The name "Morton's Toe" comes from the American orthopedic surgeon, Dudley Joy Morton. This condition is a common problem in the feet. People who have this problem have a second metatarsal (leg bone) that is longer than the first. The difference in length between the bones of the first and second leg can affect how you walk and balance. This condition can also cause prolonged pain in the legs and other parts. There are several ways to treat the symptoms of Morton's toe and return it to its proper condition.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Morton's Toe
Step 1. Look at your feet
If you have Morton's Toe, your index toe will appear longer than your big toe.
- Normal foot shape is determined by the big toe being longer than the other toes, the length of the index finger to the little finger will always decrease.
- You may have Morton's Toe even if your index toe is no longer than your big toe.
- You should always see a medical professional to diagnose the condition and discuss treatment options.
Step 2. Understand the symptoms of Morton's Toe
Morton's Toe can cause nagging pain and long-term complications.
- Morton's toe causes the surrounding bone to become dysfunctional, so that the bone of the second toe is overloaded.
- This excess load puts pressure on the bone.
- This excess load also causes a callus to form at the bottom of the bone. Callus is a hard bony protrusion.
- This callus can cause moderate to severe pain in the foot.
- Some people affected by Morton's Toe suffer from nagging pain. The pain may be constant or sharp, like pins and needles when walking.
Step 3. Recognize the long-term complications of Morton's Toe
Conditions like this cause ongoing problems down the road.
- Morton's Toe patients may suffer from low back pain, knee pain, and low back pain. This is due to a slight change in the way you walk when you have Morton's Toe.
- Arthritis is a common problem in people with this condition.
- This condition can also cause bunions and hammer toes.
Part 2 of 2: Treating Morton's Toe
Step 1. Try taking pain medication
This will reduce pain and provide temporary relief.
- This method is not a long term solution.
- Pain relievers such as ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen, and aspirin can help reduce pain and swelling.
- Another simple way to do this is to keep weights on your feet and apply ice to reduce swelling.
- This method should not be done continuously. If you experience severe and chronic pain, you should see a doctor.
Step 2. Consider buying new shoes
New shoes that are properly shaped and comfortable enough will help relieve these symptoms.
- Buy shoes with wide toe room. The extra room will help with healing.
- Make sure your shoes have enough cushioning.
- Avoid shoes that pinch your toes or high heels when treating this condition.
Step 3. Go to a podiatrist for special orthotic pads
This is often done to treat the condition.
- This is done by placing the mat under the metatarsals and toes inside your shoe.
- The mat will cushion the area.
- This will change the weight bearing on the toes and increase the range of movement of the foot.
Step 4. Talk to your doctor about surgery
Only do this if all treatments don't work.
- Surgery is invasive and always risky, so try everything before deciding to have surgery.
- Surgery can be performed by removing a small piece of bone to reduce the length of the index finger and remove additional weight bearing.
- Bone shortening is a type of surgery that is often performed.
- Other leg bones can also be lengthened by surgically adding silicone.
- Bone lengthening is not as common as other surgical methods. This surgery is more invasive and carries a higher risk of complications.
Tips
- Don't try to treat or heal on your own. Consult a medical professional to get the right foot treatment.
- Do not overuse painkillers, as they can cause a number of side effects and other health problems.
