Foot Health Guide
Morton’s Neuroma

If you have Morton’s Neuroma, you essentially have a pinched nerve between the toes resulting in an enlarged nerve. It is not a tumor or cancer.

Prevent this condition by finding appropriate footwear that distributes the weight and pressure evenly across the foot, rather than concentrates it in the toes and ball of the foot.

What causes Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s Neuroma flares up when the nerves are "caught" by the strong metatarsal ligament that holds the nerves together in a compartment.

The condition is caused by:

- Flat feet or feet that roll inward, causing the nerves to be pulled more than usual
- Narrow pointed dress shoes and high heels that shift weight onto the nerves of the balls of the feet and the toes
- Tight toe boxes in shoes that place pressure on the balls of the feet and the toes

What are the symptom's of Morton's Neuroma?

Pain localized to the precise area between the third and fourth toes is the most common symptom of this condition and can be mild to severe, and is most apparent when pressure is applied to the foot when walking or running.

The simple pressure from shoes or socks can also exacerbate discomfort caused by Morton’s Neuroma.

Additional symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma:

- Numbness, tingling and burning
- A "pins and needles feeling" in the ball of the foot
- Radiating pain toward the end of the toes or back up the foot
- Pain relief when shoes are removed and the area massaged

What is the treatment for Morton's Neuroma?

Treatment options for Morton’s Neuroma include:

- Massage the afflicted area
- Metatarsal pads that help separate the foot bones and relieve pressure on the pinched nerve
- Supportive footwear and insoles
- Over-the-counter medications such as Ibuprofen

Consult a podiatrist for further options and considerations related to Morton’s Neuroma.

Information on foot pain, leg and lower body health conditions taken from FootSmart.com and provided by The Podiatry Institute, dedicated to advancing the standard of care in podiatric medicine and its effects on muscoskeletal health.


    

The Comfort Shoe Store is affiliated with FootSmart.com Experts in keeping feet moving in comfort