Treat Hallux Limitus with a Morton's Extension
What is a Morton's Extension?
Thomas George Morton (1835-1903) was a clinical professor and surgeon at The Pennsylvania Hospital. He was an active surgeon during The Civil War and founding director of several hospitals in the Philadelphia area. As a pioneer of surgical techniques, he is accredited with diagnosing and performing one of the first appendectomies in which the patient survived.
Although the history is obscure, Dr. Morton's name remains in foot care and describes a number of different conditions including Morton's metatarsalgia and Morton's neuroma. A modification to shoes also carries his name, specifically, the Morton's extension.
What foot conditions can be treated with a Morton's extension?
A Morton's extension is an extension of the shoe or arch support, that changes the function of the foot by limiting the range of motion of the great toe joint. Morton's extensions are used in the treatment of:
Hallux limitus (and hallux rigidus)
Ulcerations of the great toe (diabetic)
Use of a Morton's extension has a profound effect on the function of the forefoot. In addition to limiting the range of motion of the great toe joint, a Morton's extension increases the lever arm length of the foot.
Myfootshop.com orthotics with a Morton's extension
Myfootshop.com carries a number of products that utilize a Morton's extension in varying degrees of stiffness. Choosing the most appropriate device for your needs depends upon your level of activity and shoe type.
 | Molded Turf Toe Plates are most commonly used for pedestrian and sports activities. In addition to arch support, Molded Turf Toe Plates provide a very rigid Morton's extension. |
| Carbon Graphite Turf Toe Plates are a simple semi-rigid, flat orthotic that fits well into pedestrian shoes. Carbon Graphite Turf Toe Plates are a particularly good option for dress shoes.
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 | Hallux Trainer Insoles are a finished insert with a semi-rigid polypropylene Morton's Extension. Hallux Trainer Insoles are a great product for tennis shoe or boot insole replacement.
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| VHD - Vasyli Howard Dananberg Insoles are a unique form of modifiable Morton's extension. The proximal and distal plugs (included) are used to either increase or decrease the range of motion of the great toe joint depending on the stage of hallux limitus (increased motion for early-stage with decreased motion for late-stage HL).
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Jeff
Medical Advisor
Myfootshop.com
Updated 3/15/2021