Morton's Neuroma

• Primary osteoarthritis with articular cartilage damage
• Secondary osteoarthritis: related to trauma or previous fractures such as LisFranc fracture / dislocations, or increased joint stress from adjacent joint disease
• Inflammatory arthropathy; most commonly rheumatoid arthritis
• Charcot neuroarthropathy

• Weight-bearing X-rays
• Ultrasound or MRI scans may be required

• Topical pain creams e.g. NSAIDS
• Pain medications e.g. NSAIDS such as Mobic or Panadol Osteo
• Shoe wear modification
  • wide toe boxed shoes
  • soft metatarsal bar
• Activity modification:
  • improve fitness and strength via non axial loading exercises e.g. cycling, swimming
  • avoid axial loading exercises e.g. running
• Injections
  • local anaesthetic/steroid
  • some patients have relief for up to 2 years

Surgery for Morton's neuroma involves making a small incision on the top of the foot to excise a portion of the nerve.

All surgery has risks involved, however every effort is made to reduce these risks. Risks include but are not limited to:

• Infection: superficial wounds or deep infections
• Clots: DVT (deep venous thrombosis) or PE (pulmonary embolus)
• Nerve damage: tingling, numbness or burning
• Ongoing pain
• Stiffness of the ankle joint
• General or anaesthetic risks including to the heart and lung
• Drug reactions/allergy
• Scarring or tethering of the skin
• Recurrence
• Calf weakness
• Revision surgery

There are increased risks of surgery in diabetics, smokers, significant peripheral vascular disease, severe neuropathy, previous or current infection which may preclude a patient from surgery.

View FootForward for Diabetes (run by Diabetes Australia) for more information on foot care.