The term neuroma refers to a swelling of a nerve. The nerve commonly affected is a small nerve that connects the 3rd and 4th toes, counting from the big toe. The patient will complain of pain in the sole of the foot. The area may be hot and swollen.The symptoms begin with numbness or tenderness in the foot, just behind the 3rd and 4th toes. At a later stage, pain, numbness, burning and tingling sensations can radiate around the foot.

The symptoms may appear and disappear spontaneously. Severe pain may be present at weight bearing and the patient may experience spontaneous shooting pain, which is often referred to as an "electric shock". This can affect patients when they are sleeping at night. Mechanical problems with the feet such as "over pronation" can cause this condition. Over pronation can be simply described as a condition, which causes your arches to flatten out when you stand up. This causes your ankles to roll in towards each other and disturbs your normal walking pattern.

If a foot over pronates, the structures of the foot are put under stress, which increases the likelihood of a neuroma occurring.

The use of flat feet orthotics has been researched and tested by leading institutions around the world, and is widely accepted in the medical community. Flat feet insoles and orthotics are used in both public and private hospitals and clinics.

Clinical studies and field research verify the value of orthotics in relieving flat feet and improving structural integrity. Flexible orthotics control foot motion without restricting function and creating compensatory movement in other structures.

Sources:

American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists

Anthony RJ (1991) The Manufacture and Use of Functional Foot Orthoses.

Valmassey R (1998) Clinical Biomechanics of the Lower Extremity.

Whing W , Zernicke R(1998). Biomechanics of Musculoskeletal Injury.

Journal of Applied Biomechanics

Morton's Neuroma is a severe throbbing pain that affects the nerves of the fore foot. The swollen nerves are compressed between the third and forth toes of the foot at the metatarsals (ball of the foot). Sometimes mistaken for metatarsalgia (pain in the forefoot), Morton's Neuroma causes severe pain or even numbness of the third and forth toes. The metatarsal arch (the second arch of the foot), becomes collapsed which results in the pinching or compression of the nerve.

Insoles (Orthotics) will raise and support the arch of the foot reducing the pinching of the nerve and associated pain of Morton's Neuroma.

Dr Foot's Insoles work wonders on problem-prone feet. These Insoles are biomechanically engineered to help relieve neuroma. The contoured shape supports your feet in two directions, both lengthwise and across the arch, for maximum relief of pain and fatigue. The special poron heel cushion built into the insole helps to reduce shock absorption. Dr Foot Sport Insoles are engineered to combat over pronation and provide greater stability and maximum support. Ideal for patients seeking arch support to treat the underlying causes of Mortons Neuroma.