The pain and other symptoms of fibromyalgia are typically widespread, meaning that they affect lots of different joints and muscles in the body. Most of the time, the pain is in tender points located all around the body, which makes even the everyday tasks extremely painful. In some cases, individuals with fibromyalgia must also suffer with the pain and other symptoms of conditions that are associated with fibromyalgia, such as fibromyalgia and Morton’s Neuroma.

Morton’s Neuroma is a related condition that is becoming more and more common among individuals with fibromyalgia. This is a condition that is characterized by severe pain in the feet, which makes any type of exercise or other activity that requires them to be on their feet extremely difficult. The cause of this condition and it’s relation to fibromyalgia is not known. However, there are several different treatments available to ease the pain of fibromyalgia and Morton’s Neuroma.

Morton’s Neuroma Explained

You may be wondering what exactly Morton’s Neuroma is. This is a condition that affects your feet and toes. If you have been diagnosed with Morton’s Neuroma, you should know that this means a growth of tissue has developed over one of the nerves that goes from your feet to your toes. This growth results in pain and inflammation when you’re using your feet.

Morton’s Neuroma is basically a form of benign tumor and usually develops between the third and fourth toes, though it is possible for it to develop between the second and the third. When you’re walking, the ligaments and bones in the top of your foot press down on it- which results in pain and pressure. The combination of fibromyalgia and Morton’s Neuroma is extra painful.

Causes of Morton’s Neuroma

At this time, researchers say that the exact cause of Morton’s Neuroma is not known. Most likely, there are a variety of factors that cause this condition to develop- including, but not limited to, conditions such as fibromyalgia. Following is a list of the factors that could possibly lead to the development of fibromyalgia and Morton’s Neuroma.

Wearing Shoes that Don’t Fit

When you wear shoes that don’t fit your feet properly, it can lead to pressure on your feet. This causes swelling around the nerves in your toes. Since high heels cause most of your weight to be shifted onto the ball of your foot, it is thought that they can contribute to fibromyalgia and Morton’s Neuroma.

Repetitive Actions

When you participate in repetitive activities that are high impact such as walking, aerobics, and jogging, it can cause a lot of pressure to be placed on the feet- which could possibly lead to Morton’s Neuroma.

Injuries to Feet

If you injure your foot, it can cause you to hold it in a poor or unnatural position when you’re walking, which can lead to inflammation in the nerves.

Genetics

There are some individuals that are born with feet that are poorly shaped. Individuals who have low arches, known as flat feet, are much more likely to develop Morton’s Neuroma than other individuals.

Who is Likely to Develop Morton’s Neuroma?

Fibromyalgia and Morton’s Neuromais another one of those conditions that is more likely to occur in women than in men. In fact, research shows that women are eight to ten times more likely than men to be affected by this condition.

Individuals suffering from the following conditions are more likely to develop the condition of Morton’s Neuroma:

• HIV
• Arthritis
• Sleep disorders
• Diabetes

Fibromyalgia and Morton’s Neuroma

There have been many orthopedic surgeons and researchers that have found a connection between fibromyalgia and Morton’s Neuroma. However, the reason the two are connected is not known. Still, it has been seen that treating Morton’s Neuroma can also help to decrease or even clear up the symptoms of fibromyalgia. This leads researchers to think that injuries or nerve damage actually could be one of the causes of the pain of fibromyalgia.

Morton’s Neuroma Symptoms

Just as with fibromyalgia, the signs and symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma seem to come and go. Usually, they will be aggravated by wearing a certain type of shoe or by physical activity. Some of the common symptoms of fibromyalgia and Morton’s Neuroma are as follows:

• Sharp pains in the ball of your foot
• Numbness in your toes
• Feeling like there’s a lump between your toes
• A burning pain in your second, third, or fourth toes
• Radiating pain from your foot to the tips of your toes

Morton’s Neuroma Diagnosis

In most cases, diagnosing fibromyalgia and Morton’s Neuroma involved your physician physically examining your foot. He or she will also discuss your symptoms with you and look at your feet and toes. He or she will do some manipulation of your toes, squeezing the spaces between and pushing them from side to side. This will allow him or her to see if there are any lumps under the soft tissue of your foot.

Additionally, your physician might listen for your bones making clicking sounds. These clicking sounds are known as Muldor’s Sign and is very common among those who are suffering from Morton’s Neuroma. In some cases, your physician will want to do an MRI or x-ray to check for any sprains, fractures, or breaks in your foot.

Treatment of Morton’s Neuroma

Typically, the treatment for fibromyalgia and Morton’s Neuroma begins very conservatively, with just a few lifestyle changes. If you’re suffering from fibromyalgia and Morton’s Neuroma, you may be able to find some relief by simply:

• Changing your shoes
• Losing weight
• Reducing your activity levels
• Using orthopedic supports

On the other hand, if these lifestyle changes only help a little or not at all, you may want to consider taking medication. OTC pain relievers are often very helpful in reducing inflammation and pain. Additionally, your physician can give you corticosteroid or anesthetic injections, which can numb the area that is affected and therefore reduce the inflammation.

If your fibromyalgia and Morton’s Neuroma is very severe, surgery is also a possibility. An orthopedic surgeon can go in and remove the growth- and easily repair your foot. However, you should be aware that surgery to treat Morton’s Neuroma is risky and has a long recovery time- and there’s the possibility that it will come back.

 Further reading:

Morton’s Neuroma: http://www.fibromyalgia-symptoms.org/fibromyalgia_mortons_neuroma.html

What is Morton’s Neuroma? What causes Morton’s Neuroma http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/179773.php