Everything You Need To Know About Morton's Syndrome
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1. What it is: Also known as Morton's disease or Morton's syndrome, Morton's neuroma results in pain in the foot and more particularly in the third intermetatarsal space. The pain is caused by compression of the nerve located between the 3rd and 4th toe and can also be felt between the other toes. This compression causes swelling and thickening of the tissues around the nerve which causes the pain.
2. Symptoms: The common symptoms of Morton's neuroma include: pain in the foot during walking, feeling of having a pebble in the shoe or a needle against the skin, electrical sensation in the toes, numbness of the toes, and inflammation of the foot.
3. Causes: There is little research into Morton's neuroma and its exact causes are unknown, but specialists agree that it develops as a result of injury or excessive compression of the nerve. Some factors can encourage the development of Morton's disease, such as wearing very tight shoes or high heels. This causes constant pressure and irritation which could lead to poor tissue regeneration. An abnormality of the foot (e.g. flat or arched foot) could also be a cause of Morton's neuroma as well as an abnormal position of the toes.
4. Treatment: Morton's syndrome is treated with anti-inflammatory drugs or analgesics. If the pain persists, corticosteroid injections may also be considered. In any case, the person who suffers from a Morton's neuroma will have to wear wider shoes and low heels. In some cases, surgery to remove the neuroma will be necessary to relieve the pain.
