Deterrence

General prevention includes ensuring that shoes fit properly. Recommend that the patient wear well-padded, low-heeled shoes with a wide toe box. No other preventative techniques are recommended.

Complications

Chronic pain may develop when treatment is unsuccessful for patients with Morton's neuroma. Postoperative complications, such as dysesthesias, are possible when surgery is performed to remove the neuroma. Possible complications following corticosteroid injections may include plantar fat pad necrosis and transient numbness of the toes.

Prognosis

Prognosis for recovery is good with conservative treatment; however, patients still may require surgical intervention.^[39]Some patients who undergo surgery report a recurrence rate of as high as 50%.

Patient Education

Patients should be well informed about proper footwear.

Questions

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Media Gallery

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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Author

Kevin Berry, MD Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician, Rehabilitation Options of Issaquah

Kevin Berry, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, International Spine Intervention Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Peter G Gonzalez, MD Orthopaedic Institute of Central Jersey

Peter G 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, 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

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Received salary from Medscape for employment. for: Medscape.

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, Association of Academic Physiatrists

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Dean H Hommer, MD Chief Medical Officer, Corpus Christi Medical Center

Dean H Hommer, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pain Medicine, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Association for Physician Leadership, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, American College of Healthcare Executives, Texas Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.