Treat and Prevent Morton’s Neuroma Pain

Do you ever feel intense pain in the area between your third and fourth toes? (Use 1 for the big toe, 5 for the pinky toe.) If so, you could have a nerve condition called Morton’s Neuroma.

Morton’s Neuroma can cause both toe pain and numbness, due to a pinched – and thus enlarged – digital nerve in between adjacent toes. The area between the third and fourth toes is particularly susceptible to Morton’s Neuroma because it’s where two nerves in the foot meet. When the two nerves combine, they are typically larger in diameter than those going to the other toes. Above them is a metatarsal ligament that presses downward, which compresses the larger nerves, resulting in a pinched nerve – and thus the pain of Morton’s Neuroma.

The pain of Morton’s Neuroma can be mild or severe, and is most apparent when pressure is applied to the foot when walking or running. If you think you may have Morton’s Neuroma, seek help rather than living with the pain.

FootSmart has teamed with The Podiatry Institute to bring you answers to some of the most frequently asked questions on Morton’s Neuroma – including how to treat Morton’s Neuroma, causes of Morton’s Neuroma, and how to prevent Morton’s Neuroma from occurring.

Where did the name Morton’s Neuroma come from?

The condition Morton’s Neuroma is named for the podiatrist who first developed a treatment for Morton’s Neuroma: T. G. Morton.

Neuroma sounds serious. Is Morton’s Neuroma a form of cancer?

No, Morton’s Neuroma is not a tumor or cancer as the name might suggest.

How does one develop Morton’s Neuroma?

Shoes and foot type are the primary causes of Morton’s Neuroma:

• People with flat feet, or feet that roll inward, often develop Morton’s Neuroma because their foot condition pulls on the nerves more than usual.
• Women develop Morton’s Neuroma more often than men because of the shoes they wear. If you wear narrow, pointed dress shoes and high heels that shift weight onto the nerves of the balls of the feet and the toes, then you’re at a high risk for Morton’s Neuroma.
• Anyone wearing tight, pinching shoes – especially shoes with small toe boxes that place pressure on the balls of the feet and the toes – may come down with Morton’s Neuroma.

How do I know I have Morton’s Neuroma?

The most obvious sign you have Morton’s Neuroma is the presence of pain. The pain and discomfort of Morton’s Neuroma, however, can take many forms:

• Numbness, tingling and burning are all symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma.
• A “pins and needles feeling” in the ball of the foot can mean you have Morton’s Neuroma.
• Radiating pain toward the end of the toes or back up the foot may be an indication you’re suffering from Morton’s Neuroma.
• Pain relief when shoes are removed and the area massaged is also a symptom of Morton’s Neuroma.

Is there any way to prevent Morton’s Neuroma?

The best way to make sure you never experience the pain of Morton’s Neuroma is to wear good, supportive footwear. Your shoes should distribute the weight and pressure evenly across the foot, rather than concentrating it in the toes and ball of the foot, to help you avoid Morton’s Neuroma. If you have flat feet or pronating feet and want to prevent Morton’s Neuroma, you can find treatment options like flat foot insoles at FootSmart.

What are some treatment options for Morton’s Neuroma if I already have the condition?

The Podiatry Institute recommends the following to help ease the pain of Morton’s Neuroma:

• Massage the afflicted area to help relieve Morton’s Neuroma pain.
• Wear metatarsal pads that help separate the foot bones and relieve pressure on the pinched nerve to ease Morton’s Neuroma pain.
• Use supportive insoles in your shoes to help treat the pain of Morton’s Neuroma.
• Wear supportive shoes to help ease Morton’s Neuroma pain.
• Take over-the-counter medications such as Ibuprofen to help deal with Morton’s Neuroma pain.

Are there any cases of Morton’s Neuroma that require surgery?

When Morton’s Neuroma does not respond to any of the treatments listed above, then yes, surgical solutions may be required. Consult with a podiatrist for further options on how to best treat your case of Morton’s Neuroma.

Does FootSmart sell any products for dealing with Morton’s Neuroma pain?

Yes, FootSmart has a wide selection of products to help ease the pain of Morton’s Neuroma. Click here for all Morton’s Neuroma products, including metatarsal pads and pain-relieving insoles.

Information on foot and lower body health conditions like Morton’s Neuroma provided by The Podiatry Institute, dedicated to advancing the standard of care in podiatric medicine and its effects on muscoskeletal health.