Morton's Neuroma
Morton’s Neuroma in Dubai
What is Morton’s Neuroma ?
Morton’s Neuroma is an inflammation and thickening of a nerve in the foot, which is seen between the metatarsal bones. This condition causes mild pain in the feet. In rare cases, foot and ankle surgeon in Dubai recommend surgery as Morton’s neuroma treatment.
What causes Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s Neuroma is thought to result from repeated trauma or nerve friction between the metatarsal bones and the tight ligament under which the nerve passes. The neuroma most frequently occurs between the third and fourth toes. It is more common in women than men. Tight shoes and certain repetitive exercises can aggravate the nerve irritation.
What symptoms are present?
Common symptoms include pain in the ball of the foot. There can be an associated burning sensation that radiates to the toes or pins and needles in your toes. Sometimes there is numbness in your toes.
How do Foot and Ankle Surgeon in Dubai diagnose the condition?
Foot doctor will take a history and examine your foot. He will look for a palpable mass or a ‘click’ between the bones. An x-ray may be required to rule out a stress fracture or arthritis of the small joints.
An ultrasound scan usually confirms the nerve thickening. Sometimes an MRI scan is done to see the thickened nerve.
What are the treatment options?
The initial treatment includes the measures to off-load this painful area, such as off-the-counter metatarsal pads, changes to your footwear (broad relaxed shoes or open sandals), and activity modifications that can help the pain.
A corticosteroid injection is done around the nerve in the clinic under local anaesthesia, which will help reduce the swelling and inflammation of the nerve.
In a few cases, Dr K P Meda, a foot and ankle surgeon in Dubai, recommends surgery when the above methods do not relieve pain. The surgery for Morton’s neuroma treatment aims to remove the thickened nerve of the painful neuroma. The surgeon makes a tiny incision (cut) on the top of the foot between the toes. The nerve is sent to the laboratory to check under the microscope to confirm the neuroma. Generally a day case procedure, this surgery is carried out under a general anaesthetic with an injection in the foot to numb it.
Having foot pain? Consult Dr K P Meda, a revered foot and ankle surgeon in Dubai.
