What is Morton's Neuroma? Transcript
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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.
