Morton's Toe
Lots of people think they have a weird foot because it looks like the second toe is longer than the big toe. It is actually quite common, so common in fact that the Statue of Liberty's feet are modeled after the Greek foot, another name describing the Morton's Toe.
The correct term for Morton's Toe is Morton's Foot Syndrome, named after Dr. Dudley Morton who was a foot doctor of some fame back in the 1930's. He authored several books on the subject including a book named Oh, Doctor! My Feet! where he talks about some of the problems associated with this foot shape.
Recognizing Morton's toes?
Morton's toe is a little misleading, because this condition isn't really a long toe, meaning the phalanges (toe bones). It is the relative length of the Metatarsal foot bones, specifically the relative length difference between the first and second that defines this foot shape. Morton's Toe aka. Morton's Foot Syndrome is a short first metatarsal relative to the second metatarsal.
You don't need an x-ray to determine if you have Morton's Toe.
If the space between your first and second toe appears to be deeper, not wider, but deeper than the space between your second and third toes, you have Morton's Toe which is also sometimes just called Morton's Foot.
Does Morton's Toe cause problems?
This foot structure is known to cause and perpetuate musculoskeletal problems. Problems start with the feet and the list is long.
Foot Pain
- Metatarsalgia (ball-of-foot pain)
- Morton's Neuroma
- Metatarsal Stress Fractures
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Calluses
- Bunion
- Hammer, Claw and Mallet toes
Lower Extremity Pain
- Ankle Pain - Weak Ankles
- Shin splints
- Tight, Sore and Tired Calf Muscles
- Knee pain
- Tight IT Bands
- Runner's Knee (Chondromalacia)
- Fractured Meniscus
- ACL Tears
- Sciatica Pain
- Arthritis
Back and Neck
- Scoliosis & Kyphosis
- SI Joint Pain
- Sciatica (Piriformis Syndrome)
- Low-Back Pain
- Upper Back and Shoulder Pain
- Neck Pain (head forward posture)
Morton's Toe impacts the whole body because it changes your posture and the way you walk and run.