Morton’s Neuroma

What is Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s Neuroma is the benign but painful growth (or sometimes inflammation/thickening of) of nerve tissue between the third and fourth toes. Typically, Morton’s Neuroma is not visible outwardly.

What causes Morton’s Neuroma?

  • Tight or restrictive footwear (this condition is particularly common amongst women)
  • Biomechanical abnormalities e.g. flat feet or high arches that can cause excess loading on the toe joints
  • Bunions and hammer toes
  • Some high-impact sports
  • Previous injury
  • Tight calf muscles

Morton’s Neuroma symptoms

  • The painful or uncomfortable sensation that you’re standing on a pebble in your shoe
  • Burning pain in the ball of your foot which can radiate towards your toes
  • Pain or burning sensation between toes
  • Tingling or numbness in your toes
  • Pain when walking, particularly when wearing certain shoes
  • Ease of pain when resting or not walking

Morton’s Neuroma treatments:

  • REST: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation
  • Ice application to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief
  • Footwear modification
  • Custom Orthotics such as shoe inserts or heel lifts
  • Physical therapy, with particular focus on strengthening of calf muscles
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Corticosteroid injections
  • Surgery (in extreme cases where the condition doesn’t respond to conservative treatments)
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