Morton’s Neuroma
Morton’s Neuroma is a foot complaint caused by thickening of nerve tissues within the ball of the foot, usually between the 3rd and 4th toes.
It causes a sharp shooting pain and sometimes swelling within the forefoot and can also be associated with numbness and tingling in the toes. The Mulders test is a clinical examination that can be used to assist in the diagnosis of a Morton’s neuroma.
Symptoms
- Sharp shooting/burning pain on ball of foot
- Numbness, tingling in ball of foot & toes
- Feels like walking on pebble or having stone inside ball of foot
- Pain & discomfort worsens after prolonged periods of walking & activity
- Pain & discomfort worsens after wearing high heels or tight fitting shoes
Causes
- Excessive foot pronation
- Laxity within foot structures
- Broad forefoot
- Tightly fitting footwear in forefoot & high heels
- Trauma forefoot
Treatments
- Foot orthosis with metatsarsal domes
- Using appropriately fitting footwear that accommodates joint width
- Activity modification
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Orthopaedic review for significant pain that does not respond to conservative treatment (listed above)
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