Morton's Neuroma Treatments

Morton's neuroma is a thickening of the nerve tissue at the bottom of the third and fourth toes. It is commonly dubbed an intermetatarsal neuroma. The nerve swells gradually due to compression and irritation, causing pain, numbness or tingling in the foot. In mild to moderate cases, massage and other treatments can alleviate the symptoms before it leads to irreversible nerve damage. Morton's neuroma is usually easily treated, but more advanced cases can require surgery.

Causes

• In order to treat Morton's neuroma, you must identify the cause. Anything that compresses or irritates the nerve of the metatarsal, or the bones extending from the toes to the middle of the foot, can lead to neuroma. The most frequent causes are ill-fitting shoes, especially those with a small toe box, and repetitive irritation to the foot, such as running or racket sports.

  People with foot problems, such as bunions, hammer toes and flat feet, are more susceptible to neuroma.

Treatment for Mild Cases

• If your shoe wear is the cause of the irritation, choose shoes with a wide toe box. Avoid narrow-toed shoes and high heels. If your shoes are still uncomfortable, pad the ball of your foot while walking or running to supply more support and decrease the pressure on the metatarsal arch.

  Wear shoes only when absolutely necessary. Ice the foot each night to reduce swelling and inflammation in the metatarsal. Combine ice treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for more effective management of neuroma symptoms.

  To greater reduce the risk for nerve damage, avoid activities that put pressure on the metatarsal. These activities include dancing, running and racket sports that put strain on the balls of the feet. Allow the symptoms to completely dissipate before beginning such activities again.

Treatment for Moderate Cases

• Orthotic devices placed inside the shoe correctly align the foot and ankle. Maintaining proper alignment while walking will reduce pressure and inflammation. These custom-made devices are generated from impressions of the patient's foot and may need to be adjusted after extended periods of use.

  In some cases, a limited number of corticosteroid injections can be administered to reduce inflammation and pain. This injection is administered locally, in the area of the pain.

Surgery

• If other treatments do not provide sufficient relief from the symptoms of Morton's neuroma, surgery may be considered. Because the surgery removes the neuroma and the nerve, this procedure is only chosen as a last resort, as it can cause permanent numbness in the toes.

  Recovery time is dependent on the patient and severity of the neuroma.