by Last updated on October 11th, 2024 at 06:15 pm
Morton’s Neuroma is a debilitating condition that causes severe pain in the foot and can significantly impact one’s quality of life. As a foot specialist, I understand the frustration and discomfort that many patients with Morton’s Neuroma experience. For this reason, I’m always on the lookout for new and innovative treatments that can provide relief. This article will explore some emerging treatments for Morton’s Neuroma, including cryotherapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), radiofrequency Ablation and laser therapy. By the end of the article, you’ll better understand these new treatments. You will also be equipped with the knowledge to have a productive conversation with your healthcare provider about which treatment option might be best for you. Read on to find out more!
Traditional Treatment Options
When it comes on to treating Morton’s Neuroma, the main traditional treatment options include footwear modification, orthotics use, steroids injection, and surgery. These treatment options have been used for many years and can no doubt effectively reduce pain and inflammation. However, they have some limitations and inherent risks you should be aware of.
For example, changing footwear to shoes with a wider or deeper toe box or lower heel can help reduce pressure on the affected area. Orthotics, such as custom-made shoe inserts, can also support and reduce pressure on the affected nerve. Steroids injection can be beneficial in reducing inflammation. However, it can reduce the integrity of any tissue it comes into contact with if not used judiciously. Moreover, it can cause a flare and risk of infection, which can be serious if not dealt with promptly or properly.
Surgery is a last resort, as it is an invasive procedure with potential risks and a longer recovery time. However, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected nerve or release pressure on the nerve in severe cases where other treatment options have failed. It’s important to note that traditional treatment options may only be effective for some patients. Working with a healthcare provider to find the best treatment plan for your individual needs is essential.
Emerging Treatment Options
In recent years, new and innovative treatment options have emerged for Morton’s Neuroma, providing hope for those suffering from the condition. While more research is still needed to determine the effectiveness of these treatments, early studies have shown promising results. Here are some of the emerging treatment options that are currently under investigation and being explored:
- Cryosurgery: This involves exposing the affected area to extremely low temperatures to destroy the damaged nerve and thus reduce pain and inflammation. While it is a relatively new treatment option, recent studies have shown that cryosurgery can effectively reduce pain in patients with Morton’s Neuroma.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: This treatment involves injecting a patient’s own platelet-rich plasma into the affected area to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. While more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of PRP therapy, early studies have shown that it can be effective in reducing pain and inflammation.
- Laser Therapy: This treatment uses low-level lasers to stimulate healing in the affected area. Recent studies have shown that laser therapy for Morton’s Neuroma can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Radiofrequency Ablation: This treatment uses high-frequency energy to create heat and destroy the affected nerve tissue. Recent studies have shown that radiofrequency Ablation can effectively reduce pain and provide long-term relief for patients with Morton’s Neuroma.
These emerging treatment options may only be appropriate for some patients. Working with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs is essential. In the following sections, we’ll discuss each emerging treatment option in more detail and discuss their potential benefits and drawbacks.
Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery is a medical procedure that involves the use of extreme cold to destroy abnormal tissue. In the case of Morton’s Neuroma, a painful condition affecting the nerve between the toes, cryosurgery can be used to numb and destroy the damaged nerve tissue.
During cryosurgery for Morton’s Neuroma, a small probe is inserted into the affected area. The probe has a small ball shape metal tip that can reach well below freezing temperature, which can destroy damaged nerve tissue. This causes the nerve to become temporarily numb and die over time. The body’s natural healing process then absorbs the dead tissue, and new healthy tissue grows in its place. It is important to note that cryosurgery only destroys the damaged part of the nerve. The nerve should grow back normal and healthy over time.
The benefits of cryosurgery for Morton’s Neuroma include less pain, a faster recovery time compared to traditional surgery, and less risk of complications such as infection. However, it is not always practical in all cases, and there is a possibility of temporary numbness or tingling in the toes that should resolve after a few weeks.
It is important to note that cryosurgery is just one of the treatment options available for Morton’s Neuroma. To find out if it’s right for you, it is best to consult a qualified healthcare professional to determine the best-individualised treatment plan.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection
Another emerging treatment option for Morton’s Neuroma is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. This treatment involves injecting a patient’s platelet-rich plasma into the affected area, stimulating the body’s natural healing processes. PRP contains growth factors and blood cells that can promote tissue healing and regeneration and reduce inflammation.
