Morton’s Neuroma
What is Morton’s Neuroma?
A neuroma is a benign fibrous nerve “tumor” that is caused by the rubbing of 2 bones on the nerve, thereby pinching the nerve. A ligament can also pinch the nerve. This constant friction or rubbing causes the nerve to enlarge and eventually pain ensues. Abnormal bone structure may contribute to the cause and certain shoes can aggravate the condition. High heeled shoes or shoes that are too narrow can make the neuroma worse.
A Morton’s Neuroma usually occurs between the 3rd and 4th toes. Initially, the symptoms are numbness and tingling in the toes followed by moderate pain that eventually progresses to severe pain that may shoot up and down the leg. Sometimes it feels like you are walking on a pebble or your socks are bunched up under your toes. Often numbness or tingling occurs in toe 3 and 4 on the foot.
Dr. Michaels Says:
“This is when you feel a sock curled up under your toes and there is of course no sock doing this. It can also cause pain, numbness or shooting in between the third and fourth toe. Neuromas are caused over time by tight shoes or high or low arches. The nerve over time gets damaged repeatedly which causes it to swell and become painful. We have great success with either steroid or alcohol shots. These shots take away the pain permanently over time. Combine this with custom molded orthotics and appropriate shoes for most of the time and you rarely need to have procedures performed. This treatment aligns with our natural treatment approach by keeping you going without the need for drugs with nasty side effects or surgery.”
Morton’s Neuroma Treatment Options
A neuroma should be treated conservatively before surgical intervention is warranted. Injections using alcohol decrease the pain of the neuroma. Approximately 6-10 injections may be needed to relieve the pain which can be curative and preclude any surgical procedures. The injections are performed every 11 days with most people receiving relief between injection 6 and 10, however, some get relief after 1 or 2 injections. Other forms of conservative treatment include wider shoes or pads under the toes. Orthotics can help support the foot arch and decrease pressure on the neuroma. An Air Heel can also decrease pain in the foot. Tape may be applied to your foot for relief of pain. The tape can stay on for up to a week and can get wet in the shower. If it bothers you, take it off and wash your foot. If the tape feels good leave it on and take it off prior to your next appointment. Steroid shots can be utilized prior to the alcohol shots and they can help as well. We have over the counter shoe inserts that are available and these can help reduce the pain. A roll on pain relieving gel can be beneficial without any liver or kidney side effects and is natural, safe and effective in reducing pain. 99% of people get better with conservative treatment.
If the injections don’t completely relieve the pain then an outpatient surgical procedure is performed where the nerve is removed. Ninety five (95%) to 98% of people get better with the shots. If surgery is needed, there is no need for general anesthesia or overnight hospitalization. The surgery consists of removing the nerve between the 3rd and 4th toe. The surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia or mild sedation, thereby maximizing your comfort and safety. Following the surgery, you may go home to recover comfortably in your own familiar surroundings. You may walk on the foot operated on immediately after surgery, and recovery is usually 2-3 weeks with very little time off from work.
