What is Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma is a painful, non-cancerous thickening of tissue around a nerve in the foot, usually between the third and fourth toes. It causes burning pain, numbness, or a “pebble-in-the-shoe” sensation in the ball of the foot.
Morton’s Neuroma Symptoms
Morton’s neuroma typically presents with several distinctive symptoms. Pins and needles and shooting pains in the toes are commonly experienced, along with numbness in the toes. Pain is generally worse when standing and whilst wearing tight shoes. Walking on hard or uneven terrain can aggravate the condition. Relief is often obtained by squeezing the foot or massaging the affected area.
CAUSES OF MORTON’S NEUROMA
Morton’s neuroma is primarily caused by compression, irritation or injury to the nerve between the toes — most commonly the third and fourth—leading to thickening of the tissue. Common causes include:
- Footwear (The primary cause): High-heeled shoes (over 2 inches), narrow-toed shoes, or tight footwear squeeze the metatarsal bones together, compressing the nerve.
- High-Impact Activities: Running, jogging, dancing, or sports involving repeated pressure on the ball of the foot (e.g., racquet sports) can irritate the nerve
- Foot Structure Abnormalities: People with high arches, flat feet, bunions, or hammertoes are more susceptible due to altered foot mechanics that increase pressure on the forefoot. Excessive pronation (feet “rolling” inwards) results in the joints at the ball of the foot moving closer together. This results in the nerves, which are situated between the joints, being compressed or irritated.
- Trauma: A direct, sudden injury to the foot can trigger the development of the nerve thickening.
- Occupation: Jobs requiring long hours of standing or walking on hard surfaces.
Morton's Neuroma Treatment
Morton’s neuroma treatment focuses on relieving pressure on the affected nerve, typically starting with conservative approaches. If pain persists, more invasive treatments include corticosteroid or alcohol injections, or minimally invasive procedures like radiofrequency ablation. Surgery (neurectomy) is highly successful if others fail. Non-surgical treatment may include:
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- Footwear Modifications: Avoid high heels and narrow, pointed shoes. Choose shoes with a wide toe box and adequate support & cushioning.
- Orthotics & Padding: Control of excessive pronation with orthotics (custom-made shoe inserts) improves foot function, prevents the joints at the ball of the feet from moving together and, therefore, prevents the nerves from being compressed or irritated. Metatarsal pads can be incorporated into the orthotics to help lift and separate the metatarsal bones, reducing nerve compression.
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Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can reduce inflammation.
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Ice/Rest: Ice massage on the ball of the foot and reducing high-impact activities (running, dancing) helps reduce swelling.
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Physical Therapy: Exercises to stretch and strengthen the foot and lower leg.
Our podiatrists will assess your foot for structural problems that may lead to this condition.
Pain of this type may also benefit from the use of a pain-relieving gel or LIFESOLES, which can be found in our online shop.
PRODUCTS FOR YOUR MORTON'S NEUROMA PAIN
Lifesoles Orthotics - Medium Arch Support
Lifesoles Orthotics - Easy Fit
Lifesoles Orthotics - Strong Arch Support
OrthoSleeve FS6 Compression Sleeve - Foot
Ready to fix your Morton's Neuroma Pain?
For Morton’s Neuroma pain, consult Galleria Podiatry for an accurate diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan. If you’re located in Morley and near Bayswater, Galleria Podiatry provides specialised care for foot and ankle issues for all patients in the City of Bayswater.
Your Morton's Neuroma Questions Answered
What is Morton's Neuroma and where does it occur?
Morton’s Neuroma is a thickening of the nerve that supplies the toes. It typically occurs between the 2nd, 3rd or 4th toes. The swelling and thickness of this nerve allows it to become easily compressed or irritated, causing pain and discomfort in the ball of the foot.
What are the main symptoms of Morton's Neuroma?
Morton’s Neuroma presents with pins and needles and shooting pains in the toes, along with numbness. Pain is generally worse when standing and whilst wearing tight shoes. Walking on hard or uneven terrain can aggravate the condition. Relief is often obtained by squeezing the foot or massaging the affected area.
Who is most at risk of developing Morton's Neuroma?
The condition is more common in middle-aged women who wear tight, narrow, unsupportive footwear. However, men can also suffer from Morton’s Neuroma. Excessive pronation (feet “rolling” inwards) is a key cause, as it results in the joints at the ball of the foot moving closer together and compressing the nerves between them.
How is Morton's Neuroma treated without surgery?
Custom-made orthotics are the primary treatment to control excessive pronation, improve foot function and prevent nerve compression. Padding and strapping may also be applied by your podiatrist to reduce nerve compression. Pain relieving gels and off-the-shelf insoles like LIFESOLES can also provide relief. Your podiatrist will assess your foot for structural problems contributing to the condition.
When is surgery necessary for Morton's Neuroma?
Surgery is considered as a last resort in severe cases when conservative treatments have not provided adequate relief. The surgical procedure involves removing the thickened part of the nerve. Before recommending surgery, your podiatrist will exhaust all non-invasive treatment options including orthotics, padding, strapping and appropriate footwear modifications.
