Introduction:
Morton's toe is a term used to describe a specific foot condition, referred to as "Morton's foot" or a "Greek foot." This condition is named after Dr. Dudley Morton, who first described it in the early 20th century. An imbalance in the bones of the foot causes this condition. In a normal foot, the first metatarsal bone (the bone behind the big toe) is slightly shorter than the second metatarsal bone (the bone behind the second toe). In a foot with Morton's toe, the first metatarsal bone is shorter than the second metatarsal bone. This causes the second toe to appear longer and the big toe to appear shorter.
What Is Morton’s Toe?
Morton's toe can lead to a number of foot problems, including calluses on the bottom of the second toe, hammertoes, and pain in the ball of the foot. It can also lead to problems in the knee, hip, and lower back as the body compensates for the imbalance in the foot.
What Are the Symptoms of Morton’s Toe?
The longer second toe can cause pressure and rubbing on the shoe, leading to pain and discomfort in the ball of the foot, particularly when walking or standing for extended periods.
-
Calluses on the bottom of the foot. Calluses can form due to added pressure and friction, especially in areas such as the ball of the foot or the second toe.
-
Difficulty finding shoes that fit properly. The longer second toe can make it difficult to find shoes that fit properly, as they may be too tight in the toe box or may not provide enough room for the second toe. This can lead to further discomfort and pain.
-
Pain in the knees, hips, or lower back. The imbalance in the distribution of weight on foot caused by Morton's toe can lead to compensations in the way walk or stand, which may lead to pain and discomfort in the knees, hips, or lower back.
What Causes Morton’s Toe?
Morton’s toe is seen in 10 percent of the population and can lead to foot pain and difficulty finding appropriate footwear. It is caused by a genetic variation in the length of the foot's metatarsal bones. It is an anatomical variation rather than a condition that needs to be corrected and may not cause pain for all individuals.
What Are the Effects of Morton’s Toe?
Morton's toe can cause extra pressure on the second toe, leading to discomfort, corns, or calluses. While this can be annoying, it is usually not a major concern. Additionally, issues like toenail damage, ingrown nails, and nail injuries are common in people with a longer second toe, particularly those who wear high heels, tight, narrow, or pointy shoes, or are runners.
How Does Morton’s Neuroma Differ From Morton’s Toe?
Morton's neuroma and Morton's toe are two different conditions. A condition called Morton's neuroma affects the nerves in the foot, particularly the nerves located between the toes. It is caused by the compression of the nerves, which can lead to pain and numbness in the affected area. On the other hand, Morton's toe is a specific foot condition in which the second toe exceeds the length of the big toe. This can cause the second toe to rub against shoes, leading to pain and discomfort. It can also lead to other foot problems, such as calluses. Morton's neuroma and Morton's toe are both named after different individuals. The former is named after American physician Thomas George Morton, while the latter is named after Dudley Joy Morton. Both Morton's neuroma and Morton's toe cause foot pain, but Morton's neuroma is not related to toe length.
How Can Morton’s Toe Be Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of Morton's toe is typically made through a physical examination of the feet along with a patient's medical history and symptoms. During the physical examination, a healthcare professional will look for signs of a bony prominence at the second toe's base and any tenderness or inflammation in the area. Bony projections at the base of the second toe, which is a characteristic sign of Morton's toe. They will also check for any changes in the shape or alignment of the toes. They may also use imaging tests, such as X-rays, to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other potential causes of the patient's symptoms.
How Is Morton’s Toe Treated?
The most common treatment options for Morton's toe aim to alleviate pain and pressure on the affected toe. This includes:
-
Appropriate Footwear: Wearing shoes that fit well and have enough room for the toes. Wearing shoes that are too tight or have a narrow toe box can put pressure on the toes and exacerbate symptoms of Morton's toe. Choosing shoes that fit comfortably and have enough room for the toes to move freely is important. Wearing shoes with a low heel can also help redistribute pressure on the foot.
-
Using Orthotic Devices: Orthotic inserts, such as heel pads or arch supports, can help redistribute pressure on the foot and alleviate pain in the affected area. Orthotics can also be custom-made to fit the individual's foot shape and provide more support.
-
Metatarsal Pads: This small cushion is often used for additional support and cushioning for the metatarsal bones in the foot. This pad is frequently utilized to alleviate pain and discomfort. The pad is placed under the ball of the foot, just behind the second toe, to help relieve pressure and decrease pain in the affected area.
-
Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Stretching and strengthening the muscles in the feet can help improve flexibility and reduce pain. Some exercises that can be helpful include toe curls, ankle rotations, and calf stretches.
-
Over-The-Counter Pain Medication: Over-the-counter pain medication such as Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen can help manage pain and discomfort.
Preventing Morton's toe can be as simple as wearing shoes that fit properly and have adequate arch support. It is also important to avoid high heels, which can exacerbate the condition.
In some cases, if the above treatment options do not improve symptoms, surgery may be considered a last resort.
Conclusion:
Morton's toe is a common variation in which the length of the second toe is longer than the big toe due to an imbalance in the bones of the foot. However, it is worth noting that since it is a non-serious condition, not everyone with Morton's toe will experience symptoms. Treatment options include orthotics, shoe inserts, or physical therapy, which can help alleviate pain and discomfort and improve the alignment of the foot.
