I have Mortons Neuroma, what should I do?Updated 16 days ago
What is Morton's Neuroma?
Morton's Neuroma is a condition often misunderstood and misnamed. It is commonly believed to be a neuroma, which implies a benign tumor growing from the fibrous coverings of a nerve. However, Morton's Neuroma is not a true neuroma. Instead, it refers to the swelling of a nerve and the surrounding tissue, primarily due to compression and irritation. This condition most frequently occurs between the third and fourth metatarsals, leading to pain in the ball of the foot .
Symptoms typically include burning, shooting, or sharp pain in the ball of the foot, numbness or tingling into the toes, and sometimes a sensation of walking on a pebble.
What Causes Morton's Neuroma?
Morton's Neuroma arises mainly due to the compression and irritation of the nerve between the foot bones (metatarsals). The space between the third and fourth foot bones are anatomically narrower than between other metatarsals, making it more susceptible to compression. Contributing factors include wearing narrow, pointy shoes or high heels, which force the foot into a position that increases pressure on the bones. This unnatural positioning can lead to the symptoms associated with Morton's Neuroma. Additionally, conditions like bunions, which affect the alignment of the big toe and consequently the arch's function, can also contribute to the development of Morton's Neuroma due to altered foot mechanics and increased pronation .
Treatment Options
*See a professional - a podiatrist or physiotherapist can confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of forefoot pain, and guide you through the right rehabilitation plan for your individual situation.
Active Approaches:
- Footwear Modification: Switching to shoes with a wider toe box can significantly alleviate symptoms for many individuals. This change reduces the compression on the metatarsals and the nerve, providing immediate relief in some cases. It is advisable to select shoes that mimic the foot's natural shape, promoting a healthier foot alignment and mechanics.
- Foot Mobilisation Exercises: Engaging in exercises that increase the mobility of the toes and the foot can help relieve the compression on the nerve. Activities such as spreading the toes or using toe spacers can open up the space between the metatarsals, reducing the irritation of the nerve.
Passive Approaches:
These include the use of metatarsal pads or digital neuritis pads to offload pressure from the affected area and provide short-term relief. However, it is crucial to pair these passive treatments with active approaches for long-term benefits and improvement in foot function.
Overall Health and Wellness:
Addressing general health factors that contribute to systemic inflammation, such as sleep quality, stress management, and nutrition, can also play a role in managing Morton's Neuroma symptoms. A holistic approach that considers both the mechanical and systemic factors contributing to the condition is recommended for effective management and prevention.
By understanding Morton's Neuroma's causes, symptoms, and treatment options, individuals can take proactive steps to manage their symptoms and improve their foot health. A combination of active and passive treatments, along with attention to overall wellness, can offer relief and prevent recurrence.
3 Steps To Healthy, Happy Feet
How To Get Started On Your Journey
- Learn
Before you can take control of your foot health you need gain an understanding of how your body should naturally function and what may be contributing to the issues you’re experiencing.
We’ve combined all of our most potent education into one handy e-book we call the Guide To Foot Freedom to get you started on this journey. Click here to get free access.
For a deeper dive into Morton’s Neuroma, we would also recommend listening to this podcast from TFC’s leading health professionals.
- Move
The next step is to start exploring your potential through movement.
Whether you have some of our TFC training tools or not, we’ve created a library of training videos to help you restore natural function from the ground up.
Watch the video below for some ideas on where to begin.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y267cOQHbu8
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our free training portal here for exercise suggestions and guided routines from our Head Physiotherapist.
- Connect
To make major strides on your journey requires consistency and the main reason people struggle with this is because they're missing a strong support network around them.
Turning up every day to improve your health without a cheer squad motivating you is really challenging.
You need to connect with like-minded humans who've been in your shoes before so that you can learn from and inspire one another.
That’s what our TFC Explorer Community is here for. Click here to learn more.
While our education, training and community are an empowering way to help you start putting your feet first, everyone is different and we always recommend seeking advice from a qualified healthcare professional who can properly assess your individual needs and determine the best treatment options for you.
To find a trusted TFC Pro near you, head to our directory here.