Morton's neuroma - symptoms and treatment

What is Morton's syndrome

Morton's neuroma is a benign pathological thickening that appears as a result of the proliferation of fibrous tissue on the foot. The tumor occurs in the area of ​​the plantar nerve of the foot (between the 3rd and 4th toes, sometimes between the 2nd and 3rd toes). Typically, the disease affects women who have a special love for high heels and uncomfortable shoes. But despite this, the syndrome can also appear in men.

Symptoms of the disease

A person with this disease experiences corresponding sensations - burning, tingling, shooting sharp pains, numbness. Symptoms of Morton's neuroma also include other signs:

• If the disease is in the first stage, then it is difficult to notice any special symptoms, the only thing that worries you is moderate pain when the area between the fingers is compressed;
• Neuroma of the foot is accompanied by numbness in the toes, aching and dull pain;
• An unpleasant feeling appears when walking;
• A tingling sensation is formed in the area where the tumor appears;
• The pain radiates to the foot or toes;
• A person feels the presence of a foreign body where the disease is localized;
• In the area of ​​the fourth and third fingers, sensitivity decreases, etc.

After some time, all these signs may disappear, and the person will simply forget about them for several years. But the pain will return sooner or later if you start wearing uncomfortable tight or narrow shoes or high-heeled shoes again. When the foot is removed from such shoes, the pain disappears almost immediately.

Causes of the appearance and development of Morton's neuroma

The main cause of this disease is compression of the nerve fibers located in the foot by the bones and ligaments. Why does this happen:

1. A person wears narrow and uncomfortable shoes for a long time;
2. Women use high heeled shoes;
3. There were hematomas or injuries in the area where the nerve fibers are localized;
4. The person experienced metatarsal fractures;
5. There is transverse flatfoot;
6. Due to incorrect gait, when the foot turns inward;
7. There are benign lipomas in the foot;
8. Due to intense stress, including intense sports;
9. There are diseases that cause inflammation in the foot.

To eliminate all the signs and causes of this disease, you need timely and competent treatment.

Treatment of Morton's syndrome

Interdigital neuroma is treated in two ways: conservative and surgical.

The conservative method involves removing pressure on the area where the nerve was damaged. This treatment is prescribed if a person does not have permanent changes in this area. First of all, the doctor prescribes changing uncomfortable shoes to loose and comfortable ones. It is desirable that these are orthopedic shoes and a specially made insole. In addition, the professional also prescribes corticosteroid injections and analgesics.

Surgical treatment is the intervention of a surgeon. Used if standard therapy does not lead to successful results. The operation is performed under local anesthesia. During this, the surgeon opens the metatarsal canal, dissects the neuroma of the nerve, or removes part of it. The patient’s rehabilitation period in normal cases is about 10-12 days. During this period, it is advisable for a person to walk in optimal shoes. In addition, the forefoot should be in a state of maximum rest. The next day after the operation, walking for a short time is possible.

Morton's neuroma, like any disease, requires timely and competent treatment so that it does not become chronic.