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Intermetatarsal (Morton’s) Neuroma, Sports Medicine

Amy Kakimoto, MD, DAAFP, CAQSM Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • An inflammatory fibrosing process of the interdigital nerve of the foot, characterized by pain on the plantar surface of the foot

  • Most commonly occurs between the heads of the 3rd and...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Intermittent, episodic pain, usually on the plantar surface of the foot between the 3rd and 4th metatarsals

  • Forefoot pain radiating to the affected interspace and toes 1[C]

  • Numbness or ...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Conservative treatment is almost always indicated initially.

  • Decrease pressure on metatarsal heads.

  • Wide toe box shoes or open footwear

  • Avoid repetitive toe dorsiflexion activit...

REFERENCES

1
McKean KA. Neurologic running injuries. Neurol Clin.  2008;26(1):281–296.
2
Pastides P, El-Sallakh S, Charalambides C. Morton’s neuroma: a clinical versus radiological diagnosis. Foot A...

ADDITIONAL READING

Kang JH, Chen MD, Chen SC, et al. Correlations between subjective treatment responses and plantar pressure parameters of metatarsal pad treatment in metatarsalgia patients: a prospe...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Morton neuroma usually causes pain in the 3rd intermetatarsal space.

  • Numbness or paresthesias are common.

  • Morton neuroma is a clinical diagnosis without need for routine imaging.

  • Treat fi...

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