Are Zero-Drop Shoes Good for Morton’s Neuroma ? Yes, zero-drop shoes are designed to mimic the natural shape of the foot, with no elevated heel. This can help to distribute the weight more evenly across the foot and reduce pressure on the ball of the foot. If you want to see best running shoes for Morton’s Neuroma you can read our article on that.
Here is a story of one of our follower Dennis Lilly.
I used to wear high heels from my teenage because of my height. I am not a dwarf but rather the Napolean among my group of friends i.e. shortest in height but the magnet of the group that keeps all members jolting in.
Although there were some shoes that were comfortable to provide good support despite the heels, there were some that I had to wear because they look great from the outside but were crushing and painful for my feet. Particularly a square-toe shoe that had a narrow box and was used to press my toes with each other but outside it looked great.
I developed a sharp, tingling, and burning pain that used to numb the toes, particularly the two middle toes. Upon checking up with my physician I got to know it was a Morton’s Neuroma. Since that time I shifted to more comfortable, flatter and shoes with fewer heels.
Contents
What is Morton’s Neuroma?
A neuroma is a benign growth or thickening of nerve tissue. It can occur anywhere in the body where there are nerves, but the most common location for a neuroma is in the foot, specifically in the ball of the foot. This type of neuroma is called Morton’s neuroma, and it affects the nerve that runs between the toes.
Morton’s neuroma is often caused by repetitive stress or irritation to the nerve, such as wearing shoes that are too tight or high-heeled. It can also occur in people with certain foot deformities or those who participate in high-impact sports.
The symptoms of Morton’s neuroma typically include pain, numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in the ball of the foot or toes. The pain may be relieved by removing the shoes or massaging the foot, but it usually returns.
Treatment for Morton’s neuroma may include wearing wider shoes with a lower heel, arch support, and cushioning, using orthotic inserts or padding to relieve pressure on the affected area, taking over-the-counter pain medications, or receiving corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the affected nerve.
What Causes Morton’s Neuroma?
I did some research on Morton’s Neuroma on the internet from the little information that I have gathered from the internet as well as my experience I can say that the exact cause of Morton’s neuroma is not fully understood, but it is believed to be caused by irritation or damage to the nerves that run between the toes.
The condition often develops as a result of repetitive stress or compression on the nerve, which can cause it to become inflamed and swollen. Some common factors that can contribute to the development of Morton’s neuroma include:
Wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes:
Shoes that are too tight, narrow, or high-heeled can cause compression on the nerve, leading to irritation and inflammation.
Foot deformities:
Certain foot deformities such as bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet can also contribute to the development of Morton’s neuroma by putting pressure on the nerve.
High-impact activities:
Activities such as running, jumping, or other high-impact sports can put stress on the foot, increasing the risk of nerve damage.
Trauma:
A foot injury or trauma, such as a sprain or fracture, can also increase the risk of developing Morton’s neuroma.
Gender:
Women are more likely than men to develop Morton’s neuroma, which may be due to wearing high-heeled shoes or shoes that are too tight.
What are Zero-Drop Shoes?
Zero-drop shoes always used to fascinate me as my best friend used to regularly wear them and always recommend them to me. Zero-drop shoes are a type of footwear that is designed with a level sole, meaning that there is no difference in height or thickness between the heel and the toe. In zero-drop shoes, the foot sits flat on the ground, with no elevation at the heel.
Zero-drop shoes are believed to promote a more natural gait and posture, as the foot is able to move more freely and engage the muscles of the foot and leg more fully. Zero-drop shoes are more lightweight and flexible than traditional running shoes.
It is important to note that while zero-drop shoes may have some benefits, they are not necessarily the best choice for everyone. People with certain foot conditions or injuries may require additional support or cushioning in their footwear and should consult with a healthcare provider or podiatrist before switching to zero-drop shoes.
Are Zero-Drop Shoes Good for Morton’s Neuroma?
The main reason for the development of Morton’s Neuroma is often caused by wearing shoes with a narrow toe box or high heels, which can compress the nerves in the foot. Zero-drop shoes are designed to mimic the natural shape of the foot, with no elevated heel. This can help to distribute the weight more evenly across the foot and reduce pressure on the ball of the foot.
I used it for some time and it was effective to an extent but after consultation with my physician he advised me to get a softer outsole shoe with better cushioning. Although I got myself a good pair of running shoes but I added an orthotic insole to Zero-Drop shoes and it added more cushioning to foot.
Conclusion
It’s important to note that not all zero-drop shoes are created equal, and some may still have a narrow toe box or other features that can exacerbate Morton’s neuroma. Therefore, it’s important to choose zero-drop shoes that are specifically designed for people with foot conditions and offer ample room for the toes to spread out. In conclusion, zero-drop shoes can be a good option for Morton’s neuroma, but it’s important to look for shoes with a wide toe box, good arch support, and cushioning. It’s also important to transition gradually to avoid injury. As with any foot condition, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional for individualized advice.