Based on the success of Botox treatment for other neuropathic pain conditions, researchers have also investigated the effectiveness and tolerability of Botox in treating Morton’s neuroma.
Morton’s neuroma is characterised by a thickening of nerve tissue, occurring between the third and fourth toe. This is a common condition that causes compression and irritation of the nerve and can result in permanent nerve damage. The typical symptoms of Morton’s neuroma include burning, numbness, and pain in the affected area.
Morton’s neuroma is typically treated in a variety of ways, which include altering footwear, oral medications, corticosteroid, and sclerosing injections, and sometimes surgical interventions. It is important to note, however, that there is no specific ‘gold standard’ treatment that is recommended for this condition.
Botox treatment has been successful in treating multiple neuropathic pain conditions, which prompted researchers to investigate the effectiveness and tolerability of Botox in treating Morton’s neuroma.
A pilot study reported on 17 patients who had pain for longer than three months and who did not see improvement with usual treatment. The patients were given a single Botox injection at the site of the neuroma. The study reported significant reductions in pain and function at one month and up to three months following treatment. Five of the 17 patients did not report any improvements in their pain.
It is important to note that there was no control group in this study. There were no adverse events reported in this pilot study.
References:
Climent, J.M., et.al., (2013). Treatment of Morton Neuroma with Botulinum Toxin A: A Pilot Study. Clin Drug Investig, 33:497–503 DOI 10.1007/s40261-013-0090-0.
Matthews, B.G., et.al., (2019). The effectiveness of non-surgical interventions for common plantar digital compressive neuropathy (Morton’s neuroma): a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Foot Ankle Res, 12:12. doi:10.1186/s13047-019-0320-7
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