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Morton's Neuroma is a condition in which patients experience a painful sensation while walking or even just standing. It's often described as stepping on a pebble in your shoe, typically between the third and fourth toes. In addition to the pain, Morton’s Neuroma can also cause tingling or numbness in the balls of the feet.

Morton's Neuroma - Not a Cancer

"Unlike other nerve conditions or terminology of the condition, Morton's Neuroma is not cancerous. It's simply an abnormal thickening of the tissue around a nerve between the third and fourth toes, where the condition typically develops," says Dr. Pradeep Moonot, a leading foot and ankle surgeon in Mumbai.

Though Morton's Neuroma can often be overlooked, leaving it untreated can lead to severe complications, including:

1. Chronic Pain: Patients usually experience pain between the third and fourth toes of their feet, which interferes with daily activities and severely affects their quality of life.
2. Altered Gait: Foot pain naturally changes how a person walks, which can lead to abnormal walking patterns and further damage to the foot.
3. Nerve Damage: If left untreated, the prolonged compression of the nerve due to thickened tissue can result in permanent nerve damage.
4. Psychological Implications: Many people ignore the condition, hoping it will resolve independently. Unfortunately, this isn't usually the case. Chronic pain left unaddressed can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression in some cases.

Though anyone can develop Morton's Neuroma, women are more likely to experience it. "The majority of patients we treat for Morton's Neuroma tend to be women," says Dr. Pradeep Moonot.

What Causes Morton's Neuroma?

The exact cause of Morton's Neuroma isn't completely understood, but it is widely believed that nerve entrapment, where the nerve gets squeezed between the metatarsal bones, leads to swelling and abnormal tissue growth around the nerve.

One of the main risk factors for developing Morton's Neuroma, especially in women, is wearing narrow shoes or high heels for prolonged periods. These types of footwear can increase the risk of nerve compression and contribute to the development of the condition.

Treatment Options for Morton's Neuroma

In most cases, Morton's Neuroma can be managed without surgery using simple non-surgical treatments like:

1. Footwear Change: Avoid narrow-fitting shoes or high heels, and opt for wider shoes that give your feet plenty of space to move comfortably.
2. Orthotics: Custom orthotic devices, such as metatarsal pads, can help distribute pressure more evenly across the foot and alleviate pain.
3. Injections: Advanced injection therapy can be used to treat mild cases of Morton's Neuroma. These injections help reduce swelling and pain while improving foot movement.
4. Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can also help strengthen and stretch the foot muscles, relieve pain, and improve overall foot function.

In cases where conservative treatments do not provide sufficient relief, surgery may be recommended. One standard procedure is Neurectomy, which involves removing the affected portion of the nerve to reduce pain and prevent further complications significantly. Recovery from surgery may take several weeks to a month, depending on the severity of the condition. Patients are advised to avoid weight-bearing activities during recovery, take regular pain medication, and attend physical therapy sessions to aid in recovery.

If you're experiencing symptoms of Morton's Neuroma, it’s crucial not to ignore the early signs and seek professional treatment as early as possible. If you are in Mumbai, Dr Pradeep Moonot is the best orthopedic foot and ankle doctor with exceptional track record in treating Morton’s Neuroma. You can contact him here.