Morton’s neuroma: symptoms, treatment and exercises

Morton’s neuroma is a disease of the nerves of the foot (neuropathy), characterized by very significant pain at the base of the toes, most often between the third and fourth metatarsals due to a nerve entrapment , which which causes it to become thin and the structures that surround it to thicken.

It is more common among women between 50 and 70 years old and, especially, in those who wear high heels, but they can also suffer from it:

• Those who wear tight shoes or that do not fit well.
• Athletes who have an impact on the affected area as runners.
• Athletes who wear tight footwear due to their activity: skiers, mountaineers.
• People who have altered the shape of their foot ( flat foot , arch too high, mallet or hammer toes , etc.).

Among the symptoms of Morton’s neuroma that you can suffer are:

• Burning pain in the sole of the foot that may extend to the toes.
• The pain can be made worse by walking, wearing high heels, or pointed toe shoes.
• Discomfort may be felt when touching the base of the foot or toes.
• Ardor.
• Numbness and numbness in the area.
• Feeling hot or cold
• Feeling of standing on a stone.
• Less finger mobility.
• Less sensitivity of the toes compared to the other foot.

Medical diagnostic

If you have this type of discomfort, it is best to see your trusted doctor or a specialist in trauma. When he receives you at the consultation, you can expect that:

• Ask you questions about your problem, such as: since when did the pain start? What other symptoms do you have? Have you had similar problems at another time? Do you have other symptoms? …
• Look at your foot, it is most likely that without touching you will not notice anything, there are usually no visible lumps. Sometimes there may be a deviation of the toes.
• It is very important that you check your foot, move it and touch it, in this way, you can find deformities and determine if it is a neuroma or another problem.
• Order tests to confirm Morton’s neuroma, find foot deformities, or other problems. They can ask you to have: X-rays, an ultrasound of the affected foot, MRI with and without contrast (the latter is very expensive and is only requested in particular cases).

To cure Morton’s neuroma, you must implement certain measures that include, in addition to medical treatment, changes in habits. Your doctor can advise you:

• Change of footwear : wider at the toe, lower heel.
• Use of templates with a pad that better supports the area where the neuroma is.
• Rest : Stopping physical activity for a while and putting your foot up can help speed up recovery.
• Local cold : applying compresses, cold packs, ice covered with a cloth can serve to reduce inflammation in the painful area.
• Pain relievers – Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or diclofenac, are helpful tools to ease discomfort while you work to resolve the problem.
• Kinesiology and Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is a very necessary tool for recovery. They can perform and teach you mobilization exercises, stretching, massages. Often times, correct and timely treatment can prevent surgery.
• Infiltration with corticosteroids or analgesics : the local injection of corticosteroids in the annoying area can help to improve the symptoms, but many times the relief is temporary if other measures are not implemented to solve the problem.
• Surgery – Surgical treatment is indicated when all else has failed. The affected tissue can be removed, the procedure is called a neurectomy. Nerve decompression or radiofrequency nerve ablation may also be performed.
• Post-operative care : After the Morton’s neuroma operation, a compression bandage will be placed. Rest should be done the first days. It is important to keep your foot up.

There are many exercises and massages that you can do yourself to treat Morton’s neuroma, here are some of them:

• Exercises to try to reduce fibrosis : with your index finger and thumb, grab the base of your toes, in the area where it bothers. Move them up and down 5 times. Repeat these movements, grabbing higher and higher (gradually approaching the ankle). You can do this every day and you can do it with both feet.
• Exercises to stretch the fingers : it is key that you improve the elongation, for which take your fingers and bend them down, it should not hurt too much. Hold that position for about 30 seconds.
• Massage in the painful area : you can perform a massage on the sole and dorsal area of ​​the foot yourself. This will help release tension in the area.

If you think you may have a Morton’s neuroma or have foot discomfort and don’t know what it is, it is best to consult a professional. It will avoid delays in the diagnosis and will surely help you to solve the problem in the best way.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to How to know if I have Morton’s neuroma , we recommend that you enter our Brain and Nerves category .