Motor Neuroma

WHAT IS MOTOR NEUROMA?

Motor Neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of your foot, most commonly noticed between the third and fourth toes. Motor Neuroma is characterised by thickening of the tissues surrounding the nerves between the toes. Wearing high heels and foot deformities, such as high arches and flat foot can be causing factors of Motor Neuroma.

Symptoms include:

• • • • • Sharp burning pain between the toes
        • Feeling like you are standing on a pebble in your shoes,
        • Tingling in the toes
        • Pain and numbness in the toes.
        • CAUSE: high heels, foot deformities (such as high arches, flat foot)

HOW DO WE DIAGNOSE MOTOR NEUROMA?

Clinicians will usually ask a series of questions, followed by an examination of the big toe. If necessary, they will recommend appropriate imaging, such as an ultrasound scan, X-Ray or MRI scan.

HOW DO WE TREAT MOTOR NEUROMA?

Conservative treatment is recommended for mild cases:

• • • • • Ice packs
        • Arch supports
        • Biomechanical assessment
        • Insoles can help
        • Physiotherapy, which includes stretching and strengthening the muscles and improving the range of movement.
        • Avoiding aggravating factors, such as strenuous exercise.
        • Over the counter medication, like paracetamol and ibuprofen. (It is important to speak to your GP or a Healthcare Professional before any medication is taken.)
        • Ultrasound Guided Steroid Injections are still used to manage acute pain and to reduce swelling and inflammation. However steroid injections have been shown to cause detrimental damage to tendons in the long term. Repeated steroid injections should be avoided.
        • Surgery may be recommended as a last resort in case of no response to other treatments.