Morton's Neuroma
-
also referred to as interdigital neuroma
-
a common cause of metatarsalgia
-
occurs 9 times more in women than in men
What is it?
-
fibrous tissue thickening around the interdigital nerve
-
the interdigital nerve is situated between the metatarsals and bifurcates down to the toes
How does it happen?
-
we do not know the exact mechanism of injury
-
possibly anything that can irritate and cause repetitive microtrauma to the nerve
What do you feel?
-
sharp/burning/shooting pain
-
numbness or tingling of the corresponding toes
-
most commonly occurs between the 3rd and 4th toes but it can also occur between the 2nd and 3rd toes
What can be done before surgery?
-
use use having a wide soft toe-box
-
avoid high heels
-
rest from high impact activities/sports
-
insoles with specific metatarsal padding
-
stretching of calf muscles to reduce forefoot loading
-
steroid injection
Insoles for Morton’s Neuroma
-
incorporate a soft metatarsal pad
-
ideally full-length or sulcus length to allow space for the metatarsal pad
-
metatarsal padding can be in the form of a metatarsal dome pad or 2-5 metatarsal bar depending on the examination findings
-
the idea is to support the foot’s transverse arch and to off-load the neuroma