A Morton’s Neuroma is inflammation and consequent thickening of the inter-digital nerve that typically runs in-between the 2nd & 3rd and/or 3rd & 4th distal inter-metatarsal spaces of the feet. It often occurs in conjunction with an inflammation of the intermetatarsal bursa which is irritated by the same mechanism.
Symptoms include:
- Numbness in the 2nd, 3rd and/or 4th toes
- Burning pain in the ball of the feet while weight-bearing
Clinical Test:
- Squeeze test – looking for a Mulder’s click – where you can feel the nerve “click” in-between the metatarsal heads when you squeeze the forefoot
Causes include:
- History of wearing shoes that are too tight e.g. women’s casual & dress shoes pointed toed shoes
- Very wide feet
- Sports and running shoes that are not fitted properly
Conservative Treatments include:
- Initial semi-compressed felt metatarsal dome padding to see if can offload neuroma successfully
- If able to offload successfully then building a foam metatarsal dome into a pair of Orthotics as longer-term solution
- Suitable width footwear – work, casual and sports
- Home treatment – Ice and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Non-Conservative treatment
- Referral to a Sports Physician for a corticosteroid injection
- Potential referral to an orthopaedic surgeon for consideration for removal
Read more about peripheral nerves and Morton’s Neuroma in our blog here