Toe Pain

Turf Toe

Turf Toe is a disorder in which the ligaments around big toe joint or first MTP joint are sprained. This occurs after extremely forceful upward bending of the big toe.

Symptoms of Turf Toe

  • Pain and swelling at the base of big toe joint.
  • Limited toe movement.
  • Pain upon toe flexion.
  • Pain upon stretching the toe upwards.

Turf Toe

Treatment Options For Turf Toe

  • R.I.C.E. technique should be applied.
  • A brace can be worn for protection of toe.
  • Shoes with a firm sole should be worn to prevent further bending of the toe.
  • The toe should be taped to restrict its movement.
  • After healing is complete, patient can start gradual weight bearing and enrol in a rehabilitation program.
  • Recovery depends on the severity of the sprain. If it is ignored or left untreated, then there may be development of hallux limitus or rigidus.

Mortons Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma is a condition that affects the common plantar digital nerves that run between the long bones (metatarsals) in the foot.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms include pain, burning, numbness and tingling between the toes, most commonly the third and fourth digits. Pain may develop rapidly or over a period of time and may be worse when walking barefoot on hard surfaces. Pain that gets worse over time can lead to cramping in the toes and a sharp, shooting or burning pain on the ball of the foot.

Cause of Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma occurs when the nerve that supplies the toes becomes compressed and irritated. Neuroma is commonly blamed on tight fitting footwear; high-heeled shoes with a constricted toe box or dropped metatarsal arches. These factors may play a role, but more often it relates to a foot that is not functioning, as it should. Other contributing factors including flat feet, high arches, bunions and hammertoes can all lead to the development of a neuroma.

MORTONS-NEUROMA-round

It can occur in many types of feet, it often goes hand in hand with bunion sufferers, as the foot movements that create bunions are the same as those that create Neuromas. Calf flexibility loss can lead to compensatory foot movements that can irritate the nerves in the forefoot.

Podiatry treatment of Morton’s neuroma

Podiatry treatment is aimed at relieving pressure around the nerve. Your podiatrist will assess current footwear and recommend suitable footwear for your foot type. Insoles and orthotic therapy may also be prescribed. In some cases when conservative treatment is ineffective a referral to a surgeon will be arranged.

Pain in your feet is never normal, and should not be ignored. Call Sole Motion Podiatry, Point Cook on 03 9395 9402 or make an appointment online to speak to our Podiatrist, Justin Kalopa. Our mission is to ensure that your feet stay healthy and strong in order for you to continue to do the things you love pain-free.

WARNING This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional podiatric advice. Treatment will vary between individuals depending upon your diagnosis and presenting complaint. An accurate diagnosis can only be made following personal consultation with a Podiatrist, your Doctor or your foot specialist.