The name Morton's toe was given by American orthopedic surgeon Dudley Joy Morton, who included it as part of the Morton's triad: a short first metatarsal bone, a hypermobile first metatarsal segment, and calluses underneath the second and third toes. Morton's toe can also be confused with Morton's neuroma, which involves a nerve between the third and fourth toes. Morton harkened back to prehistoric humans, who probably used their toes for grasping.
The Greeks believed this type of foot to be beautiful, and it appears in sculptures and art. As well, it persisted as an aesthetic standard through Roman, Renaissance, even modern times- the Statue of Liberty has a Greek foot!
Morton's toe is a common foot type, but can be considered a deformity as well. The symptoms associated with Morton's toe include discomfort and callusing along the top of the second toe. This is because the big toe would normally bear the weight of walking, but these forces are transferred to the second toe because of its length and position. With shoes it can be a problem when trying to fit a shoe to the second toe.
Morton's toe affects 20% of the population, but 80% of people with it have foot pain. The reason for this high ratio is because of excessive pronation (weight bearing). Excessive pronation causes the leg to be shortened or lengthened, and the leg is rotated internally. Other problems associated with Morton's toe are: metatarsalgia, hammertoes, mallet toes, bunions, Morton's neuroma, and heel pain.
Treatment is often orthotics to realign the foot to its proper position and relieve some of the pressure from the second toe.
If you have a Morton's toe and are experiencing pain, call our Glastonbury or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Ayman M. Latif, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Foot Deformity Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Glastonbury and Middletown, CT
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