Can You Feel A Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma is the condition characterized by the growth of fibrous tissue on the plantar nerves. The plantar nerves innervate the sole of the feet. Various symptoms are experienced by the patient. The condition is progressive and reduces the quality of life.

There might not be any swelling or bulging in the patients suffering from Morton’s neuroma. However, patients do feel the following symptoms.

Tingling Sensation. The patient with Morton’s Neuroma experiences a tingling sensation in their toe. The patient feels that there is some pebble in the shoes.

Pain. Patient suffering from Morton’s neuroma feels pain which may be moderate to severe. The pain eases down during the night. The pain also radiates into the toes and the adjacent tissues.

Burning Sensation. Patient also feels burning sensation or stabbing in the foot due to the injury and neuroma in the nerves.

Numbness. When the sensory signals are unable to transmit through the affected nerve, the patient may feel numbness in the toes.

Difficulty Walking. Morton’s neuroma sometime reduces the quality of life of the patient. The pain is so severe that the patient is unable to walk.

Progressive Discomfort. Morton’s neuroma is a progressive condition and the symptoms associated with this condition also come and go. This causes a great deal of discomfort to the patient.

Prolonged Pain. Patient suffering from Morton’s neuroma has prolonged pain the severity of which may either be stagnant or increased.

Paraesthesia. Abnormal dermal sensation is also experienced by the patient suffering from Morton’s neuroma. These sensations include chilling, and pricking,

Morton’s neuroma, in most cases, is not visible from outside as there is no swelling, lump or bulging. However, the patient feels the symptoms of this condition.

Sole of the feet are innervated by a pair of plantar nerves. Due to constant pressure, irritation or trauma, the abnormal growth of fibrous tissue takes place on this nerve. This condition is known as Morton’s neuroma. The patient suffering from this condition feels pain, numbness, burning sensation and difficulty walking. This is a progressive condition. The symptoms of Morton’s neuroma are not visible from outside as there is no lump or bulging on the foot.

The condition is diagnosed through the process of exclusionary diagnosis and also with the help of imaging technique.

The treatment advised for this condition includes keeping less stress on the foot by wearing customized shoes and managing the pain through corticosteroid injections.

Although there is no exact known cause of Morton’s neuroma however, the following are the conditions that increase the risk of Morton’s neuroma.

Nerve Compression. Morton’s neuroma can be caused due to nerve compression. When there is a pressure on the nerve leading to the toes for a long period of time, it may lead to abnormal tissue growth on nerves.

Nerve Injury. Whenever there is a nerve injury, either due to trauma, accident or during surgery, there is a significantly higher risk of developing Morton’s neuroma.

Nerve Irritation. Generally, the nerve is at a deeper level below the skin. But when these nerves are constantly irritated, it may lead to abnormal growth of tissues and may lead to this type of neuroma.

Foot Deformities. Various foot deformities also increases the risk of Morton’s neuroma. Flat feet, high arches, and misshapen toes are some conditions that cause the development of Morton’s neuroma.

Sports. Various specific high impact sports cause significant stress on the feet. These sports include running, tennis, rock climbing, and skiing. People involved in these sports for a long period are at risk of developing Morton’s neuroma.

High Heels. Improper fit and discomfort shoes also put stress on the foot. Wearing high heels for a long time may also lead to Morton’s neuroma.

Morton’s neuroma can be felt by the patients due to its severity of symptoms and progression of the disease. The symptoms include pain, burning sensation, numbness, and difficulty walking.

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Also Read:

• Morton’s Neuroma or Morton’s Metatarsalgia or Plantar Neuroma: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
• Does Physical Therapy Help Morton’s Neuroma?
• How Big Is Morton’s Neuroma?
• Is Massage Good For Morton’s Neuroma?
• Where Do You Place The Pad For Morton’s Neuroma?