A neuroma is the term applied when a nerve and its surrounding tissue becomes too thick in a number of places in the body. Morton's neuroma is the most common neuroma, and it forms on the ball of the foot between the third and the fourth toes. The nerve thickens because of irritation and then is further irritated by being compressed between bones. This irritation can cause permanent nerve damage.
-
-
One category of treatment for Morton's neuroma is to adjust the footwear the person wears. This can be as simple as changing shoes or adding generic padding to the shoe to support the metatarsal arch. The shoe should have a wide toe box and not have a high heel because that would increase pressure on the ball of the foot. For more problematic neuromas, custom othodics may be designed and worn. These treatments relieve pressure on the nerve and thereby reduce pain.
-
In addition to modifying footwear, people suffering from a Morton's neuroma can alter their physical activities to reduce pain. Limiting activities that put repetitive pressure on the ball of the foot like running and dancing will reduce the swelling. After any activity, ice the affected area and take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin and ibuprofen.
-
Injections are another course of therapy to follow in treatment, and the most often used are corticosteroid injections and alcohol injections. Corticosteroid injections reduce the inflammation in the area of the neuroma, decreasing irritation and pain. Steroid injections have a number of side effects, such as weight gain and a rise in blood pressure, and effects limit how often corticosteroid injections can be given. As of 2009, alcohol injections are showing promising results. Diluted alcohol is injected into the neuroma area and reduces the size of the neuroma and the levels of pain in the patient. However, this treatment is not widely available yet.
-
For the most severe cases of Morton's neuroma, surgery may be necessary. This is a last resort treatment because when the nerve is cut it can leave permanent numbness in the toes. If surgery is performed, the doctor will either remove or release the nerve with the neuroma, based on the severity of the condition.
Read Next:
-
Morton's Neuroma Treatments
Morton's neuroma is a thickening of the nerve tissue at the bottom of the third and fourth toes. It is commonly dubbed...
-
Morton's Neuroma Treatment
Morton neuroma is the result of an enlarged nerve in the foot that usually occurs in, near or between the third and...
-
Abdominal Neuroma Treatment
A neuroma is a growth within the nerve tissue that may or may not be cancerous. An abdominal neuroma, or neuroma in...
-
What Are the Treatments for Mortons Neuroma?
A neuroma is a thickened nerve that causes pain when it is compressed between the bones. Morton's neuromas are found near the...
-
Morton's Neuroma Symptoms
Morton's neuroma develops in the ball of the foot between the third and fourth toes. It is the most common type of...
-
Taping Techniques for Morton's Neuroma
Taping Techniques for Morton's Neuroma. Morton's Neuroma (plantar neuroma) is a condition in which an inflamed nerve or fibrous tumor between the...
-
Morton's Neuroma Exercise
Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that often responds to medication and therapy but may require surgery. It can be caused...
-
Treatments for Sciatic Neuroma
Sciatic Neuroma, or sciatica is common problem related to issues in the lumbar spine. Sciatic neuroma is normally diagnosed through X-rays, CT...
-
Topical Treatment for Neuroma
A neuroma is a benign nerve tissue growth. Morton's neuroma is a common and painful form of neuroma that strikes a nerve...
-
Cortisone Vs. Sclerosing for Neuroma Treatment
Neuromas generally occur in the foot. Often referred to as Morton's neuroma, they are noncancerous tumors composed of nervous tissue. They occur...
-
What Are the Treatments for Neuroma of the Chest?
A neuroma is a non-cancerous tumor that can grow anywhere in the body you find nerve cells. However, the absence of cancer...
-
Signs & Symptoms of Morton's Neuroma
A neuroma is an area of thickened nerve tissue. This tissue can develop anywhere in your body. According to the American College...
-
Foot Neuroma Treatment
When you develop a benign growth along one of your nerves, you're suffering from a condition known as a neuroma. The most...
-
How to Cure a Neuroma
Neuromas are benign growths that can develop anywhere within your body. The two main types of neuromas are Morton's neuroma and acoustic...
-
What Are the Treatments for Neuroma Pain?
Neuroma is generally described as a shooting pain in the foot or a feeling of burning. This condition is generally found in...
-
Acoustic Neuroma Tinnitus Treatments
Acoustic neuroma is characterized by a non-cancerous tumor that forms on the cranial nerve that runs from the brain to the inner...
-
Recovery Time From Morton's Neuroma Surgery
Morton's neuroma, also referred to as plantar neuroma and Morton's neuralgia, is a benign growth that develops on the nerve in the...
-
How to Treat a Neuroma
A neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue that develops into a noncancerous growth or tumor. While they can develop in various...
-
Neuroma Foot Problem & Cures
A neuroma of the foot (Morton's neuroma) is not a tumor but a swelling of a nerve caused by pressure on the...
