What is the Best Treatment for Morton's Neuroma?

Morton’s Neuroma: Best Treatments for Foot Nerve Pain

Morton's neuroma occurs when a nerve in the foot becomes inflamed, typically giving a sharp or burning sensation that's like walking on a small pebble. The best treatment will vary depending on how severe your symptoms are and what best fits your lifestyle.

Initially, a few simple things, such as changing into more relaxed footwear, wearing special insoles, and icing or heating the area, can help. If these don't work, a foot specialist could prescribe steroid shots or, in a few cases, surgery to take pressure off or trim a portion of the nerve.

Read on to know more!

How is Morton's Neuroma Diagnosed?

A healthcare professional will diagnose Morton's neuroma with an examination.

Your healthcare professional will look at your feet. Inform your healthcare professional about when you first began experiencing symptoms and if specific actions or positions exacerbate them.

Your practitioner will gently press on areas near your toe bones. You may need to stand, walk, or change positions.

What are the treatment options for Morton's neuroma?

Treatment involves alleviating pressure and inflammation. A healthcare professional will provide guidance based on your symptoms.

Common treatments are:

• Better shoes: Opt for shoes with roomy, wide-toe boxes to take pressure off the nerve. The tight spots also can be loosened up with shoe stretchers.
• Shoe inserts: Pads bought over-the-counter can cushion the nerve and reduce pain.
• Orthotics: Prefabricated or custom inserts may be used to stabilise your foot and realign it.
• Medication for pain: Neuropathic medications (e.g., gabapentin) or topical treatments (e.g., capsaicin) may provide better relief. Pain and swelling are controlled by NSAIDs which may help with inflammation but are often ineffective for nerve pain. .
• Ice therapy: Ice packs ease pain and swelling. Always use a towel as a barrier before applying it directly to the skin.
• Corticosteroid injections: These can alleviate nerve inflammation, offering temporary relief from severe symptoms.
   

When Is Surgery Needed?

Most cases do not require surgery, but if conservative treatment doesn't work and walking becomes too painful, your physician may suggest a surgical intervention.

Surgeries for Morton's neuroma are:

• Neurectomy: Includes removing a portion of the inflamed nerve to block pain.
• Cryogenic neuroablation: Destroys part of the nerve using freezing temperatures to decrease its sensitivity.
• Radiofrequency ablation: Utilising heat from an electrical current to interfere with pain signals by destroying nerve tissue.
   

How Long Does It Take to Recover?

Following surgery, your foot and ankle will be carefully bandaged, and these dressings typically remain in place for about two weeks. You’ll be guided on how to walk safely using a special orthopaedic shoe that helps protect the surgical area. In most cases, patients are discharged and allowed to return home the same day as their procedure.

During the first week after surgery, it’s essential to rest your foot as much as possible. Try to avoid putting weight on it and keep it elevated to reduce swelling and encourage healing. By the end of this initial week, you’ll likely notice a significant decrease in pain.

Your return to work depends on the kind of work that you perform, but the majority of individuals can return to work during the second week following surgery.

During the third or fourth week after surgery, you may gradually resume physical activity beginning with low-impact activity. As your condition continues to improve, you may progressively raise the level of activity as recommended by your doctor.

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition that occurs as a result of an infection of a nerve in the foot, which, as a result, hinders walking and normal activities. Fortunately, most individuals get a satisfactory response using the right treatment process. If your hurting foot is getting worse, access the service of a health expert or podiatrist to get immediate attention and a diagnosis.

In addition to treatment, the health insurance plan can also protect you financially in case of medical emergencies. Star Health offers full cover, including cashless claims and 14,000+ network hospitals' services in India, to get assistance easily available at any moment.

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