MORTON’S NEUROMA
MORTON’S NEUROMA is a condition in which swollen tissues place pressure on a nerve between the metatarsals of the foot or the nerve itself is thickened. The inflammation makes it very painful to bear weight, wear shoes, or walk. Oftentimes patients with Morton’s neuroma find that wearing close-toed shoes is almost unbearable and wearing sandals is much more comfortable. |
Figure 12‑1: Morton's neuroma.
Morton’s neuroma is usually caused by wearing shoes that are too tight at the front of the foot, causing the bones and the tissues between the bones of the foot to rub the nerve raw. This causes the tissues between the bones to swell and illicit even more pain. The pain worsens with walking.
You can lessen the pain by stretching the bones of the foot apart. Spreading the bones apart allows more space for the lymph to drain, increases blood flow (which brings nutrients in and waste out), and takes pressure off the nerves, allowing them to heal.
Treatment involves massage, stretches, toe spacers, metatarsal pads to cushion the forefoot (Figures 12-2 and 12-3), minimizing weight-bearing activities, ice, and topical anti-inflammatories (like Cryoderm and other topicals mentioned in the last webpage.
Figure 12‑2: Metatarsal gel pads can be worn to reduce pressure on the nerve, allowing it to calm down and heal.
Figure 12‑3: Forefoot foam pads can be worn to reduce pressure on the nerve, allowing it to calm down and heal.
If these do not work, talk to your health care provider (hopefully that is one of us here at Drummond Chiropractic if you are here in Bloomington, Indiana) about orthotics, injections, and surgery as possible treatment options for Morton’s neuroma.
You don't have to be in pain. Why wait?
to schedule with us.
Drummond Chiropractic, LLC
Foot Pain Specialists
565 N Walnut St
Bloomington, IN 47404
(812) 336 - 2423