Can I Prevent Morton’s Neuroma?

What Is Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma is an inflammation of the nerve between the metatarsal bones and the toes. This condition often presents as pain between the toes, numbness and tingling, or the sensation of a pebble beneath the foot. Approximately 1 in 3 Americans will develop Morton’s neuroma at some point and women are 8 to 10 times more likely to develop this neuroma. Without treatment, the pain can become more severe and impair mobility.

Morton’s neuroma is caused by a damaged or irritated nerve, usually between the third and fourth toes. Some causes of this nerve damage include:

• Pressure on the ball of the foot during certain sports and activities
• Abnormal foot shape such as flat feet or high arches
• Congenital foot problems
• Improper, ill-fitting footwear
• Other podiatric foot conditions such as hammertoe and bunions

How To Prevent Morton’s Neuroma
Sometimes a neuroma is unavoidable, but there are steps you can take to prevent Morton’s neuroma and the resulting nerve pain associated with this condition.

Choose The Right Footwear
Proper footwear can help you avoid developing Morton’s neuroma:

• Choose A Wide Toe Box: The part of your shoe that surrounds your toes should not squeeze or pinch your toes, but should allow them to rest in a natural position. Cramped footwear can put pressure on the nerves in your foot or cause a thickening of the nerve tissue resulting in a neuroma.
• Choose Low Heels: High-heeled shoes force your body weight onto the front of your feet and force your feet forward in your shoe. This creates a lot of pressure in the area where Morton’s neuroma typically forms. Heels that are two inches or lower are ideal.
• Choose Adequate Support: Arch supports and cushioned soles or orthotic inserts provide the structure necessary to support your foot in a natural position and provide padding in the balls of your feet. When participating in sports, choose athletic footwear that is designed to stabilize your foot.

Adjust Your Workouts
In addition to choosing the correct footwear when participating in sports, you should also consider working with your coach or trainer to ensure proper form. Good form can ensure that you are not placing undue pressure on your foot and increasing your risk for Morton’s neuroma.

Maintain A Healthy Weight
Extra weight puts increased pressure on your feet and can increase your risk for Morton’s neuroma (and many other foot and ankle impairments).

Address Other Foot Concerns
Because other foot injuries and abnormalities can increase your risk of developing Morton’s neuroma, consult with your podiatrist to address known foot concerns such as bunions and hammertoes, flat feet, high arches, and overpronation. Your podiatrist can recommend custom orthotics or other treatment strategies to resolve these conditions and help prevent the development of neuromas.