Morton's neuroma (patient information): Difference between revisions
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==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
*A '''[[foot]] x-ray''' may be done to rule out bone problems | *A '''[[foot]] [[x-ray]]''' may be done to rule out [[bone]] [[Problem Solved|problems]] | ||
*'''MRI''' or high-resolution ultrasound can successfully diagnose Morton's neuroma | *'''[[MRI]]''' or [[High resolution manometry|high-resolution]] [[ultrasound]] can successfully [[diagnose]] [[Morton's neuroma]] | ||
*'''Nerve testing''' (electromyography) cannot definitely diagnose Morton's neuroma, but may be used to rule out conditions that cause similar symptoms | *'''[[Nerve]] [[testing]]''' ([[electromyography]]) cannot definitely [[diagnose]] [[Morton's neuroma]], but may be [[Usage analysis|used]] to rule out [[conditions]] that [[Causes|cause]] [[Similarity matrix|similar]] [[symptoms]] | ||
*Your doctor may order '''blood tests''' to check for inflammation-related conditions, including certain forms of [[arthritis]] | *Your [[Doctor of Medicine|doctor]] may [[Order (biology)|order]] '''[[blood tests]]''' to [[check]] for [[inflammation]]-[[Related changes|related]] [[conditions]], including [[Certain safety factor|certain]] forms of [[arthritis]] | ||
==When to seek urgent medical care?== | ==When to seek urgent medical care?== | ||
Call your health care provider if you have persistent pain or tingling in your foot or toe area | [[Call for help|Call]] your [[health care provider]] if you have persistent [[pain]] or [[tingling]] in your [[foot]] or [[toe]] [[area]] | ||
==Treatment options== | ==Treatment options== | ||
*''' | *'''Non[[Surgery|surgical]] treatment is tried first.''' Your doctor may recommend any of the following: | ||
:*Padding and taping the toe area | :*Padding and taping the [[toe]] area | ||
:*Shoe inserts | :*Shoe inserts | ||
:*Changes to footwear (for example, shoes with wider toe boxes) | :*Changes to footwear (for example, shoes with wider toe boxes) | ||
| Line 48: | Line 48: | ||
:*Physical therapy | :*Physical therapy | ||
*Anti-inflammatories and painkillers are not recommended for long-term treatment | *Anti-inflammatories and painkillers are not recommended for long-term [[Treatments|treatment]] | ||
*In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove the thickened tissue. This can help relieve pain and improve foot function. Numbness after surgery is permanent, but should not be painful. | *In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove the thickened tissue. This can help relieve pain and improve foot function. Numbness after surgery is permanent, but should not be painful. | ||
Revision as of 20:35, 7 June 2019
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Morton's neuroma |
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Morton's neuroma On the Web |
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For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Sara Mohsin, M.D.[2] Lakshmi Gopalakrishnan, M.B.B.S.
Overview
Morton's neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue between the toes. It commonly affects the nerve that travels between the third and fourth toes.
What are the symptoms of Morton's neuroma?
- Symptoms of Morton's neuroma include:
- In rare cases, nerve pain occurs in the space between the second and third toes. This is not a common form of Morton's neuroma, but treatment is similar.
What causes Morton's neuroma?
- Morton's neuroma is more common in women than men
- The exact cause is unknown. However, some experts believe the following may play a role in the development of this condition:
- Abnormal positioning of toes
- Flat feet
- Forefoot problems, including bunions and hammer toes
- High foot arches
- Tight shoes and high heels
Diagnosis
- A foot x-ray may be done to rule out bone problems
- MRI or high-resolution ultrasound can successfully diagnose Morton's neuroma
- Nerve testing (electromyography) cannot definitely diagnose Morton's neuroma, but may be used to rule out conditions that cause similar symptoms
- Your doctor may order blood tests to check for inflammation-related conditions, including certain forms of arthritis
When to seek urgent medical care?
Call your health care provider if you have persistent pain or tingling in your foot or toe area
Treatment options
- Nonsurgical treatment is tried first. Your doctor may recommend any of the following:
- Padding and taping the toe area
- Shoe inserts
- Changes to footwear (for example, shoes with wider toe boxes)
- Anti-inflammatory medicines taken by mouth or injected into the toe area
- Nerve blocking medicines injected into the toe area
- Other painkillers
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatories and painkillers are not recommended for long-term treatment
- In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove the thickened tissue. This can help relieve pain and improve foot function. Numbness after surgery is permanent, but should not be painful.
Where to find medical care for Morton's neuroma?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Morton's neuroma
Prevention
- Avoid ill-fitting/tight shoes
- Avoid high heels
- Wear comfortable shoes with a wide toe box, low heels, & good arch support
- Avoid high-impact sports such as rock-climbing, ballet dancing, jogging, running, snow skiing
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Nonsurgical treatment does not always improve symptoms. Surgery to remove the thickened tissue is successful in about 85% of cases.
Possible complications
Morton's neuroma can make walking difficult. Persons with this foot condition may also have trouble performing activities that put pressure on the foot, such as pressing the gas pedal of an automobile. It may hurt to wear certain types of shoes, such as high-heels.
Sources
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007286.htm Template:WH Template:WS