Neuroma plantar disease – symptoms, causes, diagnosis & stem cell therapy

Neuroma Plantar, known as Morton’s neuroma, leads to pain in the foot’s ball. This occurs because the tissue around the toe’s nerve thickens. It’s crucial to tell this apart from metatarsalgia, which is similar but not the same.

Doctors may use a clinical exam, ultrasound, or MRI to diagnose Neuroma Plantar. These tests confirm the condition and check for other causes of foot pain. Sometimes, Neuroma Plantar isn’t identified because it looks like other foot problems.

At first, doctors usually recommend non-invasive treatments to lessen Neuroma Plantar’s pain. This can involve wearing special shoe inserts, taking medicine to reduce swelling, or getting steroid shots. Many people find these treatments helpful. But, if they don’t work, surgery might be the next step.

One new and hopeful treatment for Neuroma Plantar is stem cell therapy. This therapy aims to heal the nerve and lower pain. It’s a fresh idea that could benefit people with this condition.

Key Takeaways:

• Neuroma Plantar causes continuous pain in the foot’s front part.
• It’s often confused with metatarsalgia, which is inflammation in the same area.
• Tests like clinical exams and scans help diagnose Neuroma Plantar.
• First-line treatments include wearing special inserts, taking anti-swelling drugs, or getting shots.
• If these don’t help, surgery might be needed.
• Stem cell therapy is a modern approach that aims to repair the nerve and ease pain.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Neuroma Plantar

Morton’s neuroma goes by another name, neuroma plantar. It causes troubles in the foot. Knowing the signs and getting properly checked is key to managing it well.

People with Morton’s neuroma often feel pain in the foot’s ball. They say it’s like walking on a pebble. This pain can spread to the toes, feeling like burning or tingling. Sometimes, the area might also go numb.

Doing things like walking or wearing tight shoes can make Morton’s neuroma worse. The pain and unease might get stronger, stopping normal activities.

Diagnosis of Neuroma Plantar

Diagnosis involves a big look at your foot and possibly some scans. This makes sure there’s a Morton’s neuroma and not something else causing the pain.

Your doctor might do a few tests during the visit. They might press on your foot to see if it hurts. If they hear a click while pressing down, it could mean there’s a neuroma.

They might also use scans like ultrasound or an MRI. These can show them the neuroma, how big it is, and where it’s located in your foot.

Getting the right diagnosis is crucial. It helps make sure you get the proper treatment. If you think you might have Morton’s neuroma, see a doctor for a full check-up.

Treatment Options for Neuroma Plantar

There are many ways to deal with neuroma plantar. The first step is often non-surgical methods. This can include using pads on your shoes, getting steroid shots, and doing special exercises. These help lower pain and swelling around the nerve, which makes a lot of people feel better.

If these non-surgical options don’t work, surgery might be needed. Neuroma surgery is a popular choice then. A common surgery is called neurectomy. In this, the swollen part of the nerve is taken out. This can ease a lot of pain, yet it might leave the toes a little numb.

There is also an exciting new treatment called stem cell therapy. This therapy aims to help nerve regrowth and decrease pain. So far, it looks like it might be a good way to treat neuroma plantar. But, we need more studies to be sure.

To wrap up, most people with neuroma plantar find relief with simple treatments. However, if these don’t work, surgery or stem cell therapy could be next. With the right help, you can decide what’s best for you. A podiatrist or foot doctor can help you make the best choice for your health.