Morton’s Toe is a common foot structure that often causes confusion because its name sounds like a medical disorder. This anatomical variation is characterized by a second toe that appears longer than the big toe (hallux), due to a specific difference in the underlying bones. This article clarifies the true nature of Morton’s Toe, details its prevalence, and explains why it is frequently misidentified.
Defining the Anatomy of Morton’s Toe
Morton’s Toe, sometimes known as “Greek Foot,” is an inherited skeletal structure. The defining characteristic is the relative shortness of the first metatarsal bone compared to the second metatarsal bone. These are the long bones connecting the ankle to the toes.
In most feet, the first metatarsal, which supports the big toe, is the longest, allowing it to bear the majority of weight during walking. With Morton’s Toe, the first metatarsal is shorter, causing the joint at the base of the second toe to project farther forward. This makes the second toe the longest on the foot, often visibly protruding past the big toe. This structural difference is a benign, lifelong variation, not a disease or pathology.
Global Prevalence and Statistical Rarity
Population statistics show that the term “rare” is misleading when describing Morton’s Toe. Global prevalence estimates vary, but the rate is typically cited between 10% and 30% of the general population. Some studies suggest the prevalence is around 22%.
This wide range indicates that the trait is a common anatomical variant. Approximately one in five people possess this foot structure. The frequency can also differ across various ethnic or geographical groups. This natural distribution confirms that Morton’s Toe is simply one of the normal ways a human foot can be formed.
Distinguishing Structural Variation from Morton’s Neuroma
A significant source of confusion is the similarity in naming between Morton’s Toe and the unrelated condition known as Morton’s Neuroma. Morton’s Toe is a structural difference, while Morton’s Neuroma is a painful medical condition involving a nerve. The neuroma is a thickening or inflammation of the tissue around a nerve, most commonly found between the third and fourth toes.
The structural alignment of Morton’s Toe can sometimes lead to mechanical stress on the forefoot, which may increase the risk of developing a neuroma. This is because weight distribution shifts from the strong big toe to the more slender second metatarsal head. Despite this potential association, the two conditions are fundamentally distinct. The structural variation is named after orthopedic surgeon Dudley Joy Morton, while the nerve entrapment is named after physician Thomas George Morton, who described it earlier.
Practical Considerations for Footwear and Comfort
While Morton’s Toe is not an illness, the altered weight-bearing mechanics can sometimes cause discomfort due to excessive pressure. The most common symptom is pain or the formation of calluses directly beneath the head of the second metatarsal bone. This occurs because the second toe absorbs a disproportionate amount of impact during walking or standing.
Addressing discomfort begins with selecting appropriate footwear that accommodates the longer second toe. Shoes with a high and wide toe box are recommended to prevent compression and friction. Orthotics or shoe inserts are also commonly used, particularly those that include a metatarsal pad positioned behind the head of the second toe. This padding helps redistribute the pressure more evenly across the forefoot, alleviating the strain on the second metatarsal.