Morton’s neuroma is a common foot condition that can become increasingly painful and disruptive if left untreated. It’s often brought on by lifestyle factors or repetitive pressure on the feet, and tends to affect those who are particularly active or wear narrow footwear. In fact, it’s estimated that approximately 87.5 people per 100,000 are affected by the condition each year.
In this article, we’ll take a look at what Morton’s neuroma actually is, what causes Morton’s neuroma, Morton’s neuroma symptoms, and Morton’s neuroma treatment.
What is Morton’s neuroma?
Morton’s Neuroma is where the nerves located between the toes (the metatarsal bones), become thickened or inflamed, normally causing nerve pain in the foot between the second, third and fourth bones. The feeling of Morton’s Neuroma can feel like standing on a pebble or having something bunched up in your shoe. As well as causing pain between the toes, you may also feel pain on the ball of your foot.
What causes Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma is normally caused by compression, repeated pressure, or irritation to one of the nerves in the foot. Common causes include:
- Constantly wearing tight or high heeled shoes: This kind of footwear can compress the toes and put pressure on the nerve, causing nerve pain in the foot.
- Participating in frequent high impact sports: Sports such as running, tennis and football can increase stress on the front of the foot.
- Repetitive movements: Movements that involve frequent toe flexing or forefoot pressure can worsen Morton’s neuroma over time.
- Foot abnormalities: Conditions such as flat feet, high arches, bunions or hammertoes can alter weight distribution and irritate the nerve causing Morton’s neuroma.
Morton’s neuroma symptoms
Morton’s neuroma symptoms often come on gradually and may become more persistent over time if it is left untreated. Morton’s neuroma symptoms include:
- Tingling and numbness in your foot (like pins and needles).
- Pain between toes when you stand.
- Pain in toes when walking.
- Swelling between the toes.
- Pain that worsens when wearing high-heeled shoes or standing on the balls of your feet.
How is Morton’s neuroma diagnosed?
The diagnosis of Morton’s neuroma is usually straightforward when the symptoms are classic, and it often begins with a thorough assessment to understand the source of nerve pain in the foot. Firstly, a healthcare professional will ask about your symptoms and press on the affected area to check for tenderness or a lump. They may also carry out Mulder’s click test, applying pressure on the sides of the foot while squeezing the metatarsals to see if it reproduces a clicking sensation or pain.
Your medical history will also be taken into account, especially any previous foot issues, your choice of footwear, and daily activities that may be contributing to Morton’s neuroma. In some cases, imaging tests such as an ultrasound or MRI scan may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other causes of nerve pain in the foot.
Morton’s neuroma treatment
Your healthcare provider will suggest different Morton’s neuroma treatments that will relieve your symptoms and reduce inflammation. The most common Morton’s neuroma treatments includes:
- Footwear changes: Changing from narrow footwear to wide footwear that includes deep toe boxes can take pressure off of the nerve pain in the foot.
- Pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help reduce pain and swelling.
- Ice packs: Applying ice packs to the affected foot can relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
- Shoe pads: Over the counter shoe pads cushion the affected area to relieve pressure.
- Orthotic devices: Orthotics are shoe inserts that support your feet and keep your toes in the correct place. You can get over the counter orthotics or custom made shoe inserts.
- Manual therapy: Hands-on techniques can help relieve tension in the surrounding muscles and joints, improve mobility, and reduce nerve irritation. Techniques may include soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation, and targeted stretches.
Morton’s neuroma surgery
When classic Morton’s neuroma treatment doesn’t effectively help pain, Morton’s neuroma surgery may be recommended. Your healthcare provider will tell you what to expect and what type of surgery you’ll need. The most common techniques include:
- Neurectomy: This is the most common Morton’s neuroma surgery, and it’s where your surgeon will remove part of the affected nerve that’s causing nerve pain in your foot.
- Radiofrequency ablation: This type of Morton’s neuroma surgery involves using an electric current to destroy a small amount of your affected nerve tissue with heat, preventing pain signals from being sent to your brain.
- Cryogenic neuroablation: This is where your surgeon will use extreme cold to destroy a targeted amount of nerve cells, reducing the nerves inflammation and sensitivity.
How osteopathy and physiotherapy can be a part of your Morton’s neuroma treatment plan
Osteopathy and physiotherapy can play a big role in Morton’s neuroma treatment by addressing underlying causes and relieving pressure on the affected nerve. Both approaches focus on improving foot function and mobility, which helps reduce pain and prevent any symptoms from worsening.
Physiotherapy for Morton’s neuroma
A physiotherapist would use hands-on techniques to mobilise joints and release soft tissues, as well as guiding you through exercises that help strengthen the foot. This can help offload pressure from the forefoot and improve how weight is distributed when you walk or run.
Osteopathy for Morton’s neuroma
Osteopaths take a whole body approach, assessing the movements of your legs, hips, and spine, and how they all might be contributing to the stress of the foot. Osteopathic Morton’s neuroma treatment may include soft tissue massage and joint mobilisation. Lifestyle or footwear advice will also be given to help support long term recovery.
How Carl Todd Clinics can help
Our experienced osteopaths and physiotherapists can create a personalised Morton’s neuroma treatment plan tailored to the symptoms you’re experiencing as well as your lifestyle. Whether Morton’s neuroma is causing sharp pain, discomfort when walking, or limiting your ability to stay active, we’re here to help you on your journey to recovery. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you move comfortably again.
