Morton’s Neuroma
Morton’s Neuroma is a common foot problem associated with pain and swelling of nerve tissue in the ball of the foot. It usually occurs between the 3rd and 4th toes, but also can occur between other toes.
What is Morton's Neuroma?
Video transcriptWhat is Morton's Neuroma? Transcript
(This transcript is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately.)
Hello, I’m Donna Robertson, Head of Training and Chief Pedorthist for Foot Solutions, a foot wellness retailer specializing in supportive footwear and custom crafted orthotic insoles. Today we are going to discussMorton’sNeuroma, a common foot pathology we address at Foot Solutions. A Morton’s Neuroma is an inflamed nerve causing pain in the ball of the foot, usually occurring between the 3rd and 4th toes, but the second and third toes can also be affected. Constant irritation typically causes the nerve to become inflamed. The nerve can become irritated when the foot is cramped in a shoe that is too tight or too flexible. Overuse can also cause the nerve tobe inflamed and activities that generally irritate the nerve include going up and down hills or stairs, squatting, and any type of running or jumping.Some people will complain of deep achy pain, others complain of a constant burning sensation located in the ball of the foot. There can be radiating pain, electrical pain, or numbness. The pain is typically worse with standing and walking and usually relieved by non-weight bearing or rest. Many people will describe the feeling of their sock bunched up under their foot or feeling of walking on a lump or a ball.A neuroma is diagnosed by good questioning and a physical examination of the foot. Pressing on certain areas of the foot will reproduce the pain. Squeezing the foot together and pushing up under the nerve will, in many cases, yield a positive “Mulder’s Click” occurring at the swelling of the nerve site. This clicking sound associated with pain shooting to the toes is an indicator for aMorton’sneuroma. An X-ray can be helpful in ruling out other conditions such as stress fractures and ligament avulsion fractures.Morton’sNeuroma is generally caused by over-pronation, excessive rolling inward of the foot as well as over-supination, excessive rolling outward of thefoot. In addition, tightness of the calf and hamstring muscles and the wearing of constricted shoes that pinch the nerve issue can encourage aMorton’sNeuroma to develop.In a following video, we will discuss treatments forMorton’sNeuroma and how Foot Solutions can help. If you haveMorton’sNeuroma, we welcome you to visit one of our in-store Pedorthists by scheduling a visit atwww.footsolutions.comor by simply walking in. Your feet are the foundation of your health. Let us take care of them for you.
Seven Common Treatments for Morton's Neuroma
Video transcriptSeven Common Treatments for Morton's Neuroma Transcript
(This transcript is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately.)
Hello, I’m Donna Robertson, Head of Training and Chief Pedorthist for Foot Solutions, a foot wellness retailer specializing in expertly fitted footwear and custom crafted orthotic insoles. In a previous video, we discussed Morton’s Neuroma and its symptoms. Today we are going to outline seven treatments we’ve seen that can help address the difficulties with this pathology. Reduce activities that puts stress on the ball of the foot. Limit going up and down stairs and squatting. Wear supportive shoes appropriate for your foot function, especially during physical activity Wear shoes that limit flexion/bend in the toe box area. It is very important to wear rigid shoes while healing. For neuromas, the more rigid the shoe, offers decrease of painful symptoms Choose footwear that allows adequate room for the ball of the foot and toe function. Narrow shoes force the bones of the foot and all forefoot structures together, placing excess stress on an already inflamed nerve. Narrow high heeled shoes enhance the greatest problems for neuromas, but many basic work shoes, some cycling shoes and ski boots will also cause neuroma symptoms Add arch supports to stop the ball of the foot from pinching the nerves between the metatarsal bones Add metatarsal pads to arch supports and/or shoes to take pressure off the affected nerve tissue. Sometimes called Neuroma pads are small adhesive pads, which are designed to sit under middle of the foot taking pressure off the nerve. The placement of these pads is very important. The pad should not sit right under the ball of the foot. This would increase the pressure right at the nerve and increase pain. The pad should sit right behind the ball of the foot. When stepping down on the neuroma pad, it should feel like it’s more toward the middle of the foot and should not cause pain At Foot Solutions, our experts serve many individuals with Morton’s Neuroma, first by fitting them in the proper footwear with the traits just outlined, then advising them on the optimal arch support or custom orthotic insert to displace pressure, provide support, and relieve pain. These combined with the proper placement of metatarsal inserts and pads helps our Pedorthists provide a solution designed just for you. To learn more or to schedule a visit with one of our Pedorthists, visit www.footsolutions.com. Your feet are the foundation of your health. Let us take care of them for you.
What is Foot Solutions?
Video transcriptWhat is Foot Solutions? Transcript
(This transcript is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately.)
For over 20 years, Foot Solutions has been evaluating, solving, and preventing foot and joint issues for people just like you.Our highly trained board certified foot specialists are available at our retail locations to expertly fit you in a truly custom orthotic and recommend the perfect footwear from our collection of stylish international brands.We are proud to have thousands of positive reviews online, evidencing the care and attention that defines our service. At Foot Solutions, you will meet men and women passionate about foot and joint health and eager to provide you with a meaningful, first-class experience.Come into Foot Solutions and see for yourself how visiting with one of our specialists can improve your quality of life.
Symptoms, Causes and Common Treatments
Morton’s Neuroma
Symptoms
- Sharp or burning pain and swelling on the ball of the foot
- Numbness, tingling, cramping and/or lack of feeling in affected area
- Sensation of having a lump or stone inside the ball of the foot
- Symptoms are greater during or after activity that puts significant pressure on the ball of your foot (i.e., walking, standing, jumping, sprinting)
Causes
- Excessive rolling inward of the foot (over-pronation)
- Excessive rolling outward of the foot (over-supination)
- Wearing high heels or shoes that are too small and pinch the nerve tissue
Common Treatments
- Take OTC anti-inflammatory medicine to reduce pain and swelling
- Reduce activities that put pressure on the toes
- Wear supportive shoes, especially during physical activity
- Choose footwear that allows adequate room for the ball of the foot
- Add arch supports to stop the ball of the foot from pinching the nerves between the metatarsal bones
- Add metatarsal pads to arch supports and/or shoes to take pressure off the affected nerve tissue
- *Note: If pain persists, consult your physician
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