Morton neuroma is an injury to the nerve between the toes that causes thickening and pain. It commonly affects the nerve that travels between the 3rd and 4th toes.
Morton neuralgia; Morton toe syndrome; Morton entrapment; Metatarsal neuralgia; Plantar neuralgia; Intermetatarsal neuralgia; Interdigital neuroma; Interdigital plantar neuroma; Forefoot neuroma
The exact cause is unknown. Doctors believe the following may play a role in the development of this condition:
Morton neuroma is more common in women than in men.
Symptoms may include:
In rare cases, nerve pain occurs in the space between the 2nd and 3rd toes. This is not a common form of Morton neuroma, but symptoms and treatment are similar.
Nonsurgical treatment is tried first. Your provider may recommend any of the following:
Anti-inflammatories and painkillers are not recommended for long-term treatment.
In some cases, surgery is needed to remove the thickened tissue and inflamed nerve. This helps relieve pain and improve foot function. Numbness after surgery is permanent.
Elena Samaila practices in Verona, Italy. Samaila is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Morton Neuroma. She is also highly rated in 2 other conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Morton Neuroma, Metatarsalgia, Neuralgia, Hip Replacement, and Hip Resurfacing.
Michael Seiberg is a Podiatric Medicine specialist and a Podiatric Surgeon in La Quinta, California. Seiberg has been practicing medicine for over 32 years and is rated as a Distinguished expert by MediFind in the treatment of Morton Neuroma. He is also highly rated in 16 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Ingrown Toenail, Ledderhose Disease, Plantar Fasciitis, and Fibromatosis. He is licensed to treat patients in California. Seiberg is currently accepting new patients.
Paul Han is a Podiatric Medicine specialist and a Podiatric Surgeon in Duarte, California. Han has been practicing medicine for over 40 years and is rated as a Distinguished expert by MediFind in the treatment of Morton Neuroma. He is also highly rated in 11 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Bunions, Morton Neuroma, Tendinitis, and Ingrown Toenail. He is licensed to treat patients in California. Han is currently accepting new patients.
Nonsurgical treatment does not always improve symptoms. Surgery to remove the thickened tissue is successful in most cases.
Complications may include:
Call your provider if you have constant pain or tingling in your foot or toe area.
Avoid ill-fitting shoes. Wear shoes with a wide toe box or lower heels.
Summary: This is a Proof-of-Concept Trial to define the safety, efficacy and feasibility of a cryoanalgesic device (iovera°®) for the treatment of pain in subjects diagnosed with Morton's Neuroma, who have failed conservative therapies.
Summary: The purpose of this study is to perform a radiofrequency procedure prior to the removal of morton's neuroma. This procedure would be performed to check in which percentage of the nerve ablation has been performed, and whether the current protocol is performed correctly or parts of the nerve remain intact.
Published Date: June 13, 2021
Published By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
McGee DL. Podiatric procedures. In: Roberts JR, Custalow CB, Thomsen TW, eds. Roberts & Hedges' Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 51.
Shi GG. Morton's neuroma. In: Frontera WR, Silver JK, Rizzo TD Jr, eds. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Musculoskeletal Disorders, Pain, and Rehabilitation. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 91.