Have you been diagnosed with Morton’s neuroma and don’t know what it is? Here we explain, symptoms, causes and remedies for Morton’s neuroma, but before we define it.
Morton’s neuroma (MN), also known as Morton’s interdigital neuroma or metatarsalgia, is thickening, inflammation, or enlargement of the nerve between the bones of the toes.
It can occur at any age, however, it most often affects middle-aged women.
MN most often occurs between the third and fourth fingers, typically in response to trauma, irritation, or excessive pressure. Also, it can occur on 1 foot or both feet.
MN was first described by Lewis Durlacher, Queen Victoria’s podiatric surgeon, as a form of neuralgic disease involving the distal plantar nerves.
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Morton’s neuroma symptoms
Common symptoms include:
a feeling that there is a marble or stone under the ball of the foot;
a feeling that there is a “sock” under the ball of the foot;
numbness;
tingle;
swelling between the toes;
pain in the forefoot between the toes;
shooting or sharp pain between the toes when walking or standing.
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Morton’s neuroma complications
People with MN can have problems with any activity that puts pressure on the foot, such as pressing the accelerator while driving a car.
Also, this foot condition can restrict weight-bearing physical activities like golfing, running, skiing, tennis, soccer, and football, as well as make walking difficult.
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Causes of Morton’s neuroma
The condition is due to an inflamed nerve in the ball of the foot, usually between the base of the third and fourth toes.
MN is usually caused by shoes that are too tight or have high heels.
Other causes are:
excessive dorsiflexion of the toes;
high arched foot (Cavo varus);
too much movement (hypermobility);
overpronation (when the arches of the foot roll down or in when walking).
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Morton’s Neuroma Risk Factors
Factors that seem to contribute to this foot condition include:
Foot deformities: people who have hammer toes (a contracture deformity of one or both joints of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th toes), bunions (form when tissue or bone in the joint on the bottom of the big toe moves out of place), flat feet or high arches;
Certain sports, including tight shoes such as rock climbing or snow skiing, can put extra stress on your toes. Additionally, participating in high-impact sports activities such as: running or jogging can subject your feet to repetitive trauma;
wearing high-heeled shoes, they can put pressure on the ball of the foot and toes.
Your podiatrist will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms.
Additionally, scans may be ordered to obtain a detailed image of the inside of the foot. These scans include:
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): is a non-invasive imaging technology that can detect the condition of the foot, even when there are no signs or symptoms;
Ultrasounds: This is a painless test that uses sound waves to create images of your foot and can identify MN with similar accuracy to an MRI.
X-rays: are a form of electromagnetic radiation.
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Home Remedies for Morton’s Neuroma
Ice Apply ice to sore areas to help reduce swelling
Marjoram This essential oil is produced from marjoram (Origanum marjorana), a type of herb generally found in Egypt, Hungary, France, Spain, Portugal, and Germany.
The oil acts as an arterial vasodilator, a natural pain reliever, a stimulant, and a tonic for the nervous system.
Note: Blends well with Cypress, Lavender, Bergamot, and Wild Orange essential oils.
Lavender It is produced through steam distillation of the flowers of the lavender herb.
Lavender essential oil helps reduce the damaging effects of stress on the body and is an anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving and anti-depressant agent.
Rosemary It has been used for centuries as an essential oil and healing herb in many different cultures and medical systems.
For Morton’s neuroma, apply rosemary essential oil topically to reduce pain and pain.
Note: Breathing in the scent of rosemary essential oil can help you remember information and focus.
basil essential oil It is an amazing antibacterial, antispasmodic, and antiviral essential oil used to relieve nerve pain.
Also, its anti-inflammatory attributes make it an effective natural remedy for small wounds, irritations, pains, and sores.
balsam fir It is an essential oil that has powerful analgesic effects on nerve pain due to its intense warming sensation.
Some of the compounds in balsam fir include:
Beta-bisabolene;
Delta-3-carene;
Beta-caryophyllene;
Beta-pinene;
Longifolene;
Alpha-pinene;
Terpinene;
limonene;
Tricycle
Terpinolene;
camphene
When inhaled with steam through a diffuser, balsam fir essential oil has anti-inflammatory effects.
Mint It has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, antiviral, carminative, and antispasmodic properties.
Peppermint oil helps relieve pain, relaxes muscles, increases circulation, and supports the nervous system.
Chamomile German chamomile (botanical name – Matricaria recutita) is distilled from the dried flowers of the plant.
It has anti-inflammatory properties and is effective in restoring balance and calm.
ylang-ylang essential oil It has healing properties that repair nerve damage.
Tip: This essential oil has been used in herbal medicine to treat malaria.
Helichrysum Helichrysum has antiviral, antimicrobial, antifungal, antibiotic, antispasmodic, antioxidant, anticoagulant (blood thinning), anticatarrhal (mucus clearing), and antibacterial properties.
The oil helps relieve nerve pain while healing and regenerating damaged nerves.
Eucalyptus With its antispasmodic, pain-relieving, and anti-inflammatory attributes, eucalyptus oil is a popular choice for treating nerve pain.
Other home remedies include:
magnesium oil
cannabidiol (CBD) oil;
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Other treatment for Morton’s neuroma
Injection therapy: This may include injections of local anesthetics or cortisone (a type of medication that suppresses inflammation);
physical therapy;
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or pain relievers may be prescribed, such as – aspirin or ibuprofen to reduce inflammation and pain;
Rest your foot and especially avoid activities that put repetitive pressure on your foot until the condition improves;
Wearing padding or arch supports for your shoes;
Perform exercises to strengthen the toes and ankles;
Massage the ball of the foot;
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Prevention
Prevention methods include:
Stretch regularly;
Wear shoes designed with a wide toe box;
Fit your shoes with the socks you plan to wear during physical exercise;
Wear specific sports shoes;
Wear shoes that have good cushioning in the forefoot.
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