Morton's Toe Variation and Foot Pain Menu Verywell Fit Nutrition Weight Management Nutrition Facts Nutrition Basics Diets Meal Plans Meal Delivery Services View All News Fitness and Nutrition What to Buy How We Test Products Fitness Gear Nutrition Products Tools Recipe Nutrition Calculator Weight Loss Calorie Goal BMI Calculator Body Fat Percentage Calculator Calories Burned by Activity Daily Calories Burned Pace Calculator About Us Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Search Walking Injuries and Prevention Helping Morton's Toe Foot Pain By Wendy Bumgardner Wendy Bumgardner Wendy Bumgardner is a freelance writer covering walking and other health and fitness topics and has competed in more than 1,000 walking events. Learn about our editorial process Updated on June 23, 2020 Medically reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and nutrition and exercise healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Miho J. Tanaka, MD Medically reviewed by Miho J. Tanaka, MD Dr. Tanaka is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the treatment of sports medicine injuries. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print Núria Talavera/Moment Open/Getty Images Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Causes Link to Foot Pain Treat Morton's toe is when the second toe is longer than the first toe (big toe). It is a common variation seen in 10% of the population. Having Morton's toe may lead to foot pain and the need to find better-fitting footwear. Morton's toe may also be referred to as long toe or "Greek toe," as the feet seen on classic Greek statues often have Morton's toe. The Statue of Liberty, modeled after classic Greek sculpture, is a good example of Morton's toe. It is often confused with Morton's neuroma, which also causes foot pain but is not related to Morton's toe. Causes Morton's toe is genetic. The length of each toe is determined by the length of the metatarsal bones—the long bones in the ball of the foot. In people with Morton's toe, the big toe metatarsal (first metatarsal) is shorter than the second metatarsal. The second toe bone (phalange) is not actually longer than the first toe bone; it is the metatarsal that connects to the phalange that is longer. Morton's toe is an anatomical variation, rather than a condition that requires correction. It may not cause pain for everyone. The 11 Best Orthotics of 2022 Link to Foot Pain When you walk or run, the longest toe takes more of the pressure during the "toe off" phase of each step. In people without Morton's toe, the sturdier first toe takes on a larger stress load. The constant pressure may cause a callus to develop at the second metatarsal head on the ball of the foot. It may also mean that the second toe bumps against a shoe's toe box, leading to black toenail and bruising. Morton's toe may lead to overpronation—excessive rotation of the foot inward. Motion-control shoes can help correct overpronation and the problems that it brings. Treatments The right shoes, with a high and wide toe box, can prevent the constant pressure on the tip of the second toe. Lacing the shoes to prevent the foot from sliding forward in the shoe with every step can help prevent toenail damage. Selecting shoes a half size larger may also relieve the pressure on the second toe when used in conjunction with proper lacing. For those with continued foot pain and problems, a custom orthotic can help realign and cushion the foot properly, so that the big toe takes its share of the force when stepping. Get a foot analysis at a foot store or pedorthist shop to see whether over-the-counter insoles or custom orthotics may be needed. A physical therapist may also be able to suggest coping strategies. John Vonhof, ultrarunner and author of Fixing Your Feet, suggests that those with Morton's toe avoid slick insoles, to help prevent the foot from sliding forward in the shoe. They may also want to cut slits in the toe box to relieve pressure. In cases of unrelieved pain, surgery may be performed to lengthen the first metatarsal or shorten the second metatarsal. How a Foot Analysis Can Help 1 Source Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Muscolino J. Kinesiology - e-book: the skeletal system and muscle function. 3rd ed. Elsevier; 2017:676. By Wendy Bumgardner Wendy Bumgardner is a freelance writer covering walking and other health and fitness topics and has competed in more than 1,000 walking events. 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