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Introduction
The term neuroma
refers to a swelling of a nerve. The nerve commonly affected
is a small nerve that connects the 3rd and 4th toes, counting
from the big toe. The patient will complain of pain in the
sole of the foot.
Symptoms
of Mortons Neuroma
- Begins with numbness
or tenderness in the foot, just behind the 3rd and 4th
toes
- At a later stage, pain,
numbness, burning and tingling sensations can radiate
around the foot.
- The symptoms may appear
and disappear spontaneously.
- Severe pain may be present
at weight bearing.
- The patient may experience
spontaneous shooting pains, which are often referred to
as an "electric shock". This can affect patients
when they are sleeping at night.
Causes
of Mortons Neuroma
- The pulling of the ligaments
under the foot irritates the nerve.
- High heels can damage
the nerve.
- A tight toe box will
squeeze the toes in the foot and therefore put pressure
on the nerve.
- Mechanical problems with
the feet such as "over pronation". Over pronation
can be simply described as a condition, which causes your
arches to flatten out when you stand up. This causes your
ankles to roll in towards each other and disturbs your
normal walking pattern. If a foot over pronates the structures
of the foot are put under stress, which increases the
likelihood of a neuroma occurring.
Treatment
of Mortons Neuroma
I have found
that patients respond well to sports insoles with the addition
of silicone padding under the forefoot area. A review of running
shoes may also be necessary.
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