Morton’s Toe can also be called “Royal Toe”, “LaMay Toe” and “Sheppard’s Toe”. Some people call it a disorder but it is mainly considered a normal variant of foot shape. Many people who have this abnormality have no problems with it. With it being a genetic inheritance, it makes up about 10% of the population. About 80% of people suffering from musculoskeletal pain and seeing medical help have this variated foot shape. Therefore doctors look at it as a precursor to musculoskeletal pain.
Just one functionally shortened toe can act the same way as a shortened or unbalanced leg, by unbalancing the pelvis by dropping one hip lower. This causes possible scoliosis issues as well as a forward rotation of the pelvis. Other noted causes have been lower back pain, discomfort in the knee and hip later leading to arthritis.
A treatment for foot pain sometimes involves placing a pad under the first toe. Restoring Mortons toe to normal function with proprioceptive orthotics can help alleviate symptomatic relief for a short period of time, but does not fix the underlying issue. Another treatment method is to purchase footwear that is 1/2 to 1 size larger than required to help give the toes some extra room.