Mortons Toe
Posted in Morton's Neuroma Symptoms on October 3rd, 2011 by Amy Leigh – Be the first to comment
Morton’s toe is a condition where the second toe is actually longer than the big toe. Many a times, you might not realize that the condition is that serious at all. I cant tell you that this condition leads to the exertion of much pressure on the heard of your second metatarsal. The head of the second metatarsal is the area around the ball of the foot and the back of the second big toe.
The pressure exerted at this point causes lots of pain to the level of metatarsalgia pain. The unequal pressure can also cause calluses formation on the underside of the second toe. You might not need to undergo surgery in order to correct such a condition. Basically, the main treatment for the Morton’s toe is through orthotics and use of the right shoes.
Symptoms
In many cases, this condition is easily noticeable. For majority of the cases, the second toe is considerably longer than the big toe. If at all this is not a common case for you, try to fold the victim toe backwards so that it is in line with the big toe. By doing this, you will notice that the second metatarsal extends even further than the first toe.
On the other hand, people with this condition develop calluses, thick for that matter behind the second toe and one the areas where the toes are linked both towards the inside and outside of the affected toe. Many of the patients who manifest this condition normally have flat feet. Rarely, the ankle rolls inwards to the foot. This condition is known as pronation.
Causes
This condition is hereditary. If at all anyone in you lineage had their second toe longer than the big toe. This might as well occur to anyone in the subsequent generations.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of this condition is usually conducted as a physical examination on the affect foot and toes.
Treatment
In this condition, surgery is rarely an option. In order to manage the condition effectively, you just have to watch the kind of shoes that you wear. It is advisable to try shoes that have more room allocation for the toes or the toe area. By having such shoes you will be able to deal with the deformity is a more comfortable manner. If it is seemingly impossible to get the right shoes for you, try and get shoes that are a little bigger than your normal life.
If at all you try this option and still the pain persists, it is time to see your doctor for guidance on the next step to take. The doctor would most likely offer you orthotics to better manage the dimensions of your feet. In most cases, the orthotics come with arch functions that aid in keeping your feet properly aligned. The orthotics might also encompass metatarsal pads which help in decreasing pressure exerted on the ball of the foot. These are the two main options you should go for if you exhibit conditions likely to suggest that you are suffering the Morton’s toe. These two options are regarded as the winning formula to this effect. This condition should not be mistaken for Morton’s Neuroma which is a problem which effects the internal nerve system of the foot.
Be sure to seek services of a licensed podiatric professional. These are the health professionals who can recommend the best solution for your problem. Keep in mind that the foot is a critical part of the body just like the other. Improper diagnosis and treatment can lead to adverse effects on other body function such as the neurological, musculoskeletal and the blood circulatory system.