Morton Neuroma eMedicine PMR

Description: Morton neuroma (interdigital neuroma), first described in 1876, is a perineural fibrosis and nerve degeneration of the common digital nerve. Morton neuroma is not a true neuroma, although it results in neuropathic pain in the distribution of the interdigital nerve secondary to repetitive irritation of the nerve. The most frequent location is between the third and fourth metatarsals (third web space). Other less common locations are between the second and third metatarsals (second web space) and, rarely, between the first and second (first web space) or fourth and fifth (fourth web space) metatarsals. Episodes of pain are intermittent. Patients may experience 2 attacks in a week then none for a year. Recurrences are variable and tend to become more frequent. Between attacks, no symptoms or physical signs occur. Two neuromas rarely coexist on the same foot. Other diagnoses should be considered when 2 or more areas of tenderness are present.
Synonyms and related keywords: Morton's neuroma, Morton's metatarsalgia, interdigital neuroma, plantar neuroma, Morton metatarsalgia
Gonzalez & Bowman 2006