Morton's neuroma Pukupuku akaaka a Morton
A neuroma is a painful condition often referred to as a pinched nerve, swollen nerve or nerve tumour. The most common neuroma in the foot is a Morton's neuroma, which happens at the base of your third and fourth toes.
Causes of Morton's neuroma
Anything that pinches (compresses) or irritates a nerve can lead to a neuroma. It can happen in different parts of your body.
You are more likely to get a Morton's neuroma if you have:
- bunions
- hammertoe
- flat feet
- more flexible feet
- an injury or other damage to your foot.
Some activities may increase your risk of developing a Morton's neuroma, including:
- wearing high heels or shoes with narrow, pointed toes
- playing a sport that causes you to put a lot of pressure on the balls of your feet, like running or tennis
- doing work that requires you to be on your feet all day.
Symptoms of Morton's neuroma
The symptoms of Morton's neuroma begin gradually and may go away for a while when you massage your foot or avoid shoes that aggravate it.
Over time the symptoms may get worse and can last for days or weeks. This is because the neuroma is getting bigger and the changes in the nerve become permanent.
Symptoms can include:
- tingling, burning, numbness or a feeling like an electric shock to the end of your toe
- pain
- a feeling that something is inside the ball of your foot, or there is a lump in the shoe or your sock is bunched up.
Diagnosing Morton's neuroma
If you suspect you have a neuroma, it is important to get it diagnosed early. You might need to visit a podiatrist.
Your healthcare provider will examine your feet and ask questions about when the symptoms started and if any activities or positions make them worse. You might have an ultrasound scan if they are not sure of the diagnosis.
Getting an early diagnosis means you may be able to avoid more invasive treatments, including surgery.
Treating Morton's neuroma
If you have a neuroma, it will not go away on its own. Your healthcare provider will suggest treatments to relieve your pain. It is important to wear the right shoes. Podiatrists recommend you:
- wear shoes with lower heels
- wear supportive shoes that are roomy around your toes
- use shoe inserts or orthotics prescribed by a podiatrist.
If these options do not work, your healthcare provider may suggest:
- injecting your foot with anti-inflammatory medicines (steroids) to reduce the swelling
- using radiofrequency therapy (nerve ablation) to destroy the neuroma.
It is important to follow all advice after these treatments so the pain does not return.
The treatment will depend on how severe your neuroma is. A podiatrist can advise you and provide the treatment that will work best for you.
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If these nonsurgical treatments do not help, you may need surgery to release or remove the affected nerve.