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Morton's Neuroma

(Interdigital Neuroma; Intermetatarsal Neuroma)

Definition

Morton's neuroma is an inflammation of the nerves in the foot that go to the toes. Although the name includes the word “neuroma,” it is not really a tumor. It can affect any of the toes in the foot. However, it most often affects the nerves that run between the third and fourth or second and third toes.

Nerves of the Foot

Causes

Morton's neuroma is an inflammation caused by a buildup of fibrous tissue on the outer coating of nerves. This fibrous buildup is a reaction to the irritation resulting from nearby bones and ligaments rubbing against the nerves.

Irritation can be caused by:

Wearing shoes that are too tight
Wearing shoes that place the foot in an awkward position (eg, high heels)
A foot that is mechanically unstable
Repetitive trauma to the foot (such as from sports activities like tennis, basketball, and running)
Trauma to the foot caused by an injury (such as a sprain or fracture)

It is unusual for more than one Morton's neuroma to occur on one foot at the same time. It is rare for Morton's neuroma to occur on both feet at the same time.

Risk Factors

Factors that increase your chance for Morton's neuroma include:

Sex: female
Wearing narrow and/or high-heeled shoes
Obesity
Injuries to the foot
Activities that cause repetitive trauma to the foot (such as sports-related activities)

Symptoms

Symptoms of Morton's neuroma include the following sensations, usually between the third and fourth or (less often) second and third toes:

Burning, pain, tingling, and numbness often shooting into the toes
Discomfort that is worse while walking
Feeling of a lump between the toes
Symptoms are usually temporarily relieved when a person:
- Takes off their shoes
- Flexes their toes
- Rubs their feet

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Initial diagnosis of Morton's neuroma is based on your description of the type and location of pain and discomfort in the foot. The diagnosis will be confirmed by:

Physical exam of the foot, including:
- Checking for mechanical abnormalities in the foot
- Squeezing the side of the foot, doing so will usually cause pain when Morton's neuroma is present
Examination of your shoes to:
- Check for excess wear in parts of the shoe
- Check to see whether the shoes are too tight
If the diagnosis is still in doubt, an x-ray may be done to rule out another cause of the pain (eg, fracture)
An ultrasound may be used to visualize the neuroma
Injections of local anesthetic can be used for diagnosis

Treatment

Treatments may include:

Rehabilitation Measures to Reduce Nerve Irritation

Switching to low-heeled, wide-toed shoes with good arch support
Wearing padding in the shoes and/or between the toes
Wearing shoe inserts to correct a mechanical abnormality of the foot
Ultrasound, electrical stimulation, whirlpool and massage

Injection of Medication

Injecting the foot with corticosteroids mixed with a local anesthetic in order to reduce pain. Relief may be only temporary, however, if the mechanical irritation is not also corrected. Injections with other types of medications such as alcohol, phenol or even vitamin B12 are sometimes used.

Surgery

Surgery to remove the neuroma may be recommended if more conservative treatment does not solve the problem. While surgery usually relieves or completely removes the symptoms, it often leaves a permanent numb feeling at the site of the neuroma.

Prevention

Steps to help prevent Morton's neuroma include:

Avoid wearing tight and/or high-heeled shoes.
Maintain or achieve ideal body weight.
If you play sports, wear roomy, properly fitting athletic footwear.

RESOURCES

American Podiatric Medical Association http://www.apma.org/

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases http://www.niams.nih.gov/

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Ontario Podiatric Medical Association http://www.opma.ca/

Orthogate http://www.orthogate.org/

References

American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.acfas.org/ . Accessed July 17, 2009.

Berkow R. The Merck Manual of Medical Information . New York, NY: Simon and Schuster; 2000.

Clinical Practice Guideline Forefoot Disorders Panel, Thomas JL, Blitch EL 4th, Chaney DM, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of forefoot disorders. Section 3. Morton's intermetatarsal neuroma. J Foot Ankle Surg . 2009;48(2):251-256.

Morton's neuroma. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mortons-neuroma/DS00468 . Updated June 2009. Accessed July 17, 2009.

Scardina RJ, Lee SM. Frontera: Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation . Philadelphia, PA; Hanley and Belfus; 2002.

Thomson CE, Gibson JN, Martin D. Interventions for the treatment of Morton's neuroma. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2004;(3):CD003118.

Revision Information

Reviewer: Rimas Lukas, MD
Review Date: 09/2012 -
Update Date: 00/91/2012 -

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.