Morton's Neuroma

What Is Morton's Neuroma?

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition affecting the ball of the foot, involving a damaged and enlarged nerve leading to the toes. It can cause a sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot, along with stinging, burning, or numbness in the affected toes.

Morton's neuroma is a thickening on the nerves between the toes, caused by compression or repeated irritation of the nerve. Over time, the body responds to this irritation by thickening the nerve to protect itself until it forms a lump, called a neuroma, which causes more pressure between the toes and can be very painful.

Many people describe the sensation as feeling like they are stepping on a marble. The discomfort often worsens in tight or narrow footwear and may ease temporarily when shoes are removed.

Morton's neuroma commonly affects people between the ages of 40 and 60, and occurs more frequently in women than in men. However, it can affect anyone, particularly those who wear high heel or narrow shoes, or who participate in high impact activities.

Common Symptoms of Morton's Neuroma

Symptoms may include:

• Burning or sharp pain in the ball of the foot
• A sensation of standing on a pebble or marble
• Pain between the third and fourth toes
• Numbness or tingling in the toes
• Discomfort that worsens with tight footwear
• Pain that eases temporarily when shoes are removed

It is important to seek treatment for Morton's neuroma, as the neuroma can become larger and cause permanent nerve damage if left unaddressed.

What Causes Morton's Neuroma?

While the exact cause of Morton's neuroma is not known, it is linked to compression of the digital plantar nerves. This produces swelling in a nerve that runs to the toes, which creates additional pressure from surrounding bones and ligaments, causing burning and inflammation, and potentially leading to unusual tissue formation in and around the affected nerve.

Several factors can increase the risk:

Tight or High Heel Footwear Tight, narrow, or high heel shoes squeeze the toes, increasing pressure on the nerves.

Foot Structure People with certain foot types such as flat feet, high arches, bunions, or hammertoes are more likely to develop Morton's Neuroma. These structural abnormalities can cause instability around the metatarsal bones, leading to increased pressure on the nerve.

Repetitive Stress High impact activities such as running and jumping, or occupations requiring prolonged standing, may aggravate nerve tissue.

Trauma Injuries to the forefoot, such as stubbing or dropping something heavy on the toes, can trigger neuroma formation.

How Orthotics May Help Morton's Neuroma

Orthotics and metatarsal domes can be added to your shoes to redistribute pressure across the forefoot and separate the metatarsal bones, reducing the pressure on the neuroma and helping to relieve irritation.

Benefits may include:

Forefoot Pressure Relief A metatarsal dome placed just behind the affected metatarsal heads spreads them slightly apart, creating space for the nerve and reducing the pinching that causes pain.

Improved Foot Biomechanics Orthotics can help correct overpronation, one of the main biomechanical irregularities that contributes to nerve trauma. Firm insoles that align with the contours of the arches can also lift and separate the metatarsals, alleviating pressure on the nerve.

Better Arch Support Arch support can contribute to neuroma relief by lifting the arch and reducing the degree to which the metatarsal heads splay and load the forefoot particularly relevant for people with flat feet.

Increased Comfort Orthotics with padding around the forefoot area support the metatarsals and spread the toes enough to reduce aggravation of the nerve, and have been well-documented to aid in symptom reduction for people with Morton's neuroma.

While orthotics are not a cure for Morton's neuroma, they can form an important part of a broader management plan alongside appropriate footwear choices and professional guidance.

Who May Benefit From Orthotics?

Orthotics may be suitable for people who:

• Experience burning or sharp pain in the ball of the foot
• Have flat feet, high arches, bunions, or hammertoes
• Wear high heel or narrow footwear regularly
• Participate in running or high impact sports
• Spend long hours standing at work
• Need additional forefoot support inside everyday footwear

SOLE5 Orthotics for Morton's Neuroma

SOLE5 orthotics are designed to provide structured support for the arch and forefoot while fitting comfortably inside a wide range of footwear.

Key features include:

• Supportive arch design
• Forefoot cushioning and pressure distribution
• Metatarsal dome to reduce nerve compression
• Shock absorption
• Lightweight construction suitable for daily wear

Whether you're walking, working, or exercising, supportive orthotics may help reduce the discomfort associated with Morton's neuroma.

References

1. Mayo Clinic – Morton's Neuroma Overview
2. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons – Morton's Neuroma
3. NHS – Morton's Neuroma
4. Cleveland Clinic – Morton's Neuroma