May 17, 20222 min read

Mortons Neuroma?

Updated: Oct 16, 2023

Do you have burning, numbness or tingling in your forefoot? Do certain closed in shoes cause you more pain then others? You might have a mortons neuroma. With cooler months ahead these issues may be coming to the fore front, so let's get on top of your pain! Keep reading to find out more.

What is a Mortons Neuroma?

Swelling and degeneration of the plantar digital nerve
Mostly commonly occur between the 3rd and 4th toes or between the 2nd and 3rd toes

Affected demographic:

Average age is 50s
Affects females more than males

Causes:

Excessive pronation: Impinges the nerve
Activities with repetitive dorsiflexion or bending of the MTPJ such as, running, climbing stairs, squatting, and ballet dance can irritate the nerve
Footwear: A narrow toe box compresses the toes causing the nerve to swell
Chronic trauma to the nerve from walking
Degeneration of the plantar digital arteries which supply the nerve
Inflammation of intermetatarsal bursae

Symptoms:

Paraesthesia: Tingling, pins and needles, and sharp shooting pain
Forefoot tenderness
Loss of feeling in the toes
Sensation can feel like “walking on a pebble at the ball of the foot”
Aggravated with high heeled shoes or narrow shoes

Treatment:

Footwear

Shoes with a wide toe box and minimal heel height decrease compression of nerve
Stiff-soled/ rocker-soled shoes: Decrease MTPJ dorsiflexion and irritation of nerve during propulsion (Some of our favourites are HOKAS)

Orthotics

To control excessive pronation and limit compression of the nerve

Paddings

Metatarsal pad/dome: Spreads metatarsals and transverse arch to distribute load evenly

Corticosteroid injections

Reduce inflammation

Surgery

Surgical removal of the enlarged nerve if all other conservative options are unsuccessful

Book in to see a podiatrist today about how we can help you with your morton’s neuroma! Remember PAIN is not NORMAL, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms please book in so a Podiatrist can assess your feet to identify what is causing your PAIN and how we can address the cause to improve your foot function!