MORTON NEUROMA

Morton's neuroma occurs as a result of thickening of one or more of the nerves going to the toes or the thickening of the ligament between the nerves' phalanx bones and compressing the nerve. It is usually between 3-4 fingers. Although the exact cause is unknown, it usually occurs as a result of repetitive trauma, wearing high heels and tight shoes, and excessive pressure and irritation on the bones. For this reason, it is seen 8-10 times more often in women than in men.

What Are the Symptoms of Morton's Neuroma?

• Burning pain
• Nickness, tingling, numbness in 3-4 toes with activity or wearing high heels or narrow-toed shoes
• Swelling (but can be felt at a very advanced stage)

How is Morton's Neuroma Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made primarily by a doctor's examination. Your doctor inquires about the form, duration of your complaints, and the reasons for the pain. Then, other factors that may cause foot pain (calcification, stress fracture) are excluded and the definitive diagnosis is made by MRI.

TREATMENT

Conservative Treatment (Non-surgical treatment)

• Shoe selection: It is necessary to avoid high-heeled and narrow-toed shoes that can cause pain and numbness, and instead of these, shoes with wide toes and soft soles should be preferred.
• Insoles: Insoles placed in the shoes and supporting the sole arch can help reduce complaints.
• Drug Therapy: B-vitamin complex can be used together with edema-solving drugs such as NSAI (ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.). The response of patients to these drugs may be different.​
• Cortisone Injection: Cortisone is a very strong anti-inflammatory drug. In cases where there is no response to treatment with normal anti-inflammatory drugs, cortisone injection can be applied to reduce the complaints of pain and numbness. This process can be repeated 2-3 times. However, although this provides relief for a certain period of time, the complaints often recur. Many studies have shown that the use of wider, more comfortable shoes, the use of special insoles, anti-inflammatory drugs, and cortisone injections provide 60% relief from symptoms in people with Morton's Neuroma.

Surgical treatment
In cases where conservative treatment is unsuccessful, surgery is required. The surgery is performed with a 2-3 cm incision made on the back of the foot. In the surgery, either the thickened nerve is removed or if there is any structure that is compressing the nerve, it is loosened. Patients who have surgery usually do not need to stay in the hospital, but depending on the patient's pain, they can stay overnight. After the operation, the patient is allowed to step on and walk as much as the pain allows.