Morton neuroma and metatarsalgia

Morton neuroma is most likely a mechanically-induced degenerative neuropath y that predilects the third common digital nerve in middle-aged women who f requently wear fashionable shoes that are not designed for the physiology o f the loot. A compression test of the affected web space is quite specific for its diagnosis, and an ultrasonograph can tell its exact size. If conser vative means fail to relieve the painful symptoms of a Morton neuroma, surg ical removal can produce dramatic pain relief. Metatarsalgia means pain in the metatarsal head region, and exists in three general forms: metatarsalgia of the first metatarsal head region, metatars algia of the fourth lateral metatarsal head region, and generalized metatar salgia. There are numerous causes of metatarsalgia; a selected and importan t group of causes is discussed in this article. When conservative means fai l to relieve metatarsalgia, specific surgical operations are quite effectiv e for relief of pain, and are briefly described in the text. Curr Opin Rheu matol 2000, 12:131-142 (C) 2000 Lippincoti Williams & Wilkins, inc.