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Neuroma (Morton’s Neuroma)

Do you have pain in the ball of the foot, or shooting pain in the toes?  One of the most common diagnosis of these symptoms is as a neuroma.

A Morton’s Neuroma  is a benign bundle of nerve, most commonly affecting the third and fourth toe webspaces but can occur in any of the webspaces of the forefoot. The most common symptoms are numbness and shooting pain into the toes and burning sensations on the ball of your feet. The pain is often relieved by removing footwear, massaging or rest, but discomfort may worsen with walking and exercise.

Other diagnosis of shooting pains in the toes include; Diabetes, Anaemia and Radiculopathy, so it is very important to seek advice from a foot specialist if you develop any of these symptoms.

The signs of Morton’s Neuroma to look out for include:

  • Paraesthesia
  • Burning sensation
  • Shooting pains
  • Pain on weight bearing
  • Numbness

A specialist here at The Foot Clinic can investigate symptoms associated with a Morton’s Neuroma that you might be experiencing.  With clinical assessment and an ultrasound scan as part of a musculoskeletal (MSK) assessment I diagnosis can be made although your Podiatrist may request an x-ray to support this.

Once a diagnosis has been made your Podiatrist will consider your treatment plan.  This might include:

 

  • Assessment of your gait
  • Orthotics to open out metatarsals pressing the nerve and reduce the mechanical load.
  • Footwear advice.
  • Padding or strapping.
  • Steroid injections.
  • If conservative treatments fail, patients may be referred for surgical intervention.

 

See also: Advanced musculoskeletal assessment