National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

Which intervention is the most appropriate for treating a patient with Morton neuroma?

1. A tension band just distal to the lateral epicondyles

2. A foam pad just proximal to the metatarsal heads

3. A shoe cutout medial to the first metatarsophalangeal joint

4. A shock-absorbing insole

The correct answer is: A foam pad just proximal to the metatarsal heads

The most appropriate intervention for treating a patient with Morton neuroma involves the use of a foam pad just proximal to the metatarsal heads. Morton neuroma is characterized by a thickening of the nerve tissue between the toes, often occurring between the third and fourth metatarsals, and is commonly associated with symptoms like pain, tingling, and numbness in the affected toes. Placing a foam pad just proximal to the metatarsal heads helps to offload pressure from the neuroma by providing cushioning and redistributing the weight more evenly across the forefoot. This can alleviate the compression on the irritated nerve, ultimately reducing pain and discomfort for the patient. The cushioning effect of the foam pad also helps to provide support and stability to the foot during weight-bearing activities, further aiding in symptom relief. The other interventions would not effectively target the source of the problem. A tension band near the lateral epicondyles does not address the specific foot pain associated with Morton neuroma, while a shoe cutout medial to the first metatarsophalangeal joint would not provide relief at the site of nerve irritation. Similarly, while shock-absorbing insoles can offer comfort, they might not directly alleviate the localized pressure on the neu