Mortons neuroma is caused by compression of one of the interdigital nerves that run between the metatarsal bones (the long bones in the middle portion of the foot). The primary symptoms are a burning pain and numbness on the ball of the foot. Compression of the nerve can be due to a variety of causes.
- A neuroma or benign (harmless) growth on the nerve
- Footwear – high heels or shoes that are too tight
- Activities that involve spinning on the ball of the foot such as golf and tennis
- A high arched foot
- Flat feet
- Increased body weight
- Excessive pronation (rolling in of the foot in gait)
Symptoms
- Burning or throbbing pain on one side of a toe and the adjacent side of its neighbour (most common under 3rd and 4th toes)
- Sensation of pebble in shoe
- Pain is aggravated when the forefoot is compressed/squeezed
- Pain aggravated by weight bearing
- Callus in same location as pain
What you can do
- Rest and reduction of activities that necessitate spinning on the ball of the foot
- Use a metatarsal raise that will spread the bones of the forefoot taking the pressure of the nerve
- Wear appropriate footwear
- Wear orthotic if feet are flat
- Decrease weight
What we can do
- Analyse and give advice on gait – i.e. assess if there is excessive pronation when walking/running
- Tape the foot to take the pressure off the nerve
- Give exercises to strengthen the arch of the foot (if feet flat)
Tags: Foot Pain, Pain around toes
