RESEARCH
MORTON'S NEUROMA
Commonly associated with metatarsalgia, Morton's neuroma is an entrapment of the interdigital nerve lying between the 3rd and 4th metatarsal bones.
SYMPTOMS
Morton’s neuroma may cause symptoms similar to metatarsalgia, but may also cause numbness, tingling, and discoloration of the 3rd and 4th (lesser) toes.
BIOMECHANICAL ETIOLOGY
Tight-fitting shoes tend to aggravate this condition because they squeeze the metatarsals together, pinching the nerve.
TREATMENT
Orthotic treatment may greatly assist in the early stages of Morton's neuroma. Realigning the metatarsal shafts redistributes the weight on the forefoot and prevents interdigital nerve impingement. Severe fibrosis of the interdigital nerve may require surgery. However, the use of orthotic devices may prevent further problems postoperatively.
ADDITIONAL TREATMENT
Ice therapy
Wider shoes to allow the metatarsals to spread
EXERCISES
Intrinsic forefoot exercises