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Morton’s Neuroma Orthotic Insoles and Pads

Morton’s Neuroma is a painful condition. It affects the nerves in the ball of the foot. This usually happens between the third and fourth toes. This condition causes sharp, burning pain, numbness, and tingling. It can greatly affect your ability to walk comfortably.

Morton’s Neuroma is often caused by repeated stress, bad-fitting shoes, or foot structure problems. 

It is important to understand the causes, symptoms, and treatments for Morton’s Neuroma. This knowledge helps manage the condition and keep your feet healthy. Staying active and pain-free is possible with the right care.

Morton’s Neuroma Orthotic Insoles and Pads

Mortons Neuroma

Morton’s Neuroma: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Morton’s Neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. The tissue around a nerve that goes to the toes can thicken. This can cause sharp pain, burning feelings, or numbness in that area. This article will look at the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for Morton’s Neuroma. It will use trusted sources in podiatry and orthopaedics.

What Is Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s Neuroma, or intermetatarsal neuroma, is a non-cancerous growth of nerve tissue. It often causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the ball of the foot. It typically occurs between the third and fourth toes, though it can develop between other toes as well. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) says that Morton’s Neuroma mostly affects middle-aged women. However, it can also affect anyone, especially those who wear high-heeled or tight shoes.

Causes of Morton’s Neuroma

The exact cause of Morton’s Neuroma is not fully known. However, several factors are thought to help it develop:

  • Foot Structure: People with certain foot types, such as flat feet, high arches, or those with bunions or hammertoes, are more likely to develop Morton’s Neuroma. These structural abnormalities can cause instability around the metatarsal bones, leading to increased pressure on the nerve.
  • Footwear with Poor Insoles: Wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, especially those with a narrow toe box or high heels, can compress the toes and increase pressure on the nerves in the foot. The constant squeezing and pressure can irritate the nerve, leading to inflammation and the formation of a neuroma.
  • Repetitive Stress: Activities that involve repetitive stress on the foot, such as running, dancing, or certain sports, can increase the risk of developing Morton’s Neuroma. These activities can lead to repeated trauma to the nerve, resulting in thickening of the tissue around it.
  • Injury: A previous foot injury or trauma can damage the nerve or surrounding tissues, making it more susceptible to developing a neuroma.

Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s Neuroma often presents with the following symptoms, which can vary in severity:

  • Sharp, Burning Pain: The most common symptom is a sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot, often extending into the toes. This pain may worsen with activity or when wearing tight shoes and may improve when the shoes are removed or when massaging the foot.
  • Numbness or Tingling: Some people experience numbness, tingling, or a "pins and needles" sensation in the toes, particularly in the third and fourth toes.
  • Feeling of a Lump or Pebble: Many people with Morton’s Neuroma describe the sensation of having a small lump or pebble under the ball of the foot, even though no visible lump is present.
  • Pain When Walking: The pain associated with Morton’s Neuroma is often aggravated by walking, especially when wearing shoes that compress the forefoot. The pain may cause the person to alter their gait to relieve pressure on the affected area.

Diagnosis of Morton’s Neuroma

Diagnosing Morton’s Neuroma usually starts with a physical exam. During this exam, a healthcare provider will press on the foot to find the source of pain. The Mayo Clinic says that imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI can help rule out other issues. These issues may include fractures or arthritis. They can also confirm if a neuroma is present.

Treatment Options for Morton’s Neuroma

Treatment for Morton’s Neuroma focuses on relieving pain and reducing pressure on the affected nerve. The treatment approach can vary depending on the severity of the symptoms and may include the following options:

Footwear Modifications

One of the first steps in treating Morton’s Neuroma is to modify footwear. Wearing shoes with a wide toe box, low heels, and good arch support can help reduce pressure on the nerves and alleviate symptoms. 

Orthotic Insoles

Orthotic insoles or custom-made insoles can also provide additional support and cushioning to relieve pressure on the neuroma. Insoles with soft, cushioning top covers and arch support are recommended. The materials of choice for these insoles is either Poron, Plastazote or low density (soft) EVA foam.

Padding and Taping

Padding the affected area and taping the foot can help spread weight evenly. This reduces pressure on the neuroma. This can be particularly effective in combination with footwear modifications.

Activity Modification

To manage Morton’s Neuroma, reduce or change activities that make symptoms worse. This includes high-impact sports and standing for long periods. Low-impact activities like swimming or cycling may be recommended as alternatives.

Medications

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and swelling from Morton’s Neuroma. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce severe inflammation and provide longer-lasting pain relief.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can help make the muscles around the foot stronger. It can also improve flexibility. This may reduce pressure on the affected nerve. Exercises that focus on stretching and strengthening the foot and calf muscles can be particularly beneficial.

Surgery

If conservative treatments fail to relieve symptoms, surgery may be considered. Surgical options include removing the neuroma (neurectomy) or releasing the tight ligaments that are compressing the nerve. The Cleveland Clinic says that surgery for Morton’s Neuroma works well most of the time. However, like any surgery, there are risks. These risks include the chance of ongoing pain or numbness.

Prevention of Morton’s Neuroma

Preventing Morton’s Neuroma largely involves reducing the factors that contribute to its development:

  • Wear Proper Footwear: Choose shoes that fit well and provide ample space for the toes. Avoid high heels and narrow shoes that compress the toes.
  • Use Morton’s Neuroma Insoles:
    If your foot structure makes you likely to get Morton’s Neuroma, consider using orthotic inserts. They can help support your feet and reduce pressure on the nerves.
  • Take Breaks During High-Impact Activities: If you do activities that stress your feet, take breaks. Wear shoes that give cushioning and support.
  • Keep a Healthy Weight: Managing your weight can lessen the pressure on your feet. This helps lower the risk of Morton’s Neuroma.

Morton’s Neuroma is a painful foot condition that can significantly impact your quality of life if left untreated. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options, you can take steps to manage and alleviate the condition. If you experience persistent foot pain or symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma, it’s important to seek medical advice from a podiatrist or orthopaedic specialist to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

References

  • "Morton’s Neuroma: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment." American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
  • "Footwear and Morton’s Neuroma." American Podiatric Medical Association.
  • "Diagnosis and Imaging of Morton’s Neuroma." Mayo Clinic.
  • "Conservative Treatments for Morton’s Neuroma." Cleveland Clinic.
  • "Surgical Outcomes for Morton’s Neuroma." Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery.
  • "Role of Orthotics in Morton’s Neuroma." National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
  • "Physical Therapy for Morton’s Neuroma." Journal of Podiatric Medicine.
  • "Foot Structure and Morton’s Neuroma Risk." British Journal of Sports Medicine.
  • "Impact of High Heels on Foot Health." American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society.
  • "Preventing Morton’s Neuroma." American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine.

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