Morton’s Neuroma: What Is It?
Morton’s neuroma is a pathology that affects the feet, usually only one. It consists of an alteration in a nerve of the foot, which causes pain in that area. Most commonly, it occurs between the third and fourth metatarsals.
Although the name can be misleading, Morton’s neuroma is not a tumor. It is a fairly common condition, especially between the ages of 50 and 70. It affects women much more than men, almost 8 times more.
The causes of this injury are multiple. Interestingly, it seems to be related to the use of high heels. For this reason, many times the treatment can be limited simply to a change of footwear, without the need to use more aggressive techniques.
Morton’s neuroma can greatly affect the life of the sufferer, preventing walking or standing due to pain. Therefore, in this article we explain everything you need to know about this pathology and how to treat it.
What is Morton’s neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma is an injury that occurs in one of the nerves in the foot. It consists in that, around this nerve (usually the one between the third and fourth metatarsals), fibrous tissue grows that compresses it and prevents its normal functioning.
This fibrous tissue grows due to continuous stress on that area or irritation of the nerve. For example, when we run, we put pressure on certain parts of our feet. When that pressure is produced repeatedly on the same area, it can damage it and cause the appearance of a Morton’s neuroma.
The same goes for wearing high heels. By continually bringing the feet in that position, in which almost all the pressure occurs on one part of the foot, it is normal for the nerve that runs through that area to become irritated.
What symptoms does it produce?
What first appears is an intense sensation of pain. It is quite similar to the sensation of having a stone inside the shoe when walking. It is a mechanical pain, which increases when supporting this part; for example, when walking or standing.
In addition, it usually causes a tingling sensation in the finger it is affecting. It also causes burning in the sole of the foot or general numbness. Symptoms get worse or better depending on the stimulation that part is subjected to.
How is Morton’s neuroma diagnosed?
To diagnose Morton’s neuroma, the fundamental thing is to know very well the characteristics of the pain and the person who suffers it. With the clinic it can be enough to reach the diagnosis, since there are certain quite clear risk factors.
For example, it is much more common in women than in men. In the same way, the use of heels, being a professional athlete or having a malformation in the foot increases the risk of suffering this injury.
However, doctors can use certain complementary tests to confirm the diagnosis. First, X-rays are often used to rule out another injury causing the pain, such as a fracture. Ultrasound scans are also used.
How can neuroma be treated?
Morton’s neuroma often needs no more treatment than choosing the right footwear. It must be well padded to allow the fullest support of the foot. For the same reason, the ideal is to avoid high-heeled shoes.
If that is not enough, analgesics and anti-inflammatories can be prescribed to reduce pain. Corticosteroid injections may even be done in the area to decrease inflammation.
On the other hand, if the pain persists and incapacitates the person, surgery can be performed. The objective is to reduce the pressure that exists on the nerve, eliminating the tissues that compress it. In very serious cases, the damaged nerve may be removed to avoid pain.
In conclusion
Morton’s neuroma is a lesion that usually occurs in the nerve that runs between the third and fourth toes. It is closely associated with the use of high-heeled shoes, sports that include running or foot malformations. Normally, the treatment is based on wearing better shoes and taking care of the health of the foot.
