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Your Foot Book Morton's Neuroma
Repeated friction and pressure on the nerve (magnified by pointy or tight shoes) causes the nerve to scar and become thicker (a neuroma), resulting in numbness, tingling, or burning in between the toes. Pain or burning also may shoot backwards up the foot into the leg. Stiff, constrictive shoes often magnify these symptoms. The web in between the third and fourth toe is most commonly affected. The illustration below shows how tight shoes can cause the toes to be pressed together resulting in pressure on the nerve.
Foot Menders staff can help you select proper-fitting shoes and/or create orthotic devices to help treat most cases of Morton's Neuroma. This material does not constitute medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. Foot Menders will not answer medical questions via email. Please consult a physician for specific treatment recommendations. |
Morton's
Neuroma is the painful condition of the foot resulting from a "pinched
nerve" in the forefoot, between the toes. As seen below, the
nerve to the toes (digital nerve) is compressed between the adjacent
metatarsal bones (bones behind the toes) before the nerve splits
into a "Y" to supply sensation to the web space between
the two toes.
Treatment
usually is conservative (80%), with emphasis on roomy, comfortable
shoes with a fuller toe box and a soft upper material that is flexible.
For advice on selecting shoes follow the 10 Points of Shoe Fit .
Soft
Orthotic devices with support in the arch (metatarsal rays) and
cushioning underneath the metatarsal heads (ball of the foot) help
to lift and separate the metatarsal bones, relieving pressure on
the nerve. Cortisone shots into the web space around the nerve may
help in some cases. Finally, resistant cases of Morton's Neuroma
may require surgery. The ligaments holding the two metatarsal bones
together are divided, and a small segment of the nerve is removed,
relieving pain and resulting in numbness for that web space.