What is Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s Neuroma is a nerve swelling/ tumour that usually occurs at the metatarsal heads. There is a nerve between each metatarsal. If these nerves pass over the metatarsals’ heads, they may get pinched during pronation due to the sheer action at the joints. This condition is most prevalent among the second, third and fourth metatarsals. Pinching of the nerve causes irritation, swelling, and enlargement of the nerve. After swelling, the pain and irritation at the nerve increases. Pain usually starts as a burning sensation, numbness, or tingling.  As the cycle advances, the symptoms become more explicit and the pain may also increase progressively.

Symptoms 

In their description, patients usually feel a burning sensation or stabbing pain on the metatarsal heads. Sometimes, the pain may be radiated into the toes. The pain usually occurs when one pinches between the toes, or squeezing them. Often, people claim to get relived when they remove their shoes and massage their feet.

Treatment 

You can treat this condition by controlling pronation of the foot which in turn reduces the shear force between the heads of the toes. The most effective way of achieving this is using orthotics or injections. Orthotics have shown to be more effective when adjustments are added to accommodate for the Morton’s Neruoma. At Optimum Care Foot and Ankle Clinic we treat this condition 3D custom orthotics or injection therapy. Talk to us for more information. Contact us on 03 9077 5915 for further assessment and treatment.