The Musculoskeletal System
Lesson 2: Diseases and Disorders of the Feet
Section III: Metatarsalgia Disorders
2-11
2-11. MORTON'S NEUROMA
Neuromas or neuralgia develop at interdigital nerves. Interdigital nerves of the foot travel beneath the metatarsals extending distally over the ball of the foot to innervate the toes.
NOTE: Neuroma is a tumor or new growth made up largely of nerve cells and nerve fibers. Neuralgia is paroxysmal (sudden and violent) pain.
a. Signs/Symptoms of Morton's Neuroma
(1) Early signs and symptoms of this foot disorder include a mild ache or discomfort in the area of the head of the 4th metatarsal.
(2) Sometimes, the person may only feel a burning sensation or tingling in the toes.
(3) As the condition progresses, the patient may feel a burning sensation in the tips of the toes.
(4) The patient sometimes feels as if he has a marble or pebble inside the ball of his foot when he wears any type of footgear.
b. Treatment.
(1) Conservative treatment includes administering lidocaine for a simple case of neuralgia as well as the use of foot orthoses (orthopedic apparatus used to support, align, prevent, or correct deformities).
(2) If such treatment does not work, surgical incision of the neuroma often gives complete relief from pain.
