Mortons Neuroma
Morton's neuroma (Syndrome) is a condition resulting in pain between the third and forth toes from compression of a nerve.
What are the Symptoms?
- Pain on one side of a toe and the adjacent side of the next toe.
- Pain when you squeeze the foot.
- Pain if you press between the bones.
What Causes Mortons Syndrome?
Nerves that transmit messages to the brain from the toes pass between the metatarsal bones (long ones behind the toes). If the arch in your foot is weak then this can cause the metatarsal bones to pinch the nerve causing it to become inflamed. This is most likely to happen between the 3rd and 4th bones causing a pain or numb sensation on the inside of the two toes that the nerve comes from.
Sometimes it is caused by a neuroma or benign tumour on the plantar digital nerves (situated in the web between the toes). It may develop due to ill fitting shoes which press against the nerve. The condition is made worse by athletes who spin on the ball of their foot such as golfers and tennis players.
Treatment Methods
What can the patient do to treat mortons neuroma?
- Rest.
- Wear a metatarsal raise which will raise and spread the bones of the forefoot taking the pressure off the nerve. Metatarsal pads (UK).
- See a sports injury professional who can advise on treatment and rehabilitation.
- For more information on rehabilitation, stretching and strengthening click here.
What can a sports injury specialist do?
- Fit orthotics as mentioned above.
- Tape the foot to relieve pain and pressure on the nerve.
- Prescribe anti-inflammatory medication (such as ibuprofen).
- Give exercises to strengthen the arch of the foot.
- Operate.
What Does Mortons Neuroma Surgery Involve?
Surgery for mortons neuroma consists of either a decompression, where more space is created for the nerve or a resection, where this part of the nerve is removed completely. This will result in some permanent minor numbness. Success rates for surgical procedures to treat mortons neuroma have a high success rate.
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