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What is a Morton's Neuroma?

Morton's neuroma (also known as Morton's metatarsalgia , Morton's neuralgia , plantar neuroma and intermetatarsal neuroma ) is a benign neuroma of the interdigital plantar nerve.

This problem is characterised by numbness and pain, relieved by removing footwear.

Although it is labeled a "neuroma", many sources do not consider it a true tumor , but rather a thickening of existing tissue.

Symptoms and Signs of a Morton's Neuroma

Symptoms include: pain on weight bearing, frequently after only a short time; the pain is felt as a shooting pain affecting the contiguous halves of two toes. Burning, numbness and parasthesia may also be experienced. Classically the 3rd digital space between the 3rd and 4th toes is affected, but the condition can occasionally occur in the 2nd and 3rd interdigital space. The pain is caused by pressure on the enlarged section of nerve where it passes between the metatarsal heads, and is squeezed between them. The first toe is usually not involved. Neuroma in the 4th/5th interdigital space is described, but is extremely rare.

Treatment of a Morton's Neuroma

In developing a treatment plan, your foot and ankle surgeon will first determine how long you've had the neuroma and evaluate its stage of development. Treatment approaches vary according to the severity of the problem.

For mild to moderate cases of neuroma, treatment options include:

  • Padding. Padding techniques provide support for the metatarsal arch, thereby lessening the pressure on the nerve and decreasing the compression when walking.
  • Icing. Placing an icepack on the affected area helps reduce swelling.
  • Orthotic devices. Custom orthotic devices provided by your foot and ankle surgeon provide the support needed to reduce pressure and compression on the nerve.
  • Activity modifications. Activities that put repetitive pressure on the neuroma should be avoided until the condition improves.
  • Changes in shoewear. It's important to wear shoes with a wide toe box and avoid narrow-toed shoes or shoes with high heels.
  • Medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, help reduce the pain and inflammation.
  • Injection therapy. If there is no significant improvement after initial treatment, injection therapy may be tried.
Foot Surgery for Morton's Neuroma

Surgery may be considered in patients who have not received adequate relief from other treatments. Generally, there are two surgical approaches to treating a neuroma the affected nerve is either removed or released. Your foot and ankle surgeon will determine which approach is best for your condition.

The length of the recovery period will vary, depending on the procedure or procedures performed.
Regardless of whether you've undergone surgical or nonsurgical treatment, your foot and ankle surgeon will recommend long-term measures to help keep your symptoms from returning. These include appropriate footwear and modification of activities that cause repetitive pressure on the foot. 



DR. DAN BANK, PODIATRIST - FOOT AND ANKLE DOCTOR - 3 OFFICES IN ORANGE COUNTY TO SERVE YOU:

1321 N. Harbor Blvd., Suite #302
Fullerton,CA 92835
Located in the Fullerton Medical arts Center
(714) 525-4706

Podiatrist serving Fullerton, Yorba Linda and Anaheim Hills areas.
1700 Adams Ave. #204
Costa Mesa. CA 92626
(714) 434-1776

Podiatrist serving Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar, Irvine areas.
29873 Santa Margarita Pkwy. #100
Rancho Santa Margarita. CA 92688
(949) 713-5805

Podiatrist serving Santa Margarita, Lake Forest and South Orange County area.
Copyright © 2008 Dr. Daniel Bank, DMP, FACFAS. All Rights Reserved
About our Orange County Foot and Ankle Medical Practice: Dr. Dan Bank is a podiatrist that specializes in Heel Pain, Bunion Surgery, Plantar Fasciitis, Heel Spurs, Hammer Toe, Ingrown Toenail, Orthotics, Foot Problems, Foot Bump, Gout, Flat Feet, Pronation, Achilles Tendonitis, shin splints, Foot Injury, Ankle Injury, Diabetes Feet, Infection in the Foot, Arthritis Foot, Ankle Surgery, Foot Medicine, Ankle Medicine, Bilateral Bunions, Achilles Tendon, Orthotic Shoes and all foot pain problems. If you need an experienced and caring Podiatrist in the greater Orange County area, please call us for an appointment today!