At the Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona, we have expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the foot, including Morton’s neuroma and Metatarsalgia. Our team of professionals here in Scottsdale, AZ, specializes in offering top-rated care so you can get back up on your feet. This article will point out the differences between Morton’s neuroma and Metatarsalgia, their symptoms, causes, and options for treatment.
Morton’s neuroma, also referred to as intermetatarsal neuroma, is a highly painful condition in the ball of the foot. Typically, this condition is located between the third and fourth toes. The thickening of tissue around one of your toe nerves is what causes this condition. That can cause sharp, burning pain or numbness in the affected area.
Metatarsalgia is a general term for pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot. Unlike Morton’s neuroma, it is not caused due to compression of the nerves but due to the increased pressure on metatarsal bones.
The most common symptoms are sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot; tingling or numbness in the toes; and a sensation like having a pebble in your shoe.
Many cases can be improved with footwear changes, orthotic inserts in the shoe, anti-inflammatory medications, or physical therapy.
You can also avoid Metatarsalgia with proper shoes that provide arch support and cushioning, along with maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding high-impact activities that tend to press down on the feet. Is Morton’s neuroma a common problem for an athlete? Yes, it is. Any athlete participating in high-impact sports, such as running and basketball, is most likely to experience Morton’s neuroma, which is related to repetitive stress and trauma in the feet.
You need to consult with a doctor if you have persistent foot pain that never seems to improve, particularly after resting. This is so especially when such is accompanied by swelling or bruising, or the pain seems bad enough to interfere with day-to-day activities.
This can be achieved with shoes that have a wide toe box, good arch support, and cushioning to reduce pressure on the ball of the foot. It is important to avoid high-heeled shoes and shoes that are too small or too tight.
Yes, by supporting and cushioning the foot, orthotic inserts can significantly reduce pressure on the affected areas and improve the alignment of the foot.
It may take some weeks to recover from Morton’s neuroma surgery. Most of the patients resume their normal activities within 6-8 weeks, although it may take a few months for complete recovery.
Yes, maintaining a healthy weight, choosing appropriate shoes, and incorporating a few foot-strengthening exercises into your practice will help reduce the chances and also prevent Metatarsalgia.
Clinicians can thus diagnose Morton’s neuroma and Metatarsalgia through a physical exam, ultrasound, MRI, or X-rays and treat accordingly with the best course of action in each case.
Although both Morton’s neuroma and Metatarsalgia can be very painful in the foot, these are two different conditions. As such, their treatments are the same. If you suspect the occurrence of any, it is more than imperative that you seek professional diagnosis and treatment for the same. At the Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona, we are experienced and knowledgeable to help you find relief from foot pain and get back to life. Contact us today and schedule an appointment to start your journey toward healthier feet.