Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s Neuroma is generally described as pain &/or pins and needles (paraesthesia) felt at the ball of the foot. Discomfort is generally more pronounced between the 3rd and 4th toes. In addition to this, individuals may feel a clicking sensation within the region or as if they are walking/running on pebbles.

How it occurs
As seen in the image below, there are a series of nerves that run between the shaft of your foot bones. The primary role of these nerves enables you to both feel and move your feet. In the case of Morton’s Neuroma symptoms are causations to a benign growth of nerve tissue between the sharf of the toe bones.

The exact cause of Morton’s Neuroma is not clearly understood although, its onset could be contributing to factors such as:

-          Trauma triggered by an event or repetitive load within the ball of the foot

-          Inappropriate footwear, narrow toe box shoes or high heels

-          Foot rolls in excessively (pronation)

-          Tight calf muscles

-          Natural ageing process causes loss of padding at the sole of the foot (plantar fat pad atrophy)

-          Comorbidities such as, diabetes and vascular disease may increase an individual’s risk of developing

What we may assess to obtain a diagnosis
Diagnosis is always subject to symptomatic complaint in conjunction with clinical testing performed by your podiatrist. Test performed may include touching (palpation) the painful area, joint range of motion and an assessment of your walking or running (gait).

At The Running Room and Posh Pod, we are equipped with a pressure plate treadmill (Zebris) allowing us to comprehensively assess plantar pressures within the feet. Additionally, and if required your podiatrist may also send you for either radiographic or ultrasound imaging to best direct your tailored management plan.

Management and how long does it take?
Morton’s Neuroma is a permanent condition with management modalities and treatment time frames varying on a case-by-case basis. Treatment may be anywhere between 2-6 weeks for acute cases and > 6 weeks for surgical cases.

Conservative modalities may include footwear adjustments, custom orthotics, and/or shock-wave therapy. If conservative treatment fails, surgical or oral/injectable anti-inflammatory medication may be considered in collaboration with your general practitioner where an appropriate referral will be made. Post-operative treatment can be provided by your podiatrist and may include a combination of foot specific exercises, footwear adjustments and custom orthotics.

Author: Maddie Parker

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