From the Guidelines
For Morton's neuroma and tarsal coalition, incorporating stretching exercises into daily routines is crucial to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, as reported in the American Family Physician in 2002 1, initial treatment options include stretching exercises among other interventions. For Morton's neuroma, specific stretches such as toe stretches, metatarsal stretches, and using a tennis ball roll can help relieve pressure between metatarsal bones.
- Toe stretches: Gently pull each toe back and hold for 15-30 seconds, repeating 3 times daily.
- Metatarsal stretch: Place your hands on top of your foot and gently press down while pulling your toes upward.
- Tennis ball roll: Roll a tennis ball under the foot for 2-3 minutes to relieve pressure. For tarsal coalition, focusing on calf stretches, ankle rotations, and towel stretches can improve mobility and reduce discomfort.
- Calf stretches: Lean against a wall with your affected foot back, keeping the heel down for 30 seconds, 3 times per leg.
- Ankle rotations: Perform 10 circles in each direction.
- Towel stretches: Pull a towel toward you with your toes for 30 seconds. These exercises aim to reduce pressure on the affected nerves in Morton's neuroma and improve flexibility around the fused bones in tarsal coalition. It is essential to perform these stretches consistently but to stop if pain increases. Combining these stretches with proper footwear that provides arch support and a wide toe box will maximize relief for both conditions.
From the Research
Stretches for Morton's Neuroma
- There is no direct evidence of stretches for Morton's neuroma in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, some studies suggest that conservative methods such as orthotics, shoe modifications, and physical therapy modalities may be helpful in managing Morton's neuroma 2, 3, 4.
- A study published in 1991 found that treatment with manipulation, physical therapy modalities, and/or foot orthotics resulted in the successful resolution of symptoms in two cases of Morton's neuroma 4.
Stretches for Tarsal Coalition
- There is no evidence of stretches for tarsal coalition in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies primarily focus on Morton's neuroma, with no mention of tarsal coalition.
Treatment Options
- The treatment options for Morton's neuroma include orthotics, steroid injections, and surgical excision 2, 3, 5, 6.
- A systematic review published in 2018 found that operative treatment had better outcomes than conservative treatment for Morton's neuroma 5.
- A Cochrane review published in 2024 found that corticosteroid and local anaesthetic injection may result in little to no difference in pain and function compared to local anaesthetic injection alone, but ultrasound-guided corticosteroid and local anaesthetic injection probably reduces pain and increases function 6.