DIAGNOSES OF MORTON’S NEUROMA
A physical examination of the foot by the podiatrist will be done who will try to find the area where there is an enlarged nerve and will take information as to how and when the pain started, how much pain is there, types of shoes one wears, lifestyle and hobbies which will further help the podiatrist in the diagnosis.
An ultrasound or an X-ray may also be referred or even an MRI scan can also help in finding the extent and size of neuroma.
MORTON’S NEUROMA TREATMENT
The treatment will depend on the severity and how long one is suffering from this condition. An early detection or identification of neuroma can certainly help in avoiding surgery for treatment.
The initial part of the treatment will focus on concentrating to give relief in pain by reducing and relieving pressure in and around the neuroma area which may include
Changing the shoes one wears with special emphasis on shoes with wide-toes.
Supporting the arch of foot by providing padding to that area so as to get relief to the nerve from the pressure.
Shoes may be fitted with some special inserts (Orthotics) which will take off the pressure from the area which is affected and also help in the functioning of the foot.
In case of acute pain a course of anti-inflammatory drugs will help reduce the pain and if the pain is more severe then steroid injection’s course may be recommended.
A cortisone injection or alcohol injections may also benefit if the neuroma is small
If early treatment does not provide the relief, and the case is more severe, then a surgery is recommended. Surgery is generally preferred on the top and not on the bottom of the foot as recovery on the top will be much faster and the surgery will include the removal of the enlarged or the inflamed nerve. The operation time is normally 30 minutes and is done as outpatient and recovery time is not more than four weeks with a success rate of 80%.
HOW TO PREVENT MORTON’S MEUROMA
Wear those types of shoes which provide lots of space to the toes for movement. A Velcro, buckle or a laced fastening is always recommended which provides lots of room for adjustment.
High heels should be avoided.
Massage or rest to the affected area of the foot should be provided which will give temporary relief.
Freeze a small bottle and make it an ice pack. Then just massage or roll it on the affected area.
Pads may also be used in the shoes which are available over the counter.
