All You Need to Know About Different Treatment Options for Morton’s Neuroma
Do you experience consistent pain in your toes or feel like you’re walking on marble even when you’re not? According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, these symptoms indicate that you may have Morton’s neuroma.
Before you get too concerned, though, it’s not a tumor.
Here’s all you need to know about the condition, as well as possible treatment options:
What is Morton’s Neuroma?
According to Harvard Medical School, Morton’s Neuroma is the name given to a benign swelling that develops between your third and fourth toe. The condition is also known as forefoot neuroma or interdigital neuroma.
Although non-cancerous in nature, no one really knows how or why the swelling initiates. However, once it sets in, it puts pressure on the nerves and causes irritation at the base of the toes.
Other symptoms include numbness, a tingling sensation, and a burning feeling in the toe area. Many patients describe the sensation as if someone placed a hot pebble between their toes. In most cases, the symptoms may worsen if you keep standing for long hours or wear uncomfortable shoes.
The condition is around eight times more common in women compared to men.
What are the treatment options?
For temporary relief, your doctor will suggest resting the foot, switching to shoes that have plenty of toe space, anti-inflammatory medicines, and of course, ice packs. Most of these non-surgical treatment options are only viable if you get diagnosed early on.
Other non-surgical treatment options include padding to reduce the pressure on the nerves and the use of custom orthopedic devices. Your doctor may also suggest certain activity modifications.
However, in the long run, surgery is the only option, especially if your condition doesn’t respond well to non-surgical treatment options.
What does minimally-invasive surgery entail?
Surgery can be circumvented in two ways: either by using electrolysis to save the nerves or by removing the nerve altogether. The first option is less invasive than the latter. The process is also known as nerve decompression. This is done by repositioning the metatarsal bones and not necessarily amputating the nerve.
Since the nerve isn’t cut off, this procedure results in lesser scarring and irritation.
Since the patient doesn’t go under the knife with this method, the foot can go back to normal functioning immediately afterward.
These surgeries are carried out by a foot and ankle specialist and not ordinary physicians. Although the procedure is minimally-invasive, you can still opt for anesthesia if you wish to. Most foot and ankle surgeons either suggest general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia.
The best way to deal with Morton’s Neuroma is to get an expert opinion from a podiatric doctor for your condition in Miami. Don’t delay your treatment and get in touch with us at Foot & Ankle Institute Miami Beach.