Everyone experiences foot pain from time to time, from standing too long in one spot to wearing uncomfortable shoes during a walk. But if you’re experiencing persistent or worsening foot pain, it’s important to know about treatments that you can utilize everyday that will help alleviate the ache so that you can carry on with your daily activities.
Orthotics can be beneficial to people who are struggling with painful foot conditions, including Morton’s neuroma. This condition affects the ball of your foot, making it difficult to do simple physical tasks, such as stand, walk or run. The good news is that orthotics are an effective treatment option for people with Morton’s neuroma. But which kind of orthotics will work best? That’s what we’re here to answer.
Read on to learn about the basics of Morton’s neuroma and which orthotics will work best for the condition. You’ll learn how physical therapy can help alleviate the symptoms as well.
What is Morton’s neuroma?
Intermetatarsal neuroma, usually known as Morton’s neuroma, refers to thickened tissue around a nerve on the ball of your foot, usually between the third and fourth toes. It’s the result of the nerve becoming irritated and compressed.
Morton’s neuroma usually stems from wearing high heels or tight-fitting shoes, though it can also come from having a gait or foot abnormality.
There are a few factors that can increase the risk of developing Morton’s neuroma, including:
- Bunions.
- Hammertoes.
- High arches.
- Flat feet.
Symptoms of Morton’s neuroma include:
- Burning pain that radiates to the toes.
- Numbness or tingling.
- Feeling like you’re standing on a pebble.
It’s important to note that many people don’t experience symptoms from thickened tissue on the ball of their foot. In fact, it’s estimated that one-third of the population has asymptomatic Morton’s neuroma.
Which orthotics should you choose for Morton's neuroma?
Orthotics are shoe inserts that provide comfort and support to alleviate the symptoms of foot conditions. It’s important to remember that orthotics won’t cure Morton’s neuroma, but they can help to manage the symptoms. If you have Morton's neuroma, it’s not easy to determine which orthotics will be the most effective in reducing your pain during physical activities.
The best kind of orthotics to choose for Morton’s neuroma are ones that provide arch support and metatarsal support. It’s best to find ones that specifically target metatarsalgia, which is inflammation in your forefoot. The padding should spread out your metatarsal bones (toes) so that the nerve isn’t compressed.
How physical therapy can help Morton's neuroma
While orthotics make it easier for you to stand and walk with Morton’s neuroma, physical therapy is an effective treatment option to alleviate the pain on the ball of your foot and increase your mobility. The goal is to help improve your foot’s mechanics that may be affected by the swollen tissue as well as reduce the risk of future foot pain and conditions.
For Morton’s neuroma, a physical therapist will likely center the treatment on your gait, as that’s often the root of the issue. They will assess your gait and determine the proper modifications that can decrease the pressure being placed on the ball of your foot as you walk and help restore your foot’s mechanics.
A physical therapist can also walk you through targeted therapeutic exercises to strengthen and stretch the muscles, tendons and ligaments in your foot. By loosening up your tendons and ligaments with stretching exercises, you can improve your foot’s mobility and flexibility that may be impacted by Morton’s neuroma. The strengthening exercises will improve your balance and stability to decrease the risk of a future injury.
Alliance PTP can help find expert physical therapists near you to address Morton’s neuroma
Not only can we help you find a clinic that will recommend the best orthotics for Morton’s neuroma, but they’ll provide gait adjustment and targeted exercises as well.
You probably don’t have to go as far as you think to get help with your Morton’s neuroma. After all, Alliance Physical Therapy Partners has practices across the country where you can find the physical therapy you need.
And if there isn’t one near you, don’t worry! We also offer highly effective and affordable virtual care in nearly every U.S. state.
So, don’t keep letting your symptoms affect your day-to-day life. Get in touch with our team today so we can help you find the physical therapy that’s right for you.
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