Orthopaedic Surgery

Answer 2 Increased heel height to improve forefoot circulation and space redistribution. This treatment option is not useful for Morton’s neuroma, and in fact, would increase the pressure in the intermetatarsal spaces and amplify the pain by compression of the neuroma. Conservative treatments include metatarsal padding, icing, and arch taping to redistribute weight away from the neuroma and to avoid irritation. Custom-fitted orthotics and shoes with wide toe boxes are recommended, particularly for athletes and dancers. Local anesthetics are used for pain relief as are corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation. When conservative therapies fail, neurectomy or decompression can be performed using either a plantar or a dorsal approach.2 REFERENCES 2. Bennett GL, Graham CE, Mauldin DM. Morton’s interdigital neuroma: a comprehensive treatment protocol. Foot Ankle Int 1995;16:760-3. Click here to return to the questions

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