Morton’s Neuroma

What is it?

Morton’s Neuroma is a common, painful condition affecting the base of the toes – usually the third and fourth toes. It is a thickening of the tissue that surrounds the digital nerve leading to the toes. The pain can vary from feeling like you are walking on marbles to a sharp needle like pain. It is rare for more than one nerve to be affected and the incidence of Morton’s neuroma is greater in women than in men.

Causes:

• response to irritation, trauma or excessive pressure.
• running and racquet sports
• foot deformities such as bunions and hammertoes
• poor biomechanics
• Narrow/tight footwear

The cause of this irritation is not exactly known, but it may be the metatarsal bones compressing the nerve when the gap between the bones is narrow. This can cause the nerve, or structures surrounding the nerve to thicken.

How can we help?

• Educate patients regarding footwear fit, function and support
• Modifications to footwear as required
• Fabricate custom made orthotics to help relieve irritation by lifting and separating the bones.
• Podiatry assessment to confirm diagnosis