False neuroma is a condition where a nerve ending in the foot is irritated and causes pain. The spelling of the word False Neuroma is pronounced /fɔls nʊˈroʊmə/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The 'a' in 'neuroma' is pronounced with a short 'o' sound, as in 'not.' The 'e' in 'false,' on the other hand, has a long 'o' sound, as in 'pole.' Spelling of words with medical terminology can be tricky, it is important to understand the correct pronunciation to avoid confusion.
A false neuroma, also known as a Morton's neuroma or Morton's metatarsalgia, is a condition characterized by the thickening of the tissue around a nerve in the foot, typically between the third and fourth toes. Despite its name, a false neuroma is not a true tumor or growth, but rather a nerve irritation or entrapment. This condition commonly occurs due to repetitive stress or pressure on the foot, such as wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, engaging in activities that involve prolonged standing or walking, or experiencing certain foot deformities.
The thickening of the tissue surrounding the nerve creates a sensation of pain, burning, numbness, or tingling in the affected area. Pain may be exacerbated when walking or wearing tight shoes, while alleviated by removing footwear or massaging the foot. In some cases, the pain may radiate or travel to the surrounding toes. False neuromas tend to be more common in women and individuals who are middle-aged or older.
Treatment options for false neuromas typically begin with non-invasive measures, such as wearing well-fitting shoes, using orthotic inserts or pads for cushioning, or applying ice packs to reduce inflammation. In cases where conservative methods fail to provide relief, more invasive procedures may be considered, including corticosteroid injections to alleviate pain or surgical excision of the nerve. Efficient management of false neuroma involves early detection, prompt medical intervention, and appropriate lifestyle modifications to prevent recurrence.
Plexiform n., neurofibroma, a fibrous tumor of a nerve-trunk, containing no nerve-cells.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "neuroma" is derived from the Greek words "neuron", meaning "nerve", and "oma", meaning "tumor" or "mass". A neuroma refers to the abnormal growth or overgrowth of nerve cells.
In the case of a "false neuroma", the word "false" is used to differentiate it from a true neuroma. A true neuroma involves the formation of excessive scar tissue around a nerve, often resulting from an injury or trauma. On the other hand, a false neuroma is typically used to describe a neuroma-like structure that does not involve the abnormal growth of nerve tissue. It may refer to a similar condition that mimics the symptoms of a neuroma but does not exhibit the same cellular characteristics. Despite its name, a false neuroma may still cause pain and discomfort similar to a true neuroma, making it necessary to differentiate between the two.