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Can someone please explain to me why a morton's neuroma/plantar digital neuritis is more painful in cold weather? I'd have thought with everything a bit shrivelled in the cold the nerve should be less irritated?

Thanks

 

Greater use of closed-in footwear probably has something to do with increased presentation of neuroma related symptoms during the colder wetter months.
Ryan.

 

Either what Ryan said or because the nerve endings are more or less sensitive in different temperature/humidity conditions. This is well documented in arthritis as being responsibly for different pain sensitivities. Its not really that its worse in winter, it could just be that the nerve endings are more sensitive to pain in winter, giving the impression that its worse.

See this thread:
Effect of the the weather on musculoskeletal symptoms

 

Most of my patients with complex regional pain syndrome have much more difficulty with pain in colder weather. However, I haven't noticed my patients with interdigital neuromas complaining of increased symptoms with colder weather.

However, it is not a myth that many patients with arthritic joints can "feel a storm coming" with their arthritic joints. This increase in pain in patients with osteoarthritis prior to a storm hitting is likely related to the decrease in atmospheric pressure that occurs before a low pressure system brings a storm into an area.

http://www.medicine.nevada.edu/wps/Proceedings/47/134-136-V47P134T136.pdf

 

Quite possibly footwear related. I have also noticed a spike in these types of conditions during the winter months.

 

Thanks for your comments. I have one of these myself and walk in the same boots summer and winter so, in my case at least, not footwear related. But I can see the nerve-endings theory might apply, cos I know how much more a hurt hurts if my hand (say) is extremely cold.

 

It could be more related to footwear changes perhaps than the temperature? Going from nice, wide velcro adjustable straps over the forefoot into more restrictive vamp shoes.....