About this topic
Mortons neuroma causes pain in your foot. The nerves to the toes pass under a strong band of tissues called ligaments. This band of tissues holds the bones in the ball of your foot together. With a Morton's neuroma, the nerves become thick, swollen, and painful where they pass under the ligament. It is not a tumor. This problem most often happens between the third and fourth toes. ‚
What are the causes?
Nerves that lead to the toes are bothered by too much pressure on the foot. They may also be bothered by an injury to the foot. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
Women are much more likely to get this problem than men. Wearing high heels or tight-fitting shoes may cause a Mortons neuroma. You are more likely to have this problem if you have other foot problems like hammer toe, bunion, or problems with your arches or toes. Being overweight or doing high impact activities like running, tennis, or basketball may make you more likely to have problems with your feet. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Pain or burning in the ball of the foot
- May go into the toes
- Worse with walking and wearing shoes
- May lessen when taking off shoes, bending toes, or rubbing the feet
- Lump in between the toes that feels like standing on a pebble
- Numbness or tingling in the toes
- Toe cramping
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will look and feel around your foot and toes. Your doctor may squeeze your foot together to see if that causes pain. Your doctor may also watch you walk and look at the wear on your shoes. Your doctor may order: ‚
- Blood tests
- X-ray
- MRI scan
- Electromyelogram (EMG)
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Your doctor may suggest you:
- Change shoe types to wide toe, no heels
- Use padding in your shoes and in between your toes
- Use inserts for your shoes. These are foot orthotics.
- Rest
- Ice
- Physical therapy (PT) including exercises, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation
- Surgery
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Numb the area
What problems could happen?
Long-lasting nerve damage can happen if this problem is not treated. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Wear comfortable, supportive shoes. Avoid wearing high heels and tight shoes.
- Avoid activities that cause foot pain, such as standing for long periods of time.
- If you are a runner, run on softer surfaces such as a track instead of concrete.
- Keep a healthy weight. Being overweight may put extra stress on your feet.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Foot and Ankle Surgeons ‚
http://www.foothealthfacts.org/footankleinfo/mortons-neuroma.htm ‚
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00158 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