Mortons Neuroma

Morton’s Neuroma

This is an entrapped nerve between the Metatarsal bones (the long bones in the forefoot). It usually occurs between the 2/3 Metatarsals. The nerve becomes inflamed due to constant irritation from the surrounding bony structures. If this trauma persists, soft tissue adaptation will result in the thickening of the nerve’s insulating sheath.

Typically, there are no outward signs of this condition, such as a lump. Instead, you may experience the following symptoms:

• A burning pain in the ball of the foot that may radiate into the  toes

• Tingling or numbness in the toes

• At first, the pain may worsen when you wear tight or narrow shoes or engage in activities that place pressure on your foot. Over time, symptoms may last for days or weeks.

  

When a foot is excessively pronated (foot rolls in) for any length of time, there is a progressive weakening of the soft tissue structures in the front of the foot. As this occurs it allows the metatarsals (long bones in foot) to move around. As there are nerves which run between the metatarsals, the nerves may become impinged or irritated by the loose metatarsal bones.      

The nerve becomes inflamed due to constant irritation from the surrounding bony structures. If this trauma persists, soft tissue adaptation will result in the thickening of the nerve’s insulating sheath.

• A Neuroma should always be treated conservatively. First, this means trying to remove the causative factors

• Orthotic Therapy to stop excess Pronation. Excessive Pronation allows the bones in the foot to unlock and move around, which can cause the Metatarsal bones to move and impinge the nerve which runs between them. When the foot is stopped from excessively rolling inwards it enables the bones to remain locked thus not moving and impinging the nerve.

• Foot Mobilisation to realign the bones in the feet. This frees the trapped nerve

• Avoid tight fitting footwear

• Cortisone injections into the area of the Neuroma

• Surgery to remove the Neuroma