NEUROMA DE MORTON: TRATAMIENTO FISIOTERAPEUTICO VERSUS CIRUGIA - REVISIÓN BIBLIOGRÁFICA

Abstract

Morton's neuroma (NM) is caused by the damage of the interdigital nerve located between the third and fourth metatarsal. Treatment is multidisciplinary and is aimed at relieving pain. Available alternatives include surgical procedures and physical therapy. Therefore, the aim of the study was to provide a comprehensive overview of the available treatments that health professionals can apply by choosing the best option and individual therapy for each patient. The methodology consisted of a search for scientific articles in the databases like PubMed, Google Scholar and Springerlink. To do this, keywords such as Morton's neuroma, surgery, physiotherapy were combined with the Boolean operators AND, OR and NOT. The results showed that physical therapy is indicated for the treatment of pain even before surgery or when patients are not candidates for surgical intervention. Its maximum effect lasts about 6 months. In contrast, surgery can reduce discomfort completely. It was concluded that according to the evidence reviewed, surgery is the treatment of choice because in the long term patients experience a total reduction of pain and the effects are sustained over time.