What physical assessment finding would indicate a likely Morton's neuroma diagnosis?

• A. Increased range of motion in the ankle
• B. Palpable tenderness over the Achilles tendon
• C. Compression of the metatarsals reproducing symptoms
• D. Limited dorsiflexion range of the foot

Answer: (C)

The presence of compression of the metatarsals reproducing symptoms is a key physical assessment finding that strongly indicates a diagnosis of Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma is a condition characterized by the thickening of the tissue around a nerve leading to the toes, often between the third and fourth metatarsals. When pressure is applied to the metatarsal region, it can compress the inflamed nerve, worsening symptoms such as pain, tingling, or numbness radiating into the toes. This reproducibility of symptoms under compression is a hallmark sign clinicians look for during the physical examination.

In contrast, increased range of motion in the ankle, palpable tenderness over the Achilles tendon, and limited dorsiflexion range of the foot do not indicate Morton's neuroma. Increased ankle motion typically suggests normal joint function or flexibility rather than a nerve entrapment condition. Tenderness over the Achilles tendon points towards conditions like Achilles tendinopathy or bursitis rather than issues related to Morton's neuroma. Lastly, limited dorsiflexion may indicate ankle joint or gastrocnemius tightness and is unrelated to the symptomatology and pathophysiology of Morton's neuroma. Therefore, while those options could suggest other musculoskeletal