$Unique_ID{BRK00765}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Does Cortisone Help Cure Morton's Neuroma?}
$Subject{Morton's Neuroma foot musculoskeletal Nervous swelling nerve between
toes metatarsalgia interdigital nerves burning injection lidocaine anesthetic
cortisone injections surgery surgeries operation operations}
$Volume{M-2}
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Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Does Cortisone Help Cure Morton's Neuroma?


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QUESTION:  I hope you can be of some help to me regarding Morton's Neuroma.  I
have the problem and seem to get different opinions regarding the cure.  Does
cortisone help?  What do most people do and what are the results?

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ANSWER:  Morton's Neuroma is caused by a swelling in the nerve which runs
between the third and fourth toes.  This swelling is squeezed between the
bones of the toe and the ground, causing the pain and discomfort.  It is one
of a group of disorders associated with "metatarsalgia," a general term used
to describe pain over the ball of the foot.  Such neuromas may develop in
other interdigital nerves, and more often affect just one foot, although they
may occur in both feet.  It is more common in women than men.  The pain is
usually described as burning in nature and may radiate to other parts of the
foot.  The soreness can persist even at rest and prevent sleep.  Sometimes
patients describe a sensation of a marble or pebble inside the the ball of the
foot.  An injection of lidocaine (a local anesthetic) into the painful area
can often provide lasting relief.  Yes, cortisone, in a long acting form, is
useful in some cases, and is injected along with the lidocaine into the area
of the nerve affected with the neuroma.  These injections may have to be
repeated 2 or 3 times to achieve complete relief.  A properly designed foot
pad to relieve some of the pressure on the nerve may be helpful.  When all
conservative means fail to bring relief, surgery may be performed to remove
the neuroma, usually resulting in the complete relief of the pain.  Most
people treated in one of these manners achieve a satisfactory result, and are
permanently relieved of their pain.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.