Morton’s Neuroma refers to intermetatarsal digital nerves (often between the 2nd & 3rd and between the 3rd & 4th metatarsal heads) being squeezed and the surrounding tissue thickening and swelling. It is not a true tumour, but a fibroid formation around the nerves.
Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma
- Pain when standing or walking
- Numbness, burning or tingling feeling
- Swelling/Fibroid formation apparent between the toes
- Increased level of pain when wearing shoes or squeezing toes
Causes of Morton’s Neuroma
(From: http://www.patienteducationcenter.org/articles/mortons-neuroma/)
The root causes are still generally considered unknown. The condition, however, may be associated with the following:
- Flat feet, with excessive pronation (excessive inwards rolling), eliciting too much pressure on the toes, leading to strains and damage to the nerves inbetween the toes;
- Abnormal positioning of toes;
- Forefoot abnormalities, e.g. bunions, hammer toes;
- Prolonged wearing of tight shoes or high heeled shoes.
Treatment of Morton’s Neuroma
- Professionally designed orthoses.
- Acupuncture helps the body release both natural endorphins to relieve pain and natural anti-inflammatory agents to reduce inflammation.
- Cortisone injections can temporarily relieve the pain and reduce inflammation. However, generally avoid long term use of cortisones as extended cortisone treatment can cause degeneration of ligaments and tendons. Symptoms may then reoccur after a few weeks.
- Alcohol injections to shrink fibroid formations.
- Surgery.