Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation for Morton Neuroma Medication

  • Author: Kevin Berry, MD; Chief Editor: Consuelo T Lorenzo, MD   more...
 
Updated: Mar 30, 2010
 

Medication Summary

Dysesthesias may be treated as any other dysesthetic pain. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline at 10-25 mg PO qhs, may be tried. If this approach is unsuccessful, anticonvulsants (eg, gabapentin, carbamazepine) often are effective.

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Tricyclic Antidepressants

Class Summary

A complex group of drugs that have central and peripheral anticholinergic effects, as well as sedative effects. They have central effects on pain transmission, and they block the active re-uptake of norepinephrine and serotonin.

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Amitriptyline (Elavil)

 

Analgesic for certain chronic and neuropathic pain. Low doses, 10-25 mg qhs, may provide pain relief from burning and tingling occurring at rest but function only as an adjunct to definitive treatment.

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Anticonvulsants

Class Summary

Use of certain antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), such as the GABA analogue Neurontin (gabapentin), has proven helpful in some cases of neuropathic pain. Thus, although unstudied, a trial of such an agent might conceivably provide analgesia for symptomatic neuropathy. Used for dysesthesias not controlled with definitive treatment plus tricyclic antidepressants (or in patients unable to take tricyclic antidepressants).

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Gabapentin (Neurontin)

 

Neuromembrane stabilizer useful in pain reduction with dysesthetic pain. Has antineuralgic effects; however, exact mechanism of action is unknown. Structurally related to GABA, but does not interact with GABA receptors.

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Pregabalin (Lyrica)

 

Structural derivative of GABA. Mechanism of action unknown. Binds with high affinity to alpha2-delta site (a calcium channel subunit). In vitro, reduces calcium-dependent release of several neurotransmitters, possibly by modulating calcium channel function. FDA approved for neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy or postherpetic neuralgia and as adjunctive therapy in partial-onset seizures.

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Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors

Class Summary

These agents inhibit neuronal serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake.

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Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

 

Description Indicated for diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain. Potent inhibitor of neuronal serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Kevin Berry, MD  Resident Physician, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, University of Colorado Hospital

Kevin Berry, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Medical Association, American Medical Student Association/Foundation, and Illinois State Medical Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Peter Gonzalez, MD  Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado School of Medicine

Peter Gonzalez, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, American College of Sports Medicine, and Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehabilitation

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Richard G Bowman II, MD  Rehabilitation and Electrodiagnostic Director, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pain Management, The Center for Pain Relief

Richard G Bowman II, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Robert J Kaplan, MD  James E Van Zandt VA Medical Center, Staff Physician, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine

Robert J Kaplan, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Association of Academic Physiatrists, and Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehabilitation

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine

Disclosure: eMedicine Salary Employment

Michael T Andary, MD, MS  Professor, Residency Program Director, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Michael T Andary, MD, MS is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, American Medical Association, and Association of Academic Physiatrists

Disclosure: allergan Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Pfizer Honoraria Speaking and teaching

Kelly L Allen, MD  Medical Director, Medevals

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Consuelo T Lorenzo, MD  Consulting Staff, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Alegent Health, Immanuel Rehabilitation Center

Consuelo T Lorenzo, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

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Plantar view showing the relationships between the metatarsal heads, the intermetatarsal ligament, and the neuroma.
Neurectomy: typical incision location.
Neurectomy: superficial exposure.
Neurectomy: deeper dissection.
Neuroma and adherent fibrofatty tissue.
 
 
 
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