MORTON'S NEUROMA

A nerve swells when it is pinched between bones. The swelling is called a neuroma. A pinched nerve in the foot is called Morton's neuroma. It usually affects the nerve between the third and fourth toes or the nerve between the second and third toes, but it can occur between the bones of any toe. Wearing shoes that are too narrow or having large bony joints in the foot can cause neuromas to form.

Symptoms of Morton's neuroma are gradual and include:

pain between two toes that comes and goes starting from the outer side of one toe to the inner side of the adjoining toe.
severe pain when tight shoes are worn (When barefoot, there may be no pain.)
pain resembling a mild electric shock
numbness and radiating pain in the affected toes and
continued pain, unless treated

What you can do:

stop any activity that makes the condition worse
ice massage the top of the foot
wear wide, soft shoes
wear a foam rubber pad in the shoes under the sole of the foot to spread bones apart to reduce pressure on the nerve and
seek medical help if the condition keeps returning

Take medications, such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or NSAIDs, as directed on the label and if approved by your healthcare provider. Aspirin or medicines that have aspirin in them should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years of age. Taking aspirin is a risk for a serious illness called Reye's syndrome.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. NSAIDs should not be taken by anyone who has been diagnosed with asthma, ulcer disease, or a bleeding disorder. Taking NSAIDs increases the risk of bleeding with trauma, dental work, surgery, or if taking blood thinners (anticoagulants).

Acetaminophen should not be taken by anyone with known liver or kidney disease. Do not drink alcohol when taking more than 1 dose of acetaminophen.

Sometimes injections of cortisone are given around the nerve to reduce swelling. If discomfort persists, surgery may be needed to remove the neuroma. Recovery time for a Morton's neuroma is typically 1 to 2 weeks, though it often comes back. After surgery, recovery may take 6 weeks.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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