Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects the intermetatarsal plantar nerve, or the nerves that branch to feed the toes. These nerves are sensory and allow for feeling.

There is a trunk of this nerve between each long bone of the foot. The trunk will split near the metatarsal heads at the webspaces. After splitting, the branches then go to either side of the toes.

When the nerves are damaged or compressed, they send out electrical signals to the brain that indicate pain. This sensation is not always severe, but when it is this condition can make regular, everyday tasks a nightmare.

Let’s look at the causes of Morton’s neuroma, what you may be doing to exacerbate your condition, and how you can take preventative measures to get rid of this source of daily foot pain.

WHAT IS MORTON'S NEUROMA?

Morton’s neuroma gets its name from Thomas George Morton, an American surgeon during the Civil War era who is noted for identifying metatarsalgia and Morton’s neuroma in his patients.

This condition is marked by the feeling of pain and sensitivity in the toes and balls of the feet.

This is where Morton's neuroma pain is felt.

Morton’s neuroma often feels as though you have stepped on a stone or as though your sock is bunched up inside of your shoe.

This is caused by abnormal pressure on the nerve in the foot.

This is further irritated when walking or standing as even more pressure is applied.

Occasionally, it is simply a massively painful spot in the foot that feels worse with activity.

Morton’s neuroma pain can range in intensity, from general discomfort to decently severe pain.

For an accurate diagnosis, visit your personal doctor or podiatrist to determine if Morton’s neuroma is indeed the cause of your pain.

Usually, a diagnostic injection of a nerve-blocking agent is all that is necessary to make this diagnosis.

WHAT YOU'RE DOING WRONG

There are a few things you may be doing that can actually increase your Morton’s neuroma pain.

1. YOU ARE WEARING TIGHT SHOES

This is one of the most common ways that you can irritate Morton’s neuroma.

Tight, constrictive shoes, or footwear without adequate support, can drive your condition crazy. High heels, flat shoes without support, and shoes that are too small will increase the discomfort of Morton’s neuroma.

A lot of cheaper shoes on the market allow for a complete bend in the shoe at the point where you would feel this neuroma.

This means that all the forces of walking will be applied to that area as you move your body weight over that foot. Try to avoid buying shoes you can fold in half.

Look for footwear that provides you with appropriate arch support (though not aggressive or too much), breathability, and the right balance of cushion and support.

Make sure it is at least semi-rigid at the point of the ball of the foot. This will reduce stress on the metatarsal heads and surrounding structures, including the nerves.

2. YOU ARE EXERCISING DESPITE YOUR PAIN.

Physical activity is good for your whole body – but if you are exercising through pain and discomfort without taking time to assess your condition, you may be making matters worse.

If you are a runner who is experiencing severe foot pain, it can be difficult to change up your workout routine - but make the effort to give your feet the rest they need.

Instead, choose cardio workouts such as swimming or cycling to get the challenging workout you desire without placing too much tension and trauma on your feet.

Better running shoes might be the answer, as well!

Inserts with an offloading structure for the ball of the foot can help.

3. YOU ARE NOT CONSULTING A DOCTOR

Regular doctor checkups are vital to the health of your whole body, regardless of your health condition – but this is especially important if you are experiencing lasting pain.

If your foot pain is becoming a part of your daily routine, you should seek a consultation with your doctor as soon as possible.

They can help you to pinpoint the cause of your foot pain and find the best methods of treatment for relief.

HERE ARE YOUR NATURAL SOLUTIONS

The Healing Sole offers you natural, drug-free relief from foot pain of all sorts, from plantar fasciitis pain to Morton’s neuroma. For those of you with Morton’s neuroma, our Palmer flip flop will be your very best friend when dealing with daily pain.

This flip flop is designed with pain-features that work with the motion of your foot and gait pattern.

As you walk, a metatarsal bar, rocker bottom sole, combination compressible and non-compressible heel, and raised arch support provide you with essential support, protection, tension-relief, and stretching to keep pain and tension far away.

The Healing Sole Palmer flip flop has a structure that reduces stress specifically at the forefoot right at the point of Morton's neuroma.

This can lessen pain caused by standing and moving.

These features are also present in our original flip flop, but the notable distinction between our original and Palmer flip flop is the absence of the elevated toe ramp.

This feature is removed from our Palmer design so that those with toe pain and ball of the foot pain can find better accessibility and greater comfort, all while receiving the same pain-relieving benefits of our original style.

This also allows for those with deformities like bunions to enjoy this natural treatment for foot pain.

Pair this shoe with our pain-fighting Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) products from Well Theory, designed for The Healing Sole, for your perfect defense system against foot pain! Order today to unlock active drug-free and surgery-free relief.