While more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of PRP therapy, early studies have shown that it can be an effective treatment option for foot and ankle musculoskeletal problems. PRP therapy is attractive because it is a minimally invasive treatment option that does not require any medication. It has a low risk of side effects, as the patient’s own blood is used, making it a safe and low-risk option for those seeking relief from their symptoms.
It’s important to note that PRP therapy may not be appropriate for every patient. Working with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs is essential. Patients with certain medical conditions, such as blood disorders or active infections, may not be good candidates for PRP therapy.
Overall though, PRP therapy is an exciting new treatment option for Morton’s Neuroma that shows promise in reducing pain and inflammation. While it does not cure Morton’s Neuroma, it may provide much-needed relief from symptoms. It can be used in combination with other treatment options for maximum effectiveness.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is another relatively new treatment option for Morton’s Neuroma that shows promise in reducing pain and inflammation. This treatment involves using cold or high-intensity lasers (HIL) to stimulate healing in the affected area. The lasers produce a non-thermal photochemical reaction that promotes tissue repair and reduces inflammation and pain.
Recent studies have shown that laser therapy can be an effective treatment option for Morton’s Neuroma. Laser therapy is an attractive option because it is non-invasive, does not require any medication, and is low-risk. It can also be used with other treatment options to maximise effectiveness.
Laser therapy is non-invasive and typically does not cause any discomfort. It is generally well-tolerated, and patients can return to normal activities immediately after the procedure.
It’s important to note that while laser therapy may be effective for some patients, it may not be appropriate for everyone. Working with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your needs is essential. They can tell you if any underlying medical conditions will prohibit you from having laser therapy.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency Ablation is a treatment option for Morton’s Neuroma that provides long-term relief for patients suffering from this condition. This minimally invasive treatment involves using high-frequency energy to create heat and destroy the affected nerve tissue.
Studies have shown that radiofrequency Ablation can be an effective treatment option for Morton’s Neuroma, and the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. Patients can typically resume normal activities within a few days. Making this treatment option attractive for those with a busy lifestyle.
Radiofrequency Ablation is generally considered safe and low-risk, but it may not be appropriate for everyone with a Neuroma. It’s essential to work with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs. Patients with certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders or active infections, may not be good candidates for radiofrequency Ablation. Local anaesthetic to numb the area will also be administered. A steroid injection is usually given afterwards to reduce inflammation. Your consulting physician will help you determine whether going down this route is safe.
Final thoughts
Morton’s Neuroma is a painful condition that can significantly impact one’s quality of life. While traditional treatment options can effectively reduce pain and inflammation, emerging treatment options provide new hope for those suffering from this condition. Cryosurgery or cryoablation, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection therapy, laser therapy, and radiofrequency Ablation are all innovative treatment options promising to reduce pain and inflammation.
These new and emerging treatment options may only be appropriate for some patients. Nevertheless, they provide hope for those able to utilise them. By exploring new and emerging treatment options, patients can find relief from pain and improve their quality of life. Talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options if you are experiencing foot pain or other symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks and decide which option best fits you. Remember, your health is your wealth!
References
1.Cryogenic neuroablation for the treatment of lower extremity neuromas. (2002). The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery, [online] 41(5), pp.286–290. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/S1067-2516(02)80046-1.
2.Gimber, L.H., Melville, D.M., Bocian, D.A., Krupinski, E.A., Guidice, M.P.D. and Taljanovic, M.S. (2017). Ultrasound Evaluation of Morton Neuroma Before and After Laser Therapy. American Journal of Roentgenology, 208(2), pp.380–385. doi:https://doi.org/10.2214/ajr.16.16403.
3.Henning, P.R. and Grear, B.J. (2018). Platelet-rich plasma in the foot and ankle. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, 11(4), pp.616–623. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-018-9522-z.
4.Radiofrequency ablation for symptomatic interdigital (Morton’s) neuroma Interventional procedures guidance Your responsibility. (2015). Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ipg539/resources/radiofrequency-ablation-for-symptomatic-interdigital-mortons-neuroma-pdf-1899871874724805 [Accessed 21 Feb. 2023].
