Depression and Anxiety as Important Aggravating Factors of Pain in Morton’s Neuroma

Abstract

This report represents a case of Morton’s Neuroma with episodic severe sharp pain. Initially, the patient was prescribed Naproxen 500 mg twice per day, anti-inflammatory topical cream, as well as massage. In a follow up visit, the patient was still experiencing frequent episodic sharp pain. In detailed patient interview, it was revealed that she has depression and anxiety and suffers from social isolation, which was concurrent with episodes of severe pain. Therefore, she was referred to a psychologist and a community support group and started practicing body relaxation techniques such as guided imagery and breathing exercises. The new treatment strategy had a major impact on improving her symptoms. This report aims to illustrate that depression and anxiety can be one of the main aggravating factors in episodic pain in Morton’s neuroma and removing psychosocial contributors of pain has the potential to decrease the need for more invasive interventions.

Keywords

• Morton's neuroma
• Pain
• Biopsychosocial model