Morton’s neuroma
Morton’s neuroma: understanding the condition
Morton’s neuroma, also called Morton’s disease or Morton’s syndrome, is compression of the interdigital nerve between the third and fourth toes, sometimes between the second and third toes, or in both locations. It is not externally visible but can be very painful.
At Laboratoire Orthopédique, we offer solutions adapted to treating this condition and helping each patient regain quality of life.
What are the symptoms of Morton’s neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma causes intense pain in the second, third or fourth toes, described as:
Pain can vary from one person to another. It most often occurs when standing for long periods, while walking or when wearing narrow or high-heeled shoes.
Sometimes the pain is so intense that it can make walking and certain sports difficult.
Are you experiencing pain in the ball of your foot?
Foot pain should not be ignored. If you have symptoms of Morton’s neuroma, book an appointment at the Laboratoire Orthopédique.
Morton’s neuroma: Causes and people at risk
The exact causes of Morton’s neuroma are not well understood, but certain habits may contribute to its development. It is more common among women and is often associated with narrow or high-heeled shoes that compress the nerve in the forefoot, causing thickening and scarring of nerve tissue.
Other factors include:
Diagnosing this foot condition
Morton’s neuroma is characterized by enlargement of an interdigital nerve that becomes painful under compression. A compression test may therefore be performed by using the hand to bring the first and fifth metatarsals closer together. If intense pain resembling an electric shock occurs, the result may be considered positive. Pain may also occur when the area between the metatarsals is palpated.
How to treat Morton’s neuroma: available options
Several effective, non-invasive treatments are available for Morton’s neuroma:
- Rest and ice to limit pressure on the foot.
- Foot orthotics: at the Laboratoire Orthopédique, we provide patients with hand-moulded orthotics intended to relieve the compressed nerve and reduce pressure on it
- Orthopedic shoes: these shoes distribute weight across the foot and reduce pressure through an adapted width.
It is important to treat Morton’s neuroma promptly to help avoid surgery, which remains a last resort because it can cause permanent numbness in the toes.
Are you experiencing pain in the ball of your foot?
Foot pain should not be ignored. If you have symptoms of Morton’s neuroma, book an appointment at the Laboratoire Orthopédique.