This is a thickening of part of the nerve than runs between your toes. While it technically only refers to thickening of the nerve between the 3rd and 4th toes, it is commonly interlinked and refers to thickening between any of the toes.
To be very specific, nerve thickening on the outside of the 1st toe is called a Joplins neuroma, between the 1st and 2nd toe is called a Heuters neuroma, between the 2nd and 3rd toe is called a Hausers neuroma,, between 3rd and 4th toe is a Mortons neuroma and between 4th and 5th toe is called an Iselins Neuroma.
Anatomy
Anatomy picture in here would work best
Signs and Symptoms
Tingling, numbness, burning and stabbing pain are all possible complaints around the toes, top and bottom of the foot. The pain can radiate back up f the foot towards the leg as well. Very commonly described as a sensation of walking on a marble or that your socks are bunched up.
What causes Mortons Neuroma
Repeated compression and irritation of the interdigital nerves due to tight footwear or poor foot mechanics such as a low or high arched foot are reported as the most common causes.
Diagnosis
Clinical Symptoms and imaging will confirm a neuroma. Ultrasound is usually the most accurate but MRI can be used.
Clinical testing, we will look for a positive mulders click or pain recreation from lateral squeeze test.
Differential diagnosis
Stress fracture
Capsulitis
Bursitis
Flexor Tendonitis
Mortons Neuroma Treatment
Footwear changes, intrinsic foot muscle strengthening, toe spacers and orthotics can all help but a steroid injection is often required. At Happy Feet NI, we offer diagnostic ultrasound if required as part of the initial consultation and we can perform the steroid injection as well if needed.
Surgery
Surgical removal of the nerve can sometimes be required if all conservative treatments fail.