Addressing Morton’s Syndrome: Prevention, Treatment and Management

Morton’s syndrome is a medical condition that causes frequent pain or discomfort at the tips of toes or fingers. This pain is due to compression or entrapment of nerves between bones in those areas. The condition was first described by Dr. Dudley J. Morton in 1928, and it affects the first toes or fingers more commonly in women. Obesity increases the risk of developing Morton’s syndrome as it puts added pressure on joints and nerves, leading to compression and pain in the affected area. Wearing ill-fitting footwear can also increase the chances of developing this condition.

The symptoms of Morton’s syndrome include pain or tenderness in the tips of toes or fingers, discomfort while walking or exercising, a sensation of heat, burning, or numbness in the affected area, and swelling and pain after activities such as standing for an extended period or engaging in physical exercise. A proper diagnosis requires a physical examination by a doctor and may require imaging tests for a more comprehensive evaluation.

Treatment options for Morton’s syndrome include non-invasive methods such as wearing supportive footwear, using orthotic devices, and taking pain medications. In cases where non-invasive treatments are not effective or symptoms are severe, surgical intervention may be necessary. Common surgical procedures used to address Morton’s syndrome include releasing compressed nerves or realigning bones to alleviate pressure on them.

Preventive measures for Morton’s syndrome involve maintaining a healthy weight to reduce pressure on toes and fingers, wearing appropriate footwear, and avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms such as standing for long periods or engaging in high-impact sports like running. By taking proactive steps to address risk factors and seek early medical intervention when necessary, individuals can effectively manage and alleviate the symptoms of Morton’s syndrome.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan from Central Military Hospital 108 provides expert advice on managing Morton’s syndrome by emphasizing its importance to maintain a healthy weight and wear appropriate footwear to prevent further complications from developing.

In summary, Morton’s syndrome is a medical condition characterized by frequent discomfort at the tip of toes or fingers due to compression or entrapment of nerves between bones in that area. It typically affects women more than men; obesity increases the risk of developing this condition as it creates added pressure on joints and nerves leading to compression and pain in the affected area.

Symptoms include pain/tenderness at tips of toes/fingers; discomfort while walking/exercising; heat/burning/numbness sensation in affected area; swelling/pain after activities such as standing for long periods/engaging in physical exercise.

Diagnosis involves physical examination by a doctor who may require imaging tests.

Treatment options include non-invasive methods like wearing supportive footwear & orthotic devices; taking pain medications & surgical intervention if necessary which includes releasing compressed nerves/realigning bones.

Preventive measures involve maintaining a healthy weight & wearing appropriate footwear & avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms