Morton’s Neuroma – Symptoms and Causes

Overview

Morton’s neuroma causes pain in the ball of the foot, typically between the third and fourth toes.

This condition develops when tissue thickens around a nerve leading to the toes, creating a sensation similar to standing on a small pebble or a folded sock.

People with this condition often experience sharp, burning pain along with stinging or numbness in the affected toes.

Footwear choices significantly impact this condition. Wearing high heels or tight shoes can contribute to developing Morton’s neuroma. Many patients find relief by switching to shoes with lower heels and wider toe boxes.

Most cases improve with conservative treatment approaches. However, some situations require more advanced interventions like corticosteroid injections. In persistent cases that don’t respond to other treatments, surgical options may be considered.

Signs and Symptoms

Morton’s neuroma might not show any visible signs like a bump. Common symptoms include:

• Feeling like you’re walking on a small stone in your shoe
• Sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot that may spread to your toes
• Numb or tingling toes

Many people find that taking off their shoes and massaging the foot helps reduce the pain temporarily.

When Medical Help Is Needed

Don’t wait too long if you have foot pain that continues for more than a few days.

Make an appointment with your doctor if you feel burning pain in the ball of your foot that doesn’t get better after you’ve tried different shoes or reduced activities that put stress on your foot.

Causes

Morton’s neuroma often develops when a nerve leading to the toes gets irritated, squeezed, or damaged. This can happen from:

• Wearing tight shoes that press on your feet
• High-heeled shoes that put extra pressure on the front of your foot
• Foot deformities like bunions or hammertoes
• Repetitive stress from certain sports or activities

The nerve responds to this pressure by thickening over time, creating pain and discomfort.

What Can Cause Nerve Pain in the Foot

Several factors can increase your risk of developing foot nerve pain:

Shoe choices play a major role. Wearing high heels forces more weight onto the front of your foot, putting pressure on nerves. Tight or poorly fitting shoes can also squeeze foot bones and nerves together.

Athletic activities that involve repeated impact, like running or jogging, can stress foot nerves over time. Sports requiring tight footwear such as skiing or rock climbing may also contribute.

Foot structure issues make some people more vulnerable. These include:

• High arches
• Flat feet
• Bunions
• Hammertoes

These conditions change how weight is distributed across the foot, potentially pinching nerves between bones.