Morton's Neuroma | Diagnosis & Treatment

A healthcare provider will diagnose a Morton’s neuroma with a physical exam. You might need to visit a podiatrist, a healthcare provider who specializes in caring for your feet.

Your provider will examine your feet. Tell your provider when you first noticed symptoms and if any activities or positions make them worse.

Your provider will put light pressure on the spaces between your toe bones. They might ask you to stand, walk or move.

Which tests do providers use to diagnose Morton’s neuromas?

Your provider can usually diagnose a Morton’s neuroma based on your symptoms and a physical exam. A foot X-ray won’t show a neuroma. But it can help rule out other common conditions that cause foot pain, like stress fractures and arthritis.

Your provider might use an ultrasound to take pictures of your nerve and the area around it. If the ultrasound doesn’t give them a clear answer, they may recommend an electromyography procedure. This test measures the electrical activity of your nerves and muscles. It can rule out nerve conditions that can cause symptoms like those of Morton’s neuroma.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

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