What Is Morton’s Neuroma, How The Disease Is Diagnosed And What Are Its Causes

Morton’s neuroma is the swelling of nerves in the toe area. It is caused due to the compression of the nerve in the toe area. A neuroma is benign tumour that occurs in nerves. Generally, the nerve that travels between the third and fourth toe is affected. Morton’s neuroma is characterised by numbness and pain in the foot. This has higher rate of occurrence in women than in men. The exact cause for this is still unknown. Symptoms of Morton’s neuroma include pain on carrying weight. Burning sensation and numbness may also be experienced. Other symptoms include tingling in the space between the third and fourth toes, Toe cramping etc. The symptoms and the pain get worse overtime. The causes of Morton’s neuroma are not clearly known. But some researchers believe that Morton’s neuroma is mostly caused due to abnormal positioning of feet, Flat feet, and High foot arches and by the use of tight footwear and high heels. Morton’s neuroma is one of the causes of  big toe joint pain. It causes certain discomfort while performing tasks such as walking and running.

Diagnosis of Morton’s neuroma:

This disease can successfully be diagnosed by a proper MRI scan of the foot. Alternatively, an X-Ray scan can also be performed to rule out the bone problems. Ultrasound can determine the thickening of the nerve tissue between the toes accurately. No physical deformity can be observed in this disease.

Morton’s neuroma treatment procedures:

Orthotics and corticosteroids are widely used for the treatment of Morton’s neuroma. Most of the cases are solved by using these drugs. But in case this fails, then the patient is offered a surgical treatment procedure which is known as neurectomy. This Morton’s neuroma surgery involves the removal of affected nerve tissue. There is an alternative procedure available instead of this surgery. It is by the usage of cryogenic neuroablation. This is also known as cryo injection therapy or cryosurgery. This method involves destruction of axons to prevent them from carrying painful impulses. This method uses very low temperatures to destruct the axons.  

This medical condition can be prevented by using proper foot ware and by taking good care of foot. Avoid using ill-fitting shoes and foot ware. Do not excessively use tight foot ware and high heels. Morton’s neuroma can be controlled by using shoe inserts and by padding the toe area. Alternatively, physical therapy can also be used for Morton’s neuroma. There are homeopathic medical solutions available for the treatment of this disease. There are many non-surgical methods for the treatment of Morton’s neuroma. The anti-inflammatory drugs and pain killers are not suitable for long term use for the cure of Morton’s neuroma. Ice packs and pain killer drugs can only be used for temporary relief from the pain of Morton’s neuroma.