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Morton’s Neuroma or Intermetatarsal Neuroma

ICD 10 - T87.30

A neuroma is a thickening of the tissue that surrounds a nerve. A morton’s neuroma is a specific neuroma in the toes between the third and fourth toes. A neuroma can also occur in other parts under the ligaments of the metatarsals and of the foot. Morton’s neuroma is 8-10x more likely to occur in women than in men. High-heeled shoes and tapered toe boxes in the shoe are thought to be common causes for this pathology.

Symptoms:

• Tingling, burning or numbness in the metatarsals radiating out toward the toes
• Pain
• A sensation of a lump inside the forefoot

Diagnosis:

To confirm a diagnosis, a clinician will observe the patient’s past medical history, perform a physical examination and possibly order imaging studies to see the extent of the damage around the nerve.

Treatment:

For most mild cases of neuromas, treatment will be conservative and nonsurgical. A normal treatment plan can include padding under the arch of the foot, icing, wearing orthotics, modifying the type of shoes worn, NSAIDs and modifying daily physical activities. Surgery may be a possible treatment for patients that have seen no benefit from conservative care and have developed a late stage neuroma.

Sources:

https://footcaremd.org/conditions-treatments/toes/mortons-neuroma 
https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/morton-s-neuroma-(intermetatarsal-neuroma) 
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/mortons-neuroma/