Morton's Neuroma

• The most common cause of Morton’s Neuroma is wearing shoes with too tight a toe box that compresses the toes and forefoot. 
   
• High heeled shoes compound the issue by forcing the forefoot into too tight a toe box and increasing pressure on the forefoot.
   
• Any repetitive impact or trauma to the forefoot, especially from court or racket sports and running.
   
• People with certain foot issues such as hammer toes, bunions, flat feet or highly flexible feet are more likely to develop neuromas.

The Integrated Fitting Solution™ (consisting of Thorlos® engineered padded socks, an insert or orthotic as necessary, and properly designed and fitted shoes or boots) is the most cost effective, proven method to-date of providing proactive protection against pressure shear and impact forces that can cause or contribute to Morton’s neuroma. The IFS provides protection for the forefoot that is important not only in the prevention of neuromas, but also in their treatment. 

• The Thorlos engineered padded sock is the first and key component of the Integrated Fitting Solution. Thorlos activity specific thick cushion socks, properly fitted with an activity specific shoe with sufficient room allow the feet to move more naturally while protecting them from the shoe. Thorlos are the only sock product clinically proven to provide proactive protection against pressure and shear forces, and to provide pain reduction. The cushions provide protection that helps prevent the formation of neuromas. In situations where neuromas have already formed, they protect the area from impacts, reducing pain and further damage to the area (to read more about the peer reviewed published medical research conducted with Thorlos engineered padded socks click here).
   
• Inserts that provide extra cushioning are also beneficial, and work together with the Thorlos sock component to protect the weight-bearing areas of the feet; and a separate metatarsal pad is often effective for treating Morton’s neuroma. Custom orthotics with a metatarsal pad included as part of the design may be prescribed as part of a regimen of therapy to protect and rehabilitate Morton’s neuroma and other forefoot injuries.
   
• Properly designed shoes or boots have sufficient cushioning and room in the toe box so that excessive pressure is not exerted on the forefoot and the toes are not compressed together, thereby decreasing the likelihood of the formation of a Morton’s neuroma.
   
• As always, proper fitting of the three components of the Integrated Fitting Solution, as a system, helps assure sufficient room for the dynamic feet to move in a healthy range of motion within the static shoe or boot, which in turn helps prevent foot issues.  Click here to view tips for proper fitting: http://www.thorlo.com/ws6/faq.php#4
   

For treatment of Morton’s neuroma, these measures may be prescribed by a physician:

• Padding for the metatarsal arch area that reduces pressure on the nerve, spreads the toes out more, and decreases pressure in weight bearing activities;
   
• Icing to help reduce pain and swelling;
   
• Custom or off the shelf orthotics to help provide reduced pressure and support;

• Metatarsal pads to help 'spread' the forefoot and relieve pressure;
   
• Reduced activity levels, especially those that contribute to forefoot trauma;
   
• Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen) to help reduce the pain and inflammation; and
   
• More invasive therapies such as corticosteroid injections if more conservative treatments do not help
   
• Surgery may be considered as a last resort in patients where treatment is not successful with less invasive techniques.

• Permanent changes in footwear may be required (for example, wearing shoes with wider toe boxes and not wearing pointed shoes or high heels) to ensure that the condition does not return.

Sources: Medline Plus [National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health]; Foothealthfacts.org, the official web site of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons

• Neuromas are typically not serious conditions, but can be very painful.
   
• Because many people have adverse reactions to anti-inflammatory medications it is best to take these only on the advice and supervision of a medical professional.
   
• If left unattended, continuing compression of the nerves can lead to permanent nerve damage.
   

Read more: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007286.htm

Remember, ALWAYS consult your physician if you have soreness, pain, redness, swelling or other indications of problems in any area of your feet that persist for more than a few days, particularly if you have invested in a properly fitted Thorlos Integrated Fitting Solution.  If your feet do not feel better, Thorlos offers a money back guarantee on all engineered padded sock products (the guarantee does not cover shoes and inserts).