What Is Morton’s Neuroma And What Is The Cure Or Treatment
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Neuroma it’s self is a thickening of nerve tissue that may develop in various parts of the body. One of the most common neuroma in the foot is a Morton’s neuroma. |
| Morton’s neuroma occurs at the base of the third and fourth toes. It is often referred to as an inter metatarsal neuroma. Inter metatarsal is a description of its location which is in the ball of the foot between the metatarsal bones (the bones extending from the toes to the midfoot). Neuromas can also occur in other locations in the foot. |
The enlargement and thickening of the nerve that defines a neuroma is the result of trauma and irritation of the nerve. This trauma creates swelling of the nerve, which can eventually lead to permanent nerve damage.
Morton’s Neuroma Symptoms:
If you have a Morton”s neuroma, you will likely have one or possibly more of these symptoms.
* Pain
* Tingling, burning, or numbness
* Feel like a bump or knot is in you foot.
Morton’s neuroma progressive pattern often follows these steps:
* The symptoms come on slowly. At first they occur only occasionally, when wearing narrow-toed shoes or performing certain strenuous activities.
* Symptoms may go away temporarily by massaging the foot or by avoiding aggravating shoes or activities.
* With time the symptoms progressively worsen and may persist for several days or weeks.
* Symptoms become more intense as the neuroma enlarges and the temporary changes
in the nerve become permanent.
Treatment of Morton’s Neuroma:
When developing a treatment plan, your ankle or foot surgeon will try to determine how long you’ve had the neuroma and evaluate its stage of development. Treatment can vary according to the severity of the problem.
With mild to moderate cases of neuroma, treatment options can include:
* Icepacks placed on the affected area helps reduce swelling.
* Padding will provide support for the metatarsal arch, thereby lessening the pressure on the nerve and decreasing the compression when walking.
* Custom orthotics provided by your foot and ankle surgeon provide the support needed to reduce pressure and compression on the nerve.
* Activities that put repetitive pressure on the neuroma should be avoided until the condition improves.
* Try shoes with a wide toe box and avoid narrow-toed shoes or shoes with high heels.
* Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, help reduce the pain and inflammation.
* If there is no significant improvement after initial treatment, injection therapy may be tried.
Surgery should be considered in patients who have not received adequate relief from other treatments. Usually there are two surgical approaches to treating a neuroma the affected nerve is either removed or released. Your surgeon will determine which approach is best for your condition.
February 28th, 2010 at 9:28 am
I have burning feet when walking. I am up to 8 klms about 4 times per week.
It has gradually got worse. Have changed sneekers and nothing is making it better. I fact my boots, nearlt flat seem to be the best of a bad bunch.