Help For Morton’s Neuroma – North Adelaide Orthotics
Morton’s Neuroma is a common condition seen in our orthotic shop and is treated very effectively with orthotics. North Adelaide Orthotics offer custom orthotic solutions for a range of painful problems throughout our local and surrounding Walkerville, Medindie, Bowden, Croydon communities.
What is Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma is a term used to describe swelling between the third and fourth toes, which places pressure on nerves and other structures as they pass through this space. We see this condition commonly in The Orthotic Shop and find it quite straight forward to resolve with the correct diagnosis.
The nerve that is compressed in Morton’s neuroma is the medial plantar nerve and this compression can occur for many reasons. The ultimate cause of this compression is surrounding tissue that has been unable to sustain the loads placed upon it. When this happens, micro tears occur in the tissue resulting in inflammation and swelling. The most effective way to resolve Morton’s neuroma is by understanding the condition and addressing the underlying causes.
Causes of Morton’s Neuroma
Morton’s neuroma is a condition in which bones and connective tissue rub against the interdigital nerve and cause it to become irritated.
There are several factors that have been associated with Morton’s neuroma including:
- High heeled shoes which place pressure on the toes as they squeeze them together.
- High arches are a risk factor for Morton’s neuroma as they are extremely rigid.
- Individuals that over pronate or have flat feet commonly have a collapsed transverse arch.
- Bunions swelling around the big toe is a sign of increased pressure on your feet.
- Hammer toes, most commonly caused by inappropriate footwear that place your toes in a stressed position. This stress resonates up the foot.
- Poor footwear.
Signs You May Have Morton’s Neuroma
Morton’s neuroma is a very painful condition.
Individuals suffering with this condition often present with:
- Burning (due to compression of the nerve)
- Shooting pain between the toes and up the foot
- Numbness in the affected toe
- Paresthesia (pins and needles) in the affected area
Management of Morton’s Neuroma
In order to successfully manage Morton’s Neuroma, it is important to address the cause of the problem rather than simply managing the symptoms. Employing the latest technology and biomechanical assessment techniques, we are able to identify those tissues under excessive load and the cause of the nerve irritation, allowing us to develop a comprehensive treatment plan to address your specific needs. Typically your plan will involve biomechanical correction, self-management strategies, and modalities that address any structural imbalance.
Treatment options for Morton’s neuroma include:
- Orthotics
- Soft tissue mobilisation
- Stretching and strengthening
- Weight loss
- Motion control running shoes
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Injection of corticosteroids
Complications
Delaying appropriate management of Morton’s Neuroma can lead to complications and an extended period of unnecessary pain. If not addressed, these changes will continue and lead to secondary complications both locally and further up the biomechanical chain and can result in knee, hip or back pain.
Action Steps
To help improve your Morton’s Neuroma and ensure that you get back to your best as quickly as possible, the following steps can be taken:
- Watch the self-assessment video and analyse your foot posture.
- Consider the causes of low arches above, and determine which may be relevant to your particular situation.
- Arrange a free lower limb biomechanical assessment (valued at $79). Simply click on the free gait analysis button below to download your free voucher and start addressing your pain today.
