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.
What is Morton’s Neuroma?
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.
Symptoms of Morton Neuroma
- Sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot
- Tingling or numbness in the toes
- The feeling of a pebble in the shoe
- Pain worsened with activity or tight shoes
Causes of Morton’s Neuroma
- Repetitive stress or trauma to the foot
- Tight or high-heeled shoes
- Foot deformity such as bunions or hammertoes
- High-impact sports such as running or basketball
Treatment for Morton’s Neuroma
- Shoe modification – wider toe box
- Orthotic arch support with pressure reduction
- Anti-inflammatory medications or cortisone injections
- Physical therapy and exercises to strengthen the muscles of the foot
- In severe cases, surgical removal of the neuroma
What is Metatarsalgia?
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.
Symptoms of Metatarsalgia
- Aching, sharp, or burning pain in the ball of the foot
- Pain that occurs or is increased by activity and relieved by rest
- Swelling and bruising in the affected area
- Tingling or numbness in the toes
Causes of Metatarsalgia
- Overuse, high-impact activities
- Poorly fitting shoes with not enough support
- Foot deformities, such as hammertoes or high arches
- Increased weight puts additional pressure on the feet
Treatment for Metatarsalgia
- Rest and ice
- Good, appropriate shoes with arch support and cushioning
- Orthotic inserts to distribute pressure
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Physical therapy to strengthen the foot muscles and to enhance flexibility
Key Differences Between Morton’s Neuroma and Metatarsalgia
- Cause: The cause of Morton’s neuroma is compression of the nerve, while in Metatarsalgia, it is pressure on the metatarsal bones.
- Symptoms: Morton’s neuroma consists of sharp pain, burning sensation, and numbness between the toes; on the other hand, Metatarsalgia generally has pain in the ball of the foot.
- Anatomical site: Morton’s neuroma typically involves the third and fourth toes, whereas Metatarsalgia is a more generalized term and may involve any area of the ball of the foot. Treatment: Whereas appropriate footwear and the use of orthotics are helpful in both, corticosteroid injections and surgical management are possible in Morton’s neuroma but are not in Metatarsalgia. Frequently Asked Questions What are the most common symptoms of Morton’s neuroma?
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.
Additional FAQs
How is Morton’s neuroma treated?
Many cases can be improved with footwear changes, orthotic inserts in the shoe, anti-inflammatory medications, or physical therapy.
How can I prevent Metatarsalgia?
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.
When should I see a doctor for foot pain?
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.
What kind of shoes am I to wear in case I am having a Morton’s neuroma?
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.
Can orthotics help with both Morton’s neuroma and Metatarsalgia?
Yes, by supporting and cushioning the foot, orthotic inserts can significantly reduce pressure on the affected areas and improve the alignment of the foot.
How long does one take to recover from Morton’s neuroma surgery?
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.
What are some of the lifestyle changes that I can do to alleviate Metatarsalgia?
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.
What diagnostic tests help distinguish Morton’s neuroma from 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.
Conclusion
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.
