How does a Morton’s foot type relate to Morton’s neuroma? (2024)

How does a Morton’s foot type relate to Morton’s neuroma? (3)

24/02/18

The term Morton's foot type is often used by practitioners to describe a certain foot shape. It is in effect a foot type whereby the first metatarsal is shorter than the adjacent one. Typically, this leaves the great (first) toe somewhat short in relation to the lesser toes.

A Morton's foot type is therefore a specific kind of foot shape which does have some clinical implications. A Morton's foot type results in a relative increase in pressures through the lesser metatarsals and toes, where a neuroma can form. As such, we see a greater incidence of patients who suffer from a Morton’s neuroma with his foot type.

A Morton's foot type is managed by redistributing pressure so that the great toe and the first metatarsal receive more weight relative to the lesser toes. Typically this would be achieved with footwear alteration and in particular customised orthoses. Abnormal pressures can be readily identified at The London Podiatry Centre using our state-of-the-art gait analysis facilities. Strategies can then be undertaken to ensure that the treatment resolves in a normal distribution of pressure.

Surgery to lengthen the first metatarsal is generally not recommended because this kind of operation tends to jam and impinge the great toe joint, so in effect causing other problems. Surgery to shorten the adjacent metatarsals is fraught with risk and hence generally not recommended.

When a Morton's neuroma forms as a consequence of a Morton's foot type it is important to establish and normalise pressures within the foot. However this may not be sufficient to completely resolve symptoms and in these cases cryosurgery is often undertaken to desensitise the nerve. Furthermore, unless the pressure distributions are improved in conjunction with the treatment of the condition using cryosurgery then further reoccurrence of problems is possible.

In order to establish whether the patient has a Morton’s foot type one can simply measure the relative length of the great toe to the second. If the great toe is a centimetre or more shorter than the second toe you have a Morton's foot type.

How does a Morton’s foot type relate to Morton’s neuroma? (2024)

FAQs

How does a Morton’s foot type relate to Morton’s neuroma? ›

As such, we see a greater incidence of patients who suffer from a Morton's neuroma with his foot type. A Morton's foot type is managed by redistributing pressure so that the great toe and the first metatarsal receive more weight relative to the lesser toes.

What is the difference between Morton's foot and Morton's neuroma? ›

Morton's toe is a result of a congenital, typically. short first metatarsal, which then gives rise to the appearance of a long second toe. Morten's Neuroma is an inflammation of the nerve. As a result, in part due to metatarsal compression.

What foot conditions are similar to Morton's neuroma? ›

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome:

The Tibial nerve, which is one of the main nerves of the foot, can become compressed as it passes through an anatomical tunnel in the inside ankle. In such cases the pain of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome can be similar to Morton's neuroma.

What are the conditions associated with Morton's neuroma? ›

Foot deformities.

People who have bunions, hammertoes, high arches or flatfeet are at higher risk of developing Morton's neuroma.

What is Morton's foot syndrome? ›

Morton's foot syndrome is a hereditary syndrome characterized by a short first metatarsal bone, posterior displacement of the sesamoids, and hypertrophy of the second metatarsal, causing excessive weight to be borne by the second metatarsal head. This condition results in callus formation under the second metatarsal.

What autoimmune disease causes Morton's neuroma? ›

For example about 5-8% of all cases of fore-foot pain that are initially diagnosed as Morton neuroma on the basis of clinical examination, are in fact due to rheumatoid nodules(2).

What will happens if a Morton's neuroma goes untreated? ›

If a Morton's neuroma isn't treated, it can cause nerve damage or chronic pain in your affected foot. Visit a healthcare provider as soon as you notice any Morton's neuroma symptoms. The sooner a provider diagnoses and treats a Morton's neuroma, the less likely it is you'll experience complications.

Is walking bad for Morton's neuroma? ›

Walking can be painful with this condition, especially if you do not have the right shoes. You can still take up walking with a neuroma as long as your foot is protected and relieved from as much pressure as possible.

What is misdiagnosed for Morton's neuroma? ›

The most common condition misdiagnosed as Morton's neuroma is metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint synovitis. When pain occurs in the third interspace, the clinician may misdiagnose the condition as Morton's neuroma instead of MTP synovitis, which may manifest very much like Morton's neuroma.

What is the best exercise for Morton's neuroma? ›

Some simple exercises include:
  • Plantar fascia stretch: Put a towel on the floor and place the foot on the closest edge. ...
  • Big toe stretch: Sit on the floor and wrap an exercise band around the big toe. ...
  • Ball roll: Place a golf ball or similarly sized ball under the foot and roll it for 1 minute.

How painful is a cortisone shot for Morton's neuroma? ›

Using the images, our radiologist will pinpoint the location of the neuroma. We will then insert a needle through the skin on the top of your foot, and administer the medication. You may feel momentary pressure or discomfort from the injection. The entire procedure takes about twenty minutes.

What foods should you avoid with Morton's neuroma? ›

Foods High in Sugar and Salt

If you have Morton's Neuroma, you should avoid foods that are high in sugar and salt. These foods can cause inflammation, which can exacerbate the condition, making it difficult to manage or heal.

Does gabapentin help Morton's neuroma? ›

Some anticonvulsant medications such as Gabapentin or Lyrica, can help with the nerve pain from Morton's neuroma. While the exact mechanism of action is unknown these medication are effective.

How do you calm a Morton's neuroma? ›

Treatment for Morton's Neuroma
  1. Avoid wearing tight, pointy, or high-heeled shoes. ...
  2. Put ice or a cold pack on the area for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. ...
  3. Take anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce pain and swelling. ...
  4. Rest your feet when you can. ...
  5. Try massaging your foot to relax the muscles around the nerve.

What is the new treatment for Morton's neuroma? ›

Nervana cryosurgery is the latest and most advanced treatment for Morton's neuromas. The minimally invasive approach avoids stitches and traditional incision scars.

Is Morton's neuroma a disability? ›

Thankfully, for the majority of people, Morton's Neuroma is not a disability. However, Morton's neuroma can severely restrict quality of life, and limit enjoyment of passions, hobbies, recreational activities and often family life.

How do you confirm Morton's neuroma? ›

Some imaging tests are more useful than others in the diagnosis of Morton's neuroma:
  1. X-rays. Your doctor is likely to order X-rays of your foot to rule out other causes of your pain — such as a stress fracture.
  2. Ultrasound. ...
  3. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Mar 25, 2023

What will a podiatrist do for Morton's neuroma? ›

The first course of treatment your podiatrist will recommend is steroid injections and anti-inflammatories in an effort to reduce the swelling and irritation of the nerve and minimize pain. If this does not work, your podiatrist may recommend surgery to treat Morton's neuroma.

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