Summary about Disease
Interdigital neuroma, commonly known as Morton's neuroma, is a painful condition that affects the ball of your foot, most commonly the space between the third and fourth toes. It involves a thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes. This thickening compresses the nerve, causing pain, burning, tingling, or numbness in the toes. It's not technically a tumor (neuroma) but a nerve entrapment and inflammation.
Symptoms
Burning pain in the ball of your foot that may radiate into your toes
Tingling or numbness in your toes
A feeling like you're walking on a pebble or that there's something bunched up in your sock
Pain that worsens with prolonged standing, walking, or wearing tight shoes
Pain relief when removing shoes and massaging the foot
Causes
High-heeled shoes: These put excessive pressure on the toes.
Tight or narrow shoes: These can compress the nerves in the foot.
Certain foot deformities: Bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, or high arches.
Repetitive activities: High-impact sports like running or activities that involve repetitive squatting or kneeling.
Trauma to the foot: Injury to the nerve.
Medicine Used
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Corticosteroid injections: Injections of corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation and pain.
Local anesthetics: Injections of local anesthetics can provide temporary pain relief.
Neurectomy: Surgical removal of the affected nerve. This is generally considered when conservative treatments fail.
Decompression Surgery: Cutting surrounding structures to relieve pressure on the nerve.
Is Communicable
No, interdigital neuroma is not communicable. It is not an infectious disease and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Wear shoes with a wide toe box: Avoid shoes that are tight or narrow in the toe area.
Use orthotics: Custom or over-the-counter arch supports can help reduce pressure on the nerves in your foot.
Avoid high-heeled shoes: Wear shoes with a low heel.
Take breaks: If you have to stand or walk for long periods, take breaks to rest your feet.
Lose weight: If you are overweight, losing weight can help reduce pressure on your feet.
Modify activities: Avoid activities that aggravate your symptoms.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of symptoms varies. Without treatment, symptoms can persist for months or even years. With conservative treatment, symptoms may improve within weeks to months. If surgery is required, it can take several weeks to months to recover fully.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical examination: A doctor will examine your foot and ask about your symptoms. They may perform a Mulder's sign test (squeezing the foot to elicit pain).
X-rays: X-rays can rule out other causes of foot pain, such as fractures.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An MRI can help visualize the neuroma and rule out other conditions.
Nerve conduction studies: In rare cases, these tests may be used to assess nerve function.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms can vary from person to person.
Early stages: Gradual onset of pain, tingling, or numbness in the toes, especially with tight shoes or prolonged activity. The symptoms may subside with rest or by removing shoes.
Intermediate stages: Symptoms become more frequent and intense. Pain may radiate to the ball of the foot. A feeling of walking on a pebble may develop.
Advanced stages: Symptoms are present even at rest. Pain is severe and debilitating, affecting daily activities.
Important Considerations
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent the condition from worsening.
Conservative treatments are often effective in managing symptoms.
Surgery should be considered only when conservative treatments have failed.
Proper footwear is essential for preventing and managing interdigital neuroma.
People with other foot conditions (e.g., bunions, flat feet) may be more prone to developing Morton's neuroma.