Treating Morton's Neuroma with Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care for Morton's neuroma is an effective option for relieving the painful and debilitating condition.

Morton's neuroma, also known as interdigital neuralgia, is a condition that involves the thickening of tissue located between the toes. This thickening can cause pain and other symptoms in the affected foot. The condition is typically treated with conservative measures like rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. More severe cases may require surgery to alleviate symptoms.

How Do You Know If You Have Morton's Neuroma?

The cause of this thickening is not entirely clear, but it is believed that excessive pressure on the toes, either from wearing tight shoes or standing for long periods, can cause the tissue to thicken. 

If you suspect that you have Morton's neuroma, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible since the condition can worsen if left untreated.

Symptoms

Symptoms include: 

• Pain
• Tingling
• Numbness in one or more toes 

This condition can sometimes be confused with other nerve disorders that cause similar symptoms, such as a pinched nerve or peripheral neuropathy. However, there are some key differences to be aware of that can help you distinguish between the conditions. 

For example, the pain caused by Morton's neuroma tends to be localized in one specific area, while the pain from a pinched nerve often happens in multiple locations. Similarly, it typically causes intense pain that worsens in response to pressure placed on the affected foot, while a pinched nerve usually produces milder, more widespread pain. 

Diagnosis

There are several different ways that Morton's neuroma can be diagnosed, including:

• Diagnostic imaging techniques like ultrasound, X-rays, or MRI scans
• Physical examination of the foot and ankle by a healthcare professional 

There are also a few other tests that can be used to diagnose Morton's neuroma, including: 

• Nerve conduction studies, which involve using electrodes placed on the skin to measure the electrical activity of the nerves or electromyography (EMG)
• Injection test to see if the pain gets worse after the injection

While no single test is perfect for diagnosing Morton's neuroma, combining multiple tests can improve accuracy and help guide treatment options if needed. 

Can Morton's neuroma go away on its own?

Some cases of Morton's neuroma can resolve on their own without treatment, but there are steps you can take to ease symptoms and promote recovery.

What happens if Morton's neuroma is left untreated?

Left untreated, it can lead to tingling and numbness in your toes and difficulty moving your feet properly.

How Morton's Neuroma Is Treated By a Chiropractor

The primary goal of chiropractic treatment for Morton's neuroma is reducing pain and inflammation. A chiropractor can use several different techniques to accomplish this, including chiropractic adjustments, manual therapy, and massage.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy cannot cure Morton's neuroma, but it can offer some relief from symptoms and help keep the condition from worsening.

Musculoskeletal Manipulation

Musculoskeletal manipulation is a popular treatment option for people with Morton's neuroma. While many practitioners claim that this manipulation can help relieve pain and other symptoms associated with the condition, scientific research has not yet determined whether it is effective.

Acupuncture 

Acupuncture is a type of alternative therapy used for centuries to help treat various conditions and diseases. Some believe it is effective for relieving pain caused by Morton's neuroma, a condition characterized by painful nerve compression in the ball of the foot.

Conclusion

Finding a chiropractor that treats Morton's neuroma can be challenging, especially if you're unfamiliar with the treatment options available for this condition. Here are some tips to help you find a practitioner who is right for you:

• Start by talking to your trusted primary care provider or another healthcare professional. 
• If you're still looking for a practitioner through your regular healthcare provider, look for recommendations from people in your community or online. 
• Once you've found a few potential candidates, be sure to do some research on their experience and qualifications.

Dr. Darren Faherty D.C.

In 2004, Dr. Darren Faherty graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from UWEC - University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. Dr. Darren continued education at the highly esteemed University of Western States (formerly Western States Chiropractic College) where he obtained his chiropractic degree in 2007. He has been helping people recover from injuries and return to their normal lifestyles ever since.