Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is Morton's neuroma?
- How common is Morton's neuroma?
- Signs and symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of Morton's neuroma?
- Cause
- What causes Morton's neuroma?
- Triggers
- Who is at risk for Morton's neuroma?
- Diagnosis
- How is Morton's neuroma diagnosed?
- Treatment
- How do I treat Morton's neuroma?
- Home Remedies
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat Morton's neuroma?
Definition
What is Morton's neuroma?
Morton's neuroma is a disease that affects the pads of the foot and the area between the middle finger and ring toe. Foot pads are the front or toe of your feet that are usually used as a footing when you stand on tiptoes or wear high heels. If you have Morton's neuroma, you may feel toe pain like you are stepping on gravel in a shoe, or feel as if there is a crease in a sock.
In people with Morton's neuroma, there is a thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves that leads to the toes. This can cause pain and stinging in the pads of the feet (foot pain). Your toes may also sting, heat, or feel numb.
High heels (high heels) is believed to be a trigger for Morton's neuroma. Many people find that their condition improves after changing to lower heels, which have wider toes.
How common is Morton's neuroma?
Morton's neuroma is the leading cause of forefoot pain. Women usually have a higher risk than men. Morton's neuroma most commonly occurs in the third and fourth toes (middle and ring fingers on the toes). It occurs in response to irritation, trauma, or excess pressure.
This condition can be treated by reducing the trigger factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.
Signs and symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of Morton's neuroma?
In fact, there are no outward signs or symptoms if you have Morton's neuroma. However, you can experience the following symptoms:
- The feeling of stepping on pebbles in the shoe
- Heat pain in the pads of the feet that can radiate to the toes
- Tingling or numbness in the toes
When should I see a doctor?
Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent this condition from getting worse. For that, talk to your doctor to prevent this condition from becoming more serious.
If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat health conditions that suit you.
Cause
What causes Morton's neuroma?
Morton's neuroma occurs as a result of irritation, pressure, or injury to one of the nerves leading to the toes.
Triggers
Who is at risk for Morton's neuroma?
You're at a higher risk for toe pain from Morton's neuroma, especially if you:
- Often wear high heels. Put on shoes high heels or shoes that are narrow at the front can put more stress on the toes and the pads of the feet.
- Certain sports. Participating in high-intensity activities, such as running, can result in repetitive trauma to the leg. Sports that use narrow shoes, such as skiing or rock climbing, can also put pressure on your toes.
- Defects in legs. People who own bunion , hammertoes If the foot is too curved or the foot is flat, you are at higher risk of developing Morton's neuroma.
Diagnosis
How is Morton's neuroma diagnosed?
If your doctor suspects you have this condition, a physical exam and several tests will be recommended. Several imaging tests are more useful in diagnosing Morton's neuroma:
- X-rays. The doctor may order an x-ray of the feet, to rule out other causes of the pain, such as cracks
- Ultrasonic. This technology uses sound waves to produce images real-time for the internal structure. Ultrasounds are good at showing abnormalities in soft tissue, such as neuroma
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Using sound waves and a strong magnetic field, MRI is also good at visualizing soft tissue. However, MRI is usually more expensive and often identifies neuroma in people without symptoms.
Treatment
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
How do I treat Morton's neuroma?
Some of the treatment options that can be suggested by the doctor:
- Therapy. Arch supports and foot pads that fits snugly into the inside of the shoe and helps reduce pressure on the nerves. You can find this item at a drugstore or some shoe store, but don't forget to adjust the curve of your foot.
- Other operations and procedures. If conservative treatments don't help, your doctor may suggest:
- Injection. Some people are helped by injecting steroids into the affected area.
- Decompression surgery. In some cases, the surgeon can relieve pressure on the nerves by removing nearby structures, such as ligaments that attach to the bones at the front of the foot.
- Nerve removal. Surgical removal may be necessary if other treatments have failed to reduce pain. Although surgery is usually successful, it can cause permanent numbness of the affected finger.
Home Remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat Morton's neuroma?
Here are lifestyle changes and home remedies that can help you deal with toe pain caused by this condition:
- Use anti-inflammatory drugs. Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen (Aleve) can reduce swelling and relieve pain.
- Try ice massage. Regular ice massages can help reduce pain. Freeze a paper cup or plastic cup filled with water and roll ice over the affected area.
- Change shoes. Avoid using high heels or shoes with narrow fronts. Choose shoes with wider toes and more depth.
- Break. For a few weeks, cut back on activities like jogging, aerobic exercise, or dancing that have a high impact on your feet.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.