what is Mortons Neuroma?
It’s an inflammation of the nerve that passes between the long bones (metarsals) of the foot. You will feel pain between the ends of the second and third or third and fourth metatarsal bones. The plantar nerve swells and becomes compressed between these bones. If you grasp the two metatarsal bones bordering the pain and squeeze them together you should feel your familiar symptoms. The pain is often sharp and may even feel electric. It is often worse when wearing shoes, especially narrow shoes, and better when walking barefoot.
what causes mortons neuroma?
It’s caused by thickening of one of the nerves that run between the metatarsel bones, usually the second third or fourth metatarsels.
who suffers from mortons neuroma?
It usually presents in one foot, around the age of 50. It is more common in women than men. Runners are at high risk of a mortons neuroma due to compression and irritation of the nerve when the feet hit the ground over and over.
what is the treatment for mortons neuroma?
- A metatarsal pad is a small, slightly triangular, pad that can be placed slightly behind the painful area to provide relief. It may support an arch in this area and decrease pressure on the nerve and you can purchase one cheaply here.
- Arch Supports or orthotics (custom foot supports) may be able to position the foot in a way that reduces strain on this region and you can purchase from amazon here.
- Stretching of both calf muscles at least twice per day may help decrease strain at the ball of the foot.
- Strengthening and balance training.
- An anti-inflammatory should be used to reduce the pain and inflammation.
- A steroid injection can often provide a lot of relief if you don’t mind the needle.
- If symptoms do not improve with these treatments then surgery can be performed to remove the neuroma.
will I recover from mortons neuroma?
The good news is one third of people get better with rest, comfortable footwear and metatarsal pads inserted into shoes – like these.
If that doesn’t work, then steroid injections can help relieve the symptoms and there are surgical procedures which can help is symptoms are ongoing.