MORTON'S NEUROMA

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition involving a benign, tumor‑like thickening of a nerve located between two of the lesser toes—most commonly between the 3rd and 4th toes. This nerve enlargement develops when the tissues around the nerve are repeatedly irritated or compressed. Over time, the nerve becomes inflamed and swollen, leading to burning pain, tingling, numbness, or the sensation of “standing on a pebble.” When symptoms are persistent or worsening, it’s important to consult a qualified healthcare professional for proper evaluation.

How Morton’s Neuroma Develops

The nerve between the toes is designed to glide smoothly as the foot moves. When foot biomechanics break down, pressure builds around the nerve, causing irritation and thickening.

Common biomechanical contributors include:

• Flattening of the arch, which increases forefoot pressure

• Forefoot splay, widening the metatarsals and compressing the nerve

• Toe instability, which alters how weight is distributed

• Repetitive loading, especially during walking, running, or standing

• Footwear that narrows the forefoot, further squeezing the nerve

As the nerve becomes irritated, it thickens to protect itself. This thickening—called a neuroma—can then become a source of ongoing pain.

How Foot Biomechanics Drive Neuroma Pain

When the arch collapses:

• The forefoot spreads, increasing pressure between the metatarsal heads

• The big toe loses its role in stabilizing the foot

• Weight shifts toward the lesser toes

• The nerve is repeatedly pinched between the metatarsals

• Inflammation builds, causing burning, tingling, or numbness

Because the root cause is biomechanical, long‑term improvement often requires restoring healthier foot posture—not just treating the nerve itself.

How MASS Posture Orthotics Help

MASS (Maximum Arch Supination Stabilization) posture orthotics are designed to restore the foot closer to its optimal functional position. Instead of supporting the arch in its collapsed state, they aim to re‑establish full arch function, which reduces the abnormal pressures that irritate the nerve.

Key benefits include:

• Full‑contact arch support that prevents the forefoot from spreading excessively

• Restored foot posture that shifts weight back toward the big toe

• Dynamic flexibility that allows the orthotic to move with the foot while guiding it toward healthier biomechanics

• Reduced nerve compression by improving alignment and pressure distribution

By improving how the foot loads and moves, MASS posture orthotics help reduce the biomechanical forces that cause the nerve to thicken.

The Importance of Custom Calibration

Every foot has a unique combination of arch height, flexibility, and forefoot mobility. That’s why calibration is essential.

At East Valley Orthotics, each MASS posture orthotic is created from an accurate 3D impression of corrected foot posture and calibrated to:

• Your body weight

• Your foot flexibility

• Your activity level

This ensures the orthotic flexes appropriately for your specific structure, providing the right balance of support and movement. The goal is to guide the foot toward healthier function with every step.

What Patients Often Notice

While each person’s experience is unique, many people report:

• Reduced burning or tingling between the toes

• Less pressure under the ball of the foot

• Improved comfort during walking and standing

• A decrease in the “pebble in the shoe” sensation

• Gradual reduction in nerve irritation as pressure normalizes

These improvements come from addressing the underlying biomechanical cause—not just cushioning the painful area.

Supporting Long‑Term Foot Health

Morton’s neuroma often develops gradually, and meaningful improvement takes time. MASS posture orthotics are designed to support healthier foot function step by step. They can be part of a broader care plan that may include footwear changes, stretching, strengthening, or medical evaluation depending on individual needs.