Symptoms, causes and treatment of Morton's neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a tumor in one of the nerves located in the toes, mainly caused by the way you step. This fact can cause acute pain in some cases. In this post we tell you everything you need to know about Morton's neuroma.

What is Morton's neuroma?

Morton's neuroma, also known by other names such as interdigital neuroma, plantar neuroma or Morton syndrome This is a degeneration of the plantar nerve, accompanied by a thickening around said nerve.

Interdigital neuralgia is a common cause of metatarsalgia.

In 75% cases, it is located between the third and fourth metatarsal, while in the rest of the cases, it occurs between the second and third toe.

It has a higher incidence in women between 6 and 18 times more, and can occur at any age.

Causes of plantar neuroma

The use of high-heeled and narrow-toed shoes favors the appearance of plantar neuroma, then the dorsiflexion of the toes. These patients find some relief when they start wearing shoes that are lower and have a wider toe box.

When the patient has shortened muscles in the back of the leg, the mechanical load that has to be supported in the metatarsal area of the foot will increase, thus favoring the appearance of Morton syndrome.

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On the other hand, excessive pronation of the foot when walking has a direct effect on the appearance of neuroma.

In addition, some sports with repeated impact on the foot, such as jumping sports, will cause irritation of the nerves, causing interdigital neuroma.

Direct trauma to the sole of the foot and deformities in the fingers such as bunions are other causes of plantar neuroma.

Morton's neuroma is attributed to metatarsal digital nerve compression.

Symptoms of Morton syndrome

The first thing patients with Morton's neuroma encounter are lumps or inflammation in the area.

Interdigital Morton's neuroma presents with itching and burning, tingling, cramps and a feeling of numbness in the fingers.

This pain increases when wearing narrow shoes, such as high-heeled shoes.

In most cases, it does not present as a serious ailment, but it causes a very uncomfortable sensation, as if a stone were in the shoe. This pain worsens over time, while at night it is very infrequent.

Diagnosis and treatment of plantar neuroma

When the patient has these symptoms and suspects the presence of an interdigital neuroma, a specific diagnosis and treatment will be necessary to put an end to this symptomatology.

Diagnosis of Morton's neuroma

The Morton's neuroma It is often confused with metatarsalgia of mechanical origin., so it is necessary to perform diagnostic tests to confirm if this tumor exists.

The specialist may prescribe an x-ray in order to rule out other causes of pain, such as fractures in the toes.

Using an MRI, the thickening of the interdigital nerves can be detected and confirmed, which is very effective in checking the soft tissues of the foot.

In addition, it will be important to carry out a biomechanical study of the footprint.

Treatment for interdigital neuroma

Although there are various techniques for the treatment of interdigital neuroma, each case must be individualized.

On the one hand, radiofrequency can be used to eliminate the sensitivity that exists in the interdigital nerve, making the patient's symptoms disappear.

On the other hand, Morton's neuroma can also be treated through surgery on the dorsum of the foot. It is a surgery that does not require hospitalization and does not usually cause pain in the patient.

As Conservative treatment for interdigital neuroma, rest and elevation of the foot will be performed. Applying ice to the affected area will also help control the symptoms present.

The use of protective pads will also reduce the load present in the foot area.

In milder cases, treatment can be started treatment of Morton's neuroma through physiotherapy. With physical therapy, in addition to relieving pain and inflammation, the biomechanics of the foot will improve.

Exercises to relieve pain from Morton's neuroma

For recovery from Morton's neuroma, self-massage of the foot can be performed at home. Rolling a rubber ball under the sole of the foot will slowly put pressure on this area.

It is also recommended to perform exercises to improve the strength and flexibility of the foot, as well as practicing exercises to relax the plantar fascia and toes.

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