Morton's metatarsalgia

Area of Science:

• Podiatry
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Radiology

Background:

• Morton's metatarsalgia is a common cause of forefoot pain.
• Diagnosis can be challenging, often involving digital neuroma.
• Differential diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the most common site of neuroma in patients with Morton's metatarsalgia.
• To evaluate clinical and radiographic signs that may suggest alternative diagnoses.
• To review the literature for other causes of forefoot pain.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 25 patients diagnosed with Morton's metatarsalgia.
• Clinical examination focusing on neuroma location and presence of swelling.
• Radiographic assessment, including evaluation for toe divergence.

Main Results:

• The third interdigital cleft of the left foot was the most frequent site for neuroma.
• Presence of swelling or radiographic toe divergence made simple digital neuroma diagnosis less likely.
• Literature review identified traumatic bursitis, rheumatoid arthritis, epithelial cysts, and foreign bodies as alternative causes.

Conclusions:

• The third cleft of the left foot is the typical location for Morton's neuroma.
• Swelling and toe divergence warrant consideration of differential diagnoses beyond neuroma.
• Forefoot pain can stem from various conditions, necessitating a broad diagnostic approach.