Morton’s Neuroma Physical Therapy

Reviewed by Janet D. Pearl, MD, MSc

Can Physical Therapy help in the management of Morton’s neuroma?

Yes, Physical Therapy plays an important part in the treatment of Morton’s neuroma.

Conservative and non-surgical interventions including physical therapy are the often first line of therapy in the management of Morton neuroma.

Physiological modifications such as muscle stretching and strengthening as well as certain adjustments can help redefine and improve your foot mechanics to alleviate the symptoms of Morton neuroma. Additionally, it minimizes the risk of developing other foot-related complications and disorders.

Physical Therapy help in Mortons neuroma

The Role of Physical Therapists in Morton’s neuroma

Physical therapists play an important role in the treatment of Morton’s neuroma. They assess the gait and foot mechanics in order to understand your particular pathophysiology and causes of Morton neuroma. The pain of Morton’s neuroma often causes people to walk a certain way to decrease weight bearing over the ball of the foot in order to avoid pain. If done for a long period, this gait modification can cause complications including arthritis and back pain. Gait modifications advised by Physical therapists can help in restoring optimal body mechanics and balance to improve healing and rejuvenation.

When to use Physical Therapy in Morton’s neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma Physical Therapy should be considered in the following circumstances:

  1. In early stage Morton’s neuroma. Physical therapy combined with orthotics and over the counter pain relieving medications are a good first step in the treatment of early stage Morton’s neuroma. We define early stage as Morton’s neuroma pain which only occurs intermittently often aggravated with certain shoes.
  2. Post Morton’s neuroma ablation. We perform a number of different ablation procedures to treat your Morton’s neuroma. After we have treated you, you should consider Physical Therapy to help strengthen your muscles and correct any walking (gait) deficiencies that may have arisen due to your previous Morton’s pain. Orthotics also helps with gait abnormalities. If ignored, these gait abnormalities can lead to back pain, arthritis or other problems.

Physical therapy and other holistic methods of care are valuable in the long-term management of Morton neuroma. In fact, individuals who opt for other modalities of care should also consider physical therapy to aid in the process of healing and rehabilitation. It is important to see a Physical Therapist that has significant experience with Morton’s neuroma.

References:

  1. Sault, J. D., Morris, M. V., Jayaseelan, D. J., & Emerson-Kavchak, A. J. (2015). Manual therapy in the management of a patient with a symptomatic Morton’s neuroma: A case report. Manual therapy.
  2. Davis, F. (2012). Therapeutic massage provides pain relief to a client with Morton’s neuroma: a case report. International journal of therapeutic massage & bodywork, 5(2), 12.

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