Causes of Morton's neuroma
Morton's neuroma is often caused by repeated pressure and irritation on the Morton's nerve in the toes. Factors and conditions that can lead to Morton's neuroma include:
- **Repeated and repeated pressure:** Excessive use of tight, high-heeled shoes or without proper support can cause repeated and repeated pressure on Morton's nerve. - **Swelling and inflammation:** Factors such as injury, trauma, improper bone fracture repair, advanced inflammation of the foot joint (such as rheumatoid arthritis) and infection can cause swelling and inflammation of Morton's nerve. - **Structural changes:** Structural changes in the leg such as nerve entanglement, nerve tumors, arterial entanglement, and tumor swelling may cause frequent pressure and irritation on Morton's nerve. - **Background factors:** Factors such as diabetes, obesity, consequences of foot surgery and natural changes in the foot can increase the risk of Morton's neuroma. Due to the various causes of Morton's neuroma, it is important to see a doctor so that an accurate diagnosis can be made for your cause and the appropriate treatment plan can be determined for you. Read about foot physiotherapy.
Symptoms of Morton's neuroma disease
Morton's neuroma may be associated with the following signs and symptoms:
- **Pain:** Severe and sharp pain in the toes, especially between the third and fourth toes, is one of the main symptoms of Morton's neuroma. This pain may become more intense for the slightest pressure and stimulation applied to Morton's nerve and appear as an attack or chronic. - ** Cramping and pressure: ** The feeling of cramping and pressure in the toes is also a symptom of Morton's neuroma. In general, too much pressure or pressure on the Morton's nerve causes irritation and the appearance of these symptoms. **Tingling and burning:** Tingling, burning and stinging in the toes may also be seen in Morton's neuroma. This sensitivity and abnormal feeling can be caused by stimulation of Morton's nerve. - **Sensory changes and skin condition:** In some cases, Morton's neuroma can lead to changes in sensation (less sensation or abnormal feeling) and skin condition in the toes. Sensitivity to touch may decrease and the skin in this abnormal area may change. It is important to know that Morton's neuroma cannot be definitively diagnosed based on the above symptoms; Therefore, it is necessary to see a specialist doctor, such as a surgeon or a neurologist, for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Read about the cause of hot feet.
Who are more susceptible to Morton's neuroma? Morton's neuroma can occur at any age, but some factors can make it more likely. The following people are at increased risk of developing Morton's neuroma:
- **Sex:** Women are generally exposed to this disease more than men. **Repeated pressure on the foot:** Excessive use of tight and inappropriate shoes, high heels or without proper support can increase repeated pressure on Morton's nerve and increase the risk of infection. - **Disorders of the toes:** People who have disorders in the structure or nature of the toes, such as nerve entrapment, consequences of foot surgery, normal foot changes and arterial entrapment, are at greater risk for Morton's neuroma. - **Underlying diseases and conditions:** Diseases such as diabetes, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis and other neurological diseases can increase the risk of Morton's neuroma. - **Sports or occupational activities:** People who perform frequent and high-intensity sports or occupational activities that put a lot of pressure on the foot and toes may be at increased risk for Morton's neuroma. It is important to know that these factors are the only factors that may increase the risk of Morton's neuroma, and any person may develop this disease even without these factors. Read about plantar fractures.
How to diagnose Morton's neuroma
Morton's neuroma can usually be diagnosed by a specialist such as a surgeon or a neurologist. To diagnose Morton's neuroma, the following steps may be taken:
### Check the symptoms and history of the disease
The doctor will first interview you to learn about the symptoms you are experiencing and your medical history. This includes the type and severity of the pain, when the symptoms occur, activities that may trigger the symptoms, and how the symptoms affect your daily life.
### Clinical review
The doctor examines the toes and the arch of the foot and looks for symptoms such as swelling, redness, changes in the sensation and condition of the skin, and other symptoms.
### Diagnostic tests
Certain diagnostic tests may be performed to confirm the diagnosis of Morton's neuroma. These tests may include neurological testing to check Morton's nerve function, imaging tests such as echography and radiography to detect structural changes in the foot, and the use of ultrasound to detect normal changes in the foot.
### Stimulation tests
Next, you can learn about Morton's neuroma (pain, cramping and tingling of the toes) with a short video.
According to the results of these examination steps, the doctor will be able to diagnose Morton's neuroma and determine the appropriate treatment plan.
Morton's neuroma treatment methods
Morton's neuroma treatment is generally divided into two methods: non-surgical treatment and surgical treatment. The treatment method used depends on the severity of symptoms, complications and the patient's response to non-surgical treatments. Next, we explain the treatment methods for Morton's neuroma:
### Non-surgical treatment
- **Changes in shoes:** Using shoes with a larger volume, the front part has more space and exerts less pressure on the toes. - **Using bandages and pads:** Using appropriate bandages and pads in areas where more pressure is applied to Morton's nerve can relieve some of the symptoms. - **Drugs:** Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen to reduce inflammation and pain, and use of neuroleptics such as gabapentin and pregabalin to reduce pain and relieve symptoms. - **Physiotherapy:** Strengthening and stretching exercises, massage and other physical therapy techniques may improve the symptoms of Morton's neuroma. Read more about ankle physiotherapy…
- **Local injections:** Injections of corticosteroids and anesthetics into Morton's nerve area may be effective in reducing inflammation and pain.
### Surgical treatment
- **Decompression surgery:** In this surgical method, pressure and compression on Morton's nerve is reduced. This includes cutting the muscles, reconstructing the underlying structures and freeing Morton's nerve. - **Surgery to change the nerve path:** In some cases, Morton's nerve is surgically directed to a new path so that there is less pressure and irritation on it. It is important that the treatment of Morton's neuroma is monitored by a specialist doctor and the appropriate treatment method is selected based on the severity of the symptoms and the patient's condition.
Physiotherapy of Morton's neuroma
Physiotherapy can be useful in the treatment of Morton's neuroma and relieve symptoms. Below are techniques and services that may be used in physical therapy to treat Morton's neuroma:
- **Strengthening and stretching exercises:** Physiotherapy can consider exercises such as leg muscle strengthening exercises, muscle flexibility and stretching, balance and strength exercises. These exercises aim to improve muscle function and strength and reduce pressure and irritation on Morton's nerve. - **Massage:** Local massage and massage techniques can help reduce inflammation, improve blood flow and reduce pain. Massage can be applied mildly and with less pressure on Morton's nerve area. - **Electrodiagnosis techniques (Electrodiagnosis):** These techniques include the use of electric current for diagnosis and treatment. For example, electrical stimulation of Morton's nerve can help relieve pain and improve nerve function. - **Use of pain modality (Pain Modulation):** Techniques such as repetitive electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and the use of heat and cold can help reduce pain and relieve the symptoms of Morton's neuroma. - **Training and changing movement patterns:** Physiotherapy can teach you correct movement patterns to reduce pressure and irritation on Morton's nerve. This includes changes in gait, daily movements, and the use of appropriate footwear. The exact physical therapy techniques and services for the treatment of Morton's neuroma depend on the specific condition and needs of each patient. It is better to consult a physiotherapist to determine the right treatment plan for you.
Concluding remarks
Physiotherapy plays a very important role in improving and treating Morton's neuroma. Physical therapy includes strengthening and flexibility exercises and techniques that speed recovery and help reduce symptoms and pain. Usually, the physiotherapist will prescribe specific exercises for you to do on a regular basis. You can contact the Radin Specialized Clinic to speed up your recovery with the best techniques and equipment by booking an appointment with the cooperation of the experienced staff of the complex.
