Understanding and solving Morton’s Foot and Neuromas (Nerve Pain)
By Wendi Pearson – Gear West Gait Analysis Specialist

Morton’s foot is a common hereditary condition where the 2nd metatarsal is longer than the 1st metatarsal; in other words, the bone in the foot leading to the second toe is longer. Having this type of foot tends to make a person more susceptible to body alignment issues throughout the entire body, shin splints, knee problems, hip problems, back problems, uneven pressure on the feet, hammer toes, nerve pain in the ball of the foot leading up to the toes (Morton’s Neuroma), and many more underlying issues.

Signs to look for other than actual pain are: a longer second toe, contracted toes, outside callusing of the big toe or big toe joint, outside callusing of the pinky toe, and especially, callusing under the ball of the foot at the second toe.

Morton’s Neuroma is an unfortunate result of a Morton’s foot. But not everyone who has a Morton’s foot gets a Morton’s Neuroma, it just increases your chances greatly. Oftentimes people notice pain or numbness in the ball of the foot. Gradually the pain or numbness travels up a couple of toes. At first, the pain is intermittent and bearable and doesn’t affect normal activity. But as it worsens, normal activity is interrupted and eventually halted. Underlying cause? A Morton’s foot type places extra stress on the second and third toe metatarsals to make up for the shortened first toe structure. This extra pressure squeezes the metatarsals together and pinches the nerves in the ball of the foot. Pinched nerves become swollen and eventually stay swollen to the point that surgery may be required.

There is a simple solution, used in the 1920’s by Dr. Morton himself! He placed a simple pad under the 1st metatarsal head, which extended to support the big toe as well. After Dr. Morton died, Morton’s toe research tapered off, as expensive orthotics took over.

Gear West now carries two types of off the shelf shoe insoles that are based on Dr. Morton’s research. These insoles are extremely effective in helping many of the above-mentioned conditions. I have used the insoles myself for Morton’s Neuroma and experienced the immediate difference they can make as well as the continued healing process of correcting the actual problem.

Posture Control Insoles are ultra-slim footbeds that fit in nearly every athletic, casual, and dress shoe. They can be used by themselves, or with the manufacturer insole in the shoe, whichever is more comfortable. Unlike orthotics, they won't feel like foreign objects trying to push your feet out of your shoes. If you desire added cushion, use them with the manufacturer’s insole. If you like a firmer footbed, wear them alone. More information can be found at mortonsfoot.com

ProKinetics Insoles are a replacement for the manufacturer insole. ProKenetics are thicker and more cushioned than Posture Control insoles, and are designed for athletic and casual shoes. These insoles are great for people who need arch support as well as the 1st metatarsal wedge. Included is a removable arch and two added “levelers” to build up the wedge as needed. They also come with a small tube of adhesive to hold your customization of the insole in place. More information can be found at prokinetics.com

Finally, I would also recommend Solemate Toe Pads. Soulemate’s are small pads placed under the 1st metatarsal in high heels or sandals to make them more comfortable, help body alignment, and help resolve issues like Morton’s Neuroma. More information can be found at heelshurt.com

More Info:
Morton's Neuroma
Wendi Pearson
Gait Analysis at Gear West