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What is
Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton's neuroma is also known as plantar
neuroma or intermetatarsal neuroma. It is a
build-up of benign tissue in the nerves
running between the long bones of the foot.
It may occur as a result to irritation,
injury, or pressure, such as from wearing
tight-fitting shoes. Morton's neuroma may
also arise from other unidentified reasons.
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Effects
of Morton’s Neuroma
This procedure will provide relief from the
forefoot’s numbness, tingling or cramping.
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Candidates
for Morton’s Neuroma
Ideal candidates for this procedure are
those who experience burning pain in the
ball of the foot that may radiate into the
toes, or those who have tingling or numbness
in the toes.
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Your
Consultation
Initially, the doctor will ask about your
symptoms and inspect your foot. Since there
is no visible sign of Morton’s neuroma, the
doctor will attempt to find a palpable,
tender mass. You may notice that there may
be a "clicking" sensation between the bones
of your foot. The doctor may request an
X-ray of your foot to eliminate other foot
problems.
The best
time to visit your foot and ankle surgeon is early in the
growth of symptoms. Premature diagnosis of a Morton's
neuroma significantly lessens the necessity for more
invasive treatments and may prevent surgery.
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The Morton’s Neuroma
Procedure
Treatment of Morton’s neuroma depends on the
gravity of the patient’s symptoms. The
doctor will probably recommend testing
conservative methods first but if pain is
critical or persistent, or traditional
approaches are not effective, you may need
either corticosteroid
injections or surgery.
Corticosteroid injections.
Steroids are medications that decrease inflammation. An
injection of a corticosteroid medication in the area of the
neuroma may lessen pain. But an overuse of injected steroids
can have side effects such as weight gain and high blood
pressure. That is why patients only get a limited number of
injections.
Surgery.
Surgical extraction of the growth may be needed if other
treatments fail to offer pain relief. Even if surgery is
generally highly successful, doctors turn to surgery as a
last resort because the procedure eliminates both the
neuroma and the nerve, which can permanently numb the
affected toes.
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Recovery
To help ease the pain related with Morton's
neuroma and permit the nerve to heal, you
should take
anti-inflammatory medications, try ice
massage, change your footwear and wear
supports or pads (orthotic devices).
Arch supports and foot pads fit inside your
shoe and help moderate pressure on the
nerve. Also, take
some time off. For the next
few weeks, minimize activities that subject
your feet to high impact, such as jogging,
aerobic exercise or dancing.
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Risks
Chronic pain
may advance when treatment is ineffective
for patients with Morton’s neuroma.
Post-operative complications, such as
dysesthesias, are likely when surgery is
performed to eliminate the neuroma. Probable
complications subsequent to corticosteroid
injections may consist of plantar fat pad
necrosis and transient numbness of the toes.
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Frequently Asked
Questions
Q:
What
causes
Morton’s
neuroma?
A:
Morton's neuroma takes place when two bones rub together and
squeeze the nerve between them. Neuromas often develop
between the bones leading to the third and fourth toes.
Morton's neuroma results in swelling, tenderness and pain.
If the pain becomes serious, it may produce tingling,
numbness and burning in the toes. This condition usually
happens after standing or walking for a long period of time.
Q: What
are the symptoms of Morton’s neuroma?
A:
Neuroma pain is described as a burning pain in the forefoot,
or an aching or shooting pain in the forefoot. People with
this condition usually say they feel like they want to take
off their shoes and rub their foot. This pain may happen in
the middle of a run or at the end of a long run. And the
pain may be present even when waking if your shoes are
relatively tight or if the neuroma is very large. A
sensation of numbness is occasionally felt in addition to
the pain or even before the pain turns up.
Q: What
are the treatments for Morton’s neuroma?
A:
Changing footwear, resting your foot, and using arch
supports or pads to help take pressure off the area are the
common treatments for Morton's neuroma. In various cases,
your doctor may advise anti-inflammatory drugs, a cortisone
injection or even surgery for this condition.
Q: How
can I prevent Morton’s neuroma?
A:
Prevention of Morton's neuroma is not always possible. But
you probably minimize your risk by wearing comfortable shoes
that have low heels, ample toe space and good arch support.
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