Morton's Neuroma: Symptoms, Causes and Solutions to Relieve This Pain.

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition of the forefoot caused by the thickening of a nerve located between the toes. This often overlooked condition can cause intense pain and limit daily walking. Let's discover its causes, symptoms, and the most effective treatments.

What is Morton's neuroma?

Morton's neuroma is an inflammation or irritation of a plantar digital nerve usually located between the 3rd and 4th toes.
This nerve compression causes sharp pain, sometimes described as burning or an electric shock.

Causes of Morton's Neuroma

Several factors can promote the appearance of this pathology:

1. Unsuitable shoes

   • High heels that increase pressure on the forefoot

   • Narrow shoes compressing the toes

2. Intense sports practice

   • Running

   • Sports with repeated pressure on the forefoot (dance, tennis, football)

3. Foot deformities

   • Hallux valgus

   • Hollow or flat foot

   • Claw toes

4. Overweight

   • Excessive weight increasing pressure on the plantar nerves

Symptoms to watch for

The characteristic signs of Morton's neuroma are:

• Sharp pain in the forefoot, often between the 3rd and 4th toes

• Burning or tingling sensation

• Feeling like there's a stone in your shoe

• Pain that worsens when walking or standing

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is established by:

• A clinical examination (pressure on the intermetatarsal space)

• An ultrasound or MRI to visualize the thickening of the nerve

• A Mulder test (compression of the foot causing a "click" and pain)

Treatments to relieve Morton's neuroma

1. Adjust your shoes

• Choose models that are wide in the forefoot

• Choose a heel lower than 3 cm

• Use shock-absorbing insoles

2. Wear orthopedic insoles

A podiatrist can custom-make foot orthotics to reduce pressure on the nerve.

3. Reduce painful activity

Limit running or impact sports while pain persists.

4. Medical treatment

• Anti-inflammatories

• Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation

5. Surgery as a last resort

If pain persists despite treatment, surgery can release or remove the compressed nerve.

Prevention

To prevent the occurrence of Morton's neuroma:

• Wear comfortable shoes that fit the shape of your foot

• Alternate shoe types to avoid prolonged compression

• Maintain a stable weight

• Stretch your feet and calves regularly

Conclusion

Morton's neuroma can be particularly disabling in daily life, but there are many solutions to relieve it. Early treatment, combined with a change in lifestyle, can often prevent worsening and surgery.
If you experience persistent pain in the forefoot, don't wait: consult a podiatrist or sports doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

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