Introduction
Mortons neuroma is an inflammation of a nerve in the foot. It is painful and might make one feel like stepping on a marble. These symptoms are most likely manageable with at-home therapies and over-the-counter pain medicines. Morton's neuromas are not malignancies but thickenings in the existing nerve tissue. The afflicted nerve is thicker and swollen. This can make walking unpleasant or difficult. Pain is typically felt on the ball of the foot, between the toes. It may feel like the person has a stone in the sole or is treading on a marble.
What Is Mortons Neuroma?
Mortons neuroma is a type of compressive neuropathy. It affects the forefoot interdigital nerve. Neuropathy is caused mostly by compression and irritation of the plantar region of the transverse intermetatarsal ligament. The disorder is not a real neuroma because it is progressive rather than malignant. Mortons neuroma, which occurs between the third and fourth metatarsal heads, is the most prevalent location for interdigital neuromas. Mortons neuroma is more frequent in middle-aged women, and it is five times more common in women than in men. The precise occurrence is unknown. Both feet are rarely affected. It is common to find two neuromas on the same foot.
What Causes Mortons Neuroma?
Mortons neuromas develop when a nerve between the toes becomes inflamed and swells. Although the exact source of the inflammation is not always known, experts believe that pressure on the toes and the nerves that connect them, as well as the ball of the foot, are the most likely culprits. The chance of getting a Mortons neuroma may rise when one engages in the following activities:
-
Wearing shoes with small, pointy toes or high heels.
-
Running, tennis, and other racquet sports.
-
Working physically demanding jobs that need people to be on their feet all day.
Certain foot health issues, such as flat feet, may increase the chance of developing Mortons neuroma. They are:
-
Feet with a high arch.
-
Bunions.
-
Foot injuries (as a result of a sports injury or trauma).
What Are the Symptoms Associated With Mortons Neuroma?
Mortons neuroma patients might be either clinically symptomatic or asymptomatic. Mortons neuroma patients may have the following symptoms:
-
Intermetatarsal pain or paresthesias in the toes, and dorsal web space.
-
Weight-bearing or wearing high-heeled shoes exacerbates the pain.
-
Taking off the footwear and carefully massaging the forefoot can generally relieve the ache.
-
The pain is frequently intense and can be debilitating to the point that the sufferer is scared to move or even put their foot on the ground.
-
The patient may experience burning in the intermetatarsal regions.
-
One feels the presence of a mass in the feet.
-
Trauma might cause symptoms to appear.
-
Patients may notice changed sensations and that they have a "pebble in their shoe.
-
Walking or running aggravates the pain.
What Is the Role of Physiotherapist in Managing Mortons Neuroma?
Physiotherapists are crucial in the treatment of Mortons neuroma. They examine the gait and foot mechanics to better understand the pathophysiology and etiology of Mortons neuroma. Mortons neuroma pain frequently drives people to walk in a specific way to reduce their weight over the ball of the foot to prevent pain. If done for an extended time, this gait adjustment might lead to issues such as arthritis along with back pain. Physiotherapists can recommend gait adjustments to assist in restoring optimal body mechanics and balance, which can aid healing and rejuvenation.
What Are the Physiotherapy Approaches for Mortons Neuroma?
Rest and massage, footwear, and activity restriction are the primary lines of conservative treatment. Although manual therapy has been demonstrated to be useful for pain relief and symptom resolution there is little data to back this up. It is predicted that manual therapy will change afferent nociceptive barrages, restore sensorimotor mismatches, and stimulate descending antinociceptive pathways. As a result, it appears that using manual therapy in cases of discomfort is reasonable. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is a potentially effective therapy for pain relief in Mortons neuroma sufferers.
When Should Someone Use Physiotherapy for Mortons Neuroma?
-
Mortons Neuroma in the Early Stages - Physical therapy in combination with orthotics and over-the-counter pain relievers is an effective first step in the treatment of Mortons neuroma in its early stages. In the early stage of Mortons neuroma, pain comes only occasionally and is typically intensified by specific shoes.
-
Ablation of Mortons Neuroma - To treat Mortons neuroma, doctors employ a variety of ablation methods. Following the course of therapy, patients should pursue physiotherapy to assist in strengthening their muscles and address any walking (gait) defects caused by past Mortons symptoms. Orthotics can also aid with gait issues. If left untreated, these gait irregularities can cause back discomfort, arthritis, and other problems.
Physical therapy and other holistic treatment modalities are beneficial in the long-term management of Mortons neuroma. Individuals who choose other modes of care should consider physical therapy to aid in the healing and rehabilitation process. It is critical to see a physiotherapist who has extensive experience with Mortons neuroma.
What Happens if Mortons Neuroma Is Not Treated?
If left untreated, a Mortons neuroma can cause nerve damage or chronic discomfort in the affected foot. Consult a doctor as soon as someone discovers any Mortons neuroma symptoms. The sooner a clinician diagnoses and treats Mortons neuroma, the less likely problems are.
Conclusion
A Mortons neuroma is a nerve irritation in the foot. It can make walking, standing, and other daily activities extremely unpleasant. Fortunately, most Mortons neuroma patients discover that their symptoms can be relieved with a mix of therapy. If someone has foot discomfort, see a doctor or a podiatrist, especially if it is growing worse.
