Morton’s Neuroma is
classified as a nerve compression syndrome involving the common digital nerves
found alongside the toes. A neuroma is a
growth or tumor of nerve tissue that can develop due to habitual pressure and
irritation. This tumor that develops at the affected nerve is known as
perineural fibrosis. Morton’s
neuroma is most commonly seen at the 3rd common digital nerve, in the 3rd interspace
of the forefoot near the toes. This condition is most common in women, and
during middle age. The etiology of Morton’s neuroma surrounds nerve compression
due to impingement of the nerve by a deep ligament, or the adjacent metatarsal
heads. The compression that is the primary cause of this nerve irritation is
generally caused by, but not limited to; shoes that have a narrow toe box, high
heeled shoes, or pathologies that stem from irregularities in the gait cycle.
The
symptoms that generally present with a Morton’s neuroma are
pain that radiates to the toes, or more proximally into the foot, burning,
numbness and tingling. Additionally, the pain is often times described as
sharp. Many patients will describe the feeling or sensation of having a pebble
or sock bunched up under the ball of their foot. Pain usually worsens with
walking, and is almost always further exacerbated by wearing shoes that cause
compression at the metatarsal heads.
The diagnosis of a Morton’s neuroma is based upon clinical presentation. A podiatrist like Dr. Michael Garvin will use a variety of minimally invasive techniques to accurately diagnose this nerve condition, so patients can get back to being pain free as soon as possible. If any of these aforementioned symptoms sound similar to pain you’re currently experiencing do not hesitate to contact one of Dr. Garvin’s offices in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, or browse through his website for additional information.
