A disorder that causes inflammation of one of the foot nerves is called Morton’s neuroma. Usually, it causes pain and makes it feel like you are stepping on a marble. While some people can relieve the symptoms with home remedies or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, others may need prescription treatments. Moreover, Morton’s neuroma is not a tumor, but only an inflamed nerve.
In other words, Morton’s neuroma causes the enlargement of the interdigital nerves located between the metatarsal bones. These bones connect your foot to the third and fourth toes. Sometimes, this condition is called intermetatarsal neuromas or interdigital neuromas. If you suspect you have Morton’s neuroma, it is important to get treatment as soon as possible. Otherwise, it may lead to permanent nerve damage.
Generally, this condition occurs commonly, and about 1 to 3 people will develop it at some point in their lives.
Is Morton’s Neuroma a Tumor?
In most cases, this disorder is misleading because neuromas are certain benign (noncancerous) tumors that often develop on nerves throughout the body. However, Morton’s neuroma causes extra nerve tissue to grow alongside the healthy nerve.
Symptoms
This health condition may cause multiple symptoms that vary from mild to severe. Check the most common symptoms of Morton’s neuroma below:
- Pain that occurs between the toes when you stand or walk
- Swelling between the toes
- Numbness or tingling in the affected foot
- Moderate to severe pain when a person wears high-heeled shoes or stands on the balls of the feet
In most cases, this disorder worsens over time, especially if it is not treated. It often begins with mild pain that may disappear with rest, but over time, it may cause severe pain as inflammation affects the nerve. People who develop Morton’s neuroma describe pain as sharp, stinging, or burning. Furthermore, you may also feel like you are stepping on something. For example:
- Stepping on a marble or stone under the ball of the foot
- A small rock gets stuck in the shoe
- The sock is bunched up in the shoe
Causes and Risk Factors
This disorder is often caused by the inflammation that negatively affects the nerve between the toe bones. Healthcare professionals are not sure what exactly causes inflammation and Morton’s neuroma. However, they think pressure on the toes and nerves between them is one of the most common causes. In any case, experts have identified some factors (including other disorders and activities) that may elevate your risk of developing this disorder. Check some examples below:
- Flat or high arch feet
- Hammertoes
- Foot injuries (including a sports injury or trauma)
- Bunions
- Physical work that involves being on foot all day
- Sports (including running, tennis, and other racquet sports)
- Specific shoes (such as high heels or shoes with narrow, pointed toes)
- Deformities (some people may have structural deformities, which make them more prone to Morton’s neuroma)
- Gender – This condition occurs more commonly in women, especially between the ages of 40 and 60.
- Excessive body weight (obesity)
What Happens if Morton’s Neuroma is Left Untreated?
Those who develop this type of neuroma may also experience some long-term effects if they leave it untreated. Check some complications below:
- Long-term (chronic) pain
- Permanent nerve damage
- Mobility problems – For example, problems with walking, running, or standing for a long time
- Secondary pain – This complication often occurs due to abnormal gait. It changes the way you walk to avoid pressure on the forefoot.
- Treatment complications – Some people may develop new neuromas after surgery to treat the original disorder. Furthermore, there is an increased risk associated with Corticosteroid injections, especially if they are used for long periods.
Do not hesitate to visit a doctor for treatment if any of the complications listed above occur. Otherwise, it may lead to permanent damage.
Is There a Way to Prevent Morton’s Neuroma?
While it is not always possible to prevent this type of neuroma, the following tips may help you reduce the risk. Check some examples below:
- Avoid wearing tight or high-heeled shoes, especially for a long time.
- Choose shoes with a wide toe box that allow them to stay in a proper position.
- Doctors may also recommend wearing athletic shoes with plenty of padding to cushion the balls of the feet if you are more active.
- You can also try low-impact exercise that does not put too much pressure on the feet.
- Dietary changes and exercise plan
Diagnosis
Usually, doctors suspect a person has Morton’s neuroma during a physical examination. Thereafter, they may also ask some questions about the symptoms and medical history to gather more information about your disease. However, to rule out or confirm this type of neuroma, they usually perform the following tests and procedures. For example:
- A foot X-ray – This is an imaging test that helps rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms. These include arthritis, stress fractures, and others.
- Ultrasound – This is another imaging test that uses sound waves to make images of different structures and organs in the body (including the nerves).
- Electromyography – During this procedure, doctors will measure the electrical activity of the muscles and nerves. It often helps exclude nerve disorders that cause similar symptoms to those of Morton’s neuroma.
Treatment
Physicians usually prescribe different treatments for people with this type of neuroma because they depend on some factors. For example, the severity of the condition, existing health problems, gender, age, and preferences. Check the most common options below:
- Change your footwear – Doctors often recommend choosing shoes with wide, deep toe boxes that can reduce pressure on the affected nerve. You may also get a stretching device that helps widen the shoes you already have.
- Shoe pads – These pads cushion the area around the affected nerve and reduce pressure. They are available without a prescription.
- Orthotic devices – These are specific shoe inserts that are used to support the feet and keep the toes in a proper position.
- Painkillers – In most cases, doctors recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce swelling and pain. Furthermore, you should not administer these medicines for more than 10 days in a row without your doctor’s approval.
- Ice – You can also apply ice or cold packs because they also may reduce pain and inflammation.
- Corticosteroids – This is a prescription group of medicines that is primarily used to reduce inflammation. Commonly, doctors prescribe Cortisone injections for people with Morton’s neuroma.
Surgery
While most of the time, people notice improvements with the previous treatments, in more severe cases, they may need one of the following options. The most common surgeries include:
- Neurectomy – It is used to remove the affected part of the nerve, and it is one of the most common surgeries used in people with Morton’s neuroma.
- Cryogenic neuroablation – This type of surgery involves extreme cold to destroy the affected nerve cells. Thus, it helps decrease inflammation and relieve pain.
- Radiofrequency ablation – In such cases, doctors use electrical current to destroy the nerve that causes symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Morton’s neuromas go away on their own?
No, and it is very important to get treatment as soon as possible if you experience symptoms that resemble this disorder. Otherwise, it may lead to permanent nerve damage.
Can a Morton’s neuroma return after treatment?
Yes, even after a successful treatment. Inform your doctor if the symptoms of this type of neuroma return.
When should I see my healthcare provider?
Do not hesitate to see a doctor if any of the following symptoms occur or if you are already getting treatment and it does not work. Check some symptoms below:
- Persistent foot pain that lasts for more than 14 days
- Pain that interacts with your daily activities or worsens
- Numbness or tingling in the foot
Ask your healthcare provider if you have any other questions.
