From the Guidelines
Stretches for Morton's neuroma should focus on relieving pressure on the affected nerve and improving foot flexibility, with the most recent and highest quality study suggesting that initial treatment options may include stretching exercises 1. To manage Morton's neuroma, consider the following stretches:
- Start by sitting down and gently pulling your toes back toward your shin, holding for 15-30 seconds and repeating 3-5 times daily.
- Another effective stretch involves placing a frozen water bottle under your foot and rolling it back and forth for 5 minutes, which combines stretching with cold therapy to reduce inflammation.
- Try toe spreading exercises by manually separating your toes or using toe separators for 10 minutes daily.
- A tennis ball roll can also help by placing it under your foot and applying gentle pressure for 2-3 minutes.
- Additionally, calf stretches against a wall can indirectly help by reducing tension that pulls on the forefoot. These stretches work by creating more space between the metatarsal bones, reducing compression on the affected nerve, improving circulation, and maintaining foot flexibility. For best results, perform these stretches consistently throughout the day, especially before long periods of standing or walking, and combine them with proper footwear that has a wide toe box and good arch support, as recommended by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons 1. It is also important to note that while radiographs are typically insensitive in the diagnosis of Morton's neuroma, they can be useful to exclude other causes of webspace pain such as osteoarthritis, Freiberg's infraction, and stress fractures 1. However, the primary focus should be on relieving pressure on the affected nerve and improving foot flexibility through stretching exercises and proper footwear.
From the Research
Stretches for Morton's Neuroma
There are no specific stretches mentioned in the provided studies for Morton's neuroma. However, some studies discuss non-surgical interventions and treatments that may help alleviate symptoms.
Non-Surgical Interventions
- Corticosteroid injections may reduce pain and increase function for people with Morton's neuroma, as found in a systematic review and meta-analysis 2.
- Manipulation/mobilisation may also be effective in reducing pain, as reported in a study published in the Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics 3.
- Ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections may be more effective than non-ultrasound-guided injections in reducing pain and increasing function, as found in a systematic review 4.
Treatment Options
- Orthotics, steroid injections, and surgical excision are common treatment options for Morton's neuroma, as mentioned in a review of current concepts 5.
- Shoe-wear modifications, custom-made orthoses, and injections of local anesthetic agents, sclerosing agents, and steroids are also non-operative treatment strategies, as discussed in a literature review 6.
- Operative management options primarily involve either nerve decompression or neurectomy, as mentioned in a literature review 6.
Key Findings
- The evidence base for non-surgical interventions for Morton's neuroma is expanding, but further high-quality RCTs are needed to determine the most effective treatments 2.
- Ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections may be a promising treatment option, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness 4.