Morton's neuroma in sports

Abstract

Morton's neuroma is a common cause of metatarsalgia which characterized by enlargement of interdigital nerve possibly due to nerve entrapment. Morton's neuroma is usually common among middle age population with female gender predominance. Diagnosis of Morton's neuroma is essentially clinical. Imaging modalities may help to delineate and localize the nerve lesion. Prone position foot MRI is associated with higher visibility of Morton's neuroma. Identification of Morton's neuroma, as a cause of metatarsalgia, tends to be missed by clinicians. Hence, high index of suspicion should be invested for this purpose. Proper footwear awareness should be emphasized among athletes. The cross-training shoes are discouraged for long distance running. Local steroid injection may provide temporary relief. Ultrasound-guided injection can improve the localization of injection. Neurectomy of the thickened nerve is considered the standard surgical treatment to date. Majority of surgeons prefer dorsal approach for first-time excision of Morton's neuroma despite of its limited exposure reserving the plantar approach to the revision cases. Plantar surgical approach provides direct anatomical access and allows wide exploration of the area of neuroma. Recurrent neuroma is a major concern after neurectomy. Deep burial of nerve stump within the intermetatarsal soft tissues might minimize the risk of recurrent neuroma formation.