Morton's Neuroma is a small lump in the sole of the foot that causes discomfort when walking. This little bit forms around the plantar nerve at the point where it divides causing pain located between the 3rd and 4th toes when the person walks, squats, climbs stairs or runs, for example.
This injury is more common in women over 40, who need to wear high heels with a pointed toe and in people who practice physical activity, especially running. The cause of this lump on the foot cannot always be identified, but in any case, excessive pressure is needed on the spot, such as wearing high-heeled shoes, hitting the pain spot or running on the street or on the treadmill, because these situations generate microtraumas repeatedly, giving rise to inflammation and formation of the neuroma, which is the thickening of the plantar nerve.
Signals and symptons
Morton's Neuroma can be identified by the orthopedist or physiotherapist when the person has the following signs and symptoms:
- Severe pain in the instep, in the form of burning, which worsens when going up or down stairs due to hyperextension of the toes and which improves when removing the shoe and massaging the region; There may be numbness in the instep and toes; Feeling of shock between the 2nd and 3rd finger or between the 3rd and 4th finger.
For the diagnosis it is recommended to palpate the area in search of a small lump between the fingers, and when pressing it the person feels pain, numbness or sensation of shock, and in addition, the movement of the Neuroma is evident, being enough to close the diagnosis, but the doctor or physiotherapist may also request an ultrasound or magnetic resonance examination, to rule out other changes in the feet, and to identify a neuroma that is less than 5 mm.
Treatment
The treatment of Morton's Neuroma begins with the use of comfortable shoes, without heels and with space to keep your fingers apart, such as a sneaker or sneaker, for example, which is usually sufficient to reduce pain and discomfort. But the doctor may indicate infiltration with corticosteroids, alcohol or phenol, at the site to relieve pain.
In addition, the physiotherapist may indicate the use of a specific insole to better support the foot inside the shoes and physiotherapy sessions to lengthen the plantar fascia, the toes and the use of equipment such as ultrasound, microcurrents or laser, for example. In some cases, surgery may be indicated to remove the neuroma, especially when the person is a practitioner of physical activity or is an athlete and has not been able to cure the neuroma with the previous options.
