Morton's Neuroma
Morton's Neuroma
What is a neuroma?
A neuroma is an irreversable swelling of the nerve in the foot. Neuroma pain symptoms are burning, aching pain often radiating into any of the middle 3 toes of the foot. Painful (paradoxical) numbness and "pins & needles" are very common and sometimes a "lumpy" sensation is felt under the ball of the foot, some patients state it feels like their sock is rolled up and walking on cobbles is very painful. Some temporary relief is gained by removing the shoe and massaging the foot. Tighter more fashionable shoes with higher heels will increase your symptoms by pinching the thickened nerve. Unfortunately neuromas are irreversible localized nerve damage; although this is not a condition that will spread so don't be alarmed.
Treatment
Cortisone injections can be helpful in calming the irritated nerve and sometimes insoles can help too. The most definitive treatment is neuroma surgery to excise the diseased portion of nerve, which can be undertaken as a day-case procedure under local anaesthetic through an incision over the top or underside of the foot at the base of the toes. There will be a small amount of permanent numbness between the affected toes but this won't affect your balance or ability to undertake sports. Most patients happily accept this trade off to be rid of the pain.
