MEDICAL DICTIONARY
Morton neuroma: A swollen inflamed nerve in the ball of the foot, usually between the base of the second and third toes, caused by chronic compression of a branch of the plantar nerve between the ends of the metatarsal bones. The disorder is especially common in women who wear high-heeled and/or narrow shoes.
Morton's neuroma causes a stinging sharp pain on the bottom of the foot that can radiate to the nearby toes. The pain may be increased by walking or when the ball of the foot is squeezed together; and the pain may be decreased with massaging. The diagnosis is made from the history of pain and examination elicits it. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound can confirm the diagnosis.
The symptoms can completely resolve with simple treatments: resting the foot, better fitting shoes with low or no heels and a wide toe box, a domed insert in the shoe to support the metatarsal arch, anti-inflammation medications, and ice packs. Rapid relief of symptoms can follow a local cortisone injection . For those with persistent symptoms, the swollen nerve tissue may be removed by surgery. This condition is named for the American surgeon Thomas George Morton (1835-1903), whose father was the dentist who discovered the anesthetic effect of ether.
Also known as Morton disease, Morton foot, Morton metatarsalgia, Morton nerve entrapment, Morton syndrome, and Morton toe; and Morton's disease, Morton's neuroma, Morton's foot, Morton's metatarsalgia, Morton's nerve entrapment, Morton's syndrome, and Morton's toe.
|
DISCLAIMER:
Information on this site is provided for informational
purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice
provided by your own physician or other medical professional.
You should not use the information contained herein
for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease,
or prescribing any medication. You should read carefully
all product packaging. Not all Canadian drugs, Canada
prescription and Canadian prescription medicine is available
at discount Canadian on line pharmacies. If you have
or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly
contact your health care provider. Information and statements
regarding diet supplements have not been evaluated by
Health Canada and are not intended to diagnose, treat,
cure, or prevent any disease. All trade and service
marks mentioned on this site are recognized as belonging
to their respective owners.
|
|
|
|
