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Morton's Neuroma
 Morton's
Neuroma is a pathological condition of the common digital nerve between the
third and fourth metatarsals (third inter-metatarsal space). The nerve
sheath becomes abnormally thickened with fibrous ("scar") tissue and the nerve
fibers eventually deteriorate. This common digital nerve runs along the bottom
(plantar) surface of the foot and branches to supply sensation to the
plantar aspect and tips of the third and fourth toes. Occasionally, the common
digital nerves in the second inter-metatarsal space is affected. Very rarely
the nerve in the first or fourth inter-metatarsal space is involved.
Pain in the ball of the foot and/or one or two small toes (usually the third and
fourth)
Intermittent in nature - it may disappear as quickly as it came
Pain is often sharp, burning, or cramping in nature
Pain may radiate into toes or up the foot/ leg
Aggravated by tight shoes and prolonged weight bearing
Removing the shoe often relieves the pain
The exact cause is unknown
It may involve mechanical irritation of the nerve
Abnormal foot structure or mechanics (e.g..
flatfoot and the high arched foot)
contributes to irritation of the nerve
Tight fitting footwear may contribute and aggravate the problem
Remove the shoe and massage your forefoot
Rest the foot
Wear shoes with a broad forefoot, low heel, and a good arch (e.g.. running or
walking shoe)
Utilise physical therapy techniques
Apply orthopedic pads to relieve pressure on the nerve
Prescribe proper functional foot orthotics to control abnormal motion
Metatarsalgia
(pain and inflammation of the metatarsal bones and their soft tissue sheath)
Capsulitis
(pain and inflammation of the joints between the metatarsal bones and toes)
Tendonitis
(inflammation of the tendons which course along the top of the foot)
Plantar callus
(callus on bottom of the foot)
Bursitis
(an inflamed fluid-filled sac often between a bone and an area of
pressure)
Partial or
complete dislocation
of a joint between a metatarsal and a toe (metatarsal-phalangeal
joint)
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