Foot Facts: Morton's Neuroma

 

(Also known as Morton's metatarsalgia, Morton's neuralgia, plantar neuroma, intermetatarsal neuroma)

 

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of your foot, most commonly the area between your third and fourth toes. Morton's neuroma may feel as though you are standing on a pebble in your shoe or on a fold in your sock. Morton's neuroma involves a thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes. This can cause a sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot. Your toes also may sting, burn, or feel numb.

 

Symptoms:

• Burning pain, usually between the third and fourth toe

• A feeling as if you are standing on a pebble in your shoe

• Sharp, stinging pain when placing weight on the front of the flexed foot

• Cramping, tingling in the front of the foot

• Numbness and inflammation of the metatarsal pads in the foot

 

Caused By:

• Squeezing of front of foot

• Footwear that is too short

• Footwear with insufficient toe space

• Lack of metatarsal support

• Structural defect of the foot

• Overuse from activities

• Heels that are too high - putting all of your body weight on the forefoot

 

Recommendations:

• Warm soaks to relax the foot

• Orthotics and footwear with metatarsal support

• Stiff, firm soles on shoes

• Proper fitting footwear