Reviewed by Janet D. Pearl, MD, MSc
A study reported in the peer reviewed journal Radiology (1), explored the factors that may define the severity of symptoms of Morton’s neuroma. The prevalence of asymptomatic Morton neuromas in general population is roughly 30%.
The transverse diameter of asymptomatic neuromas is generally smaller than in patients with pain. (Approximately 3mm-7mm or an average 4.5mm as opposed to symptomatic neuromas that are usually in the range of 4mm-8 mm or an average of 5.6 mm). So statistically speaking, the larger Morton’s neuromas are more likely to be painful.
References:
1. Zanetti, M., Strehle, J. K., Zollinger, H., & Hodler, J. (1997). Morton neuroma and fluid in the intermetatarsal bursae on MR images of 70 asymptomatic volunteers. Radiology, 203(2), 516-520.
