Morton’s Neuroma: That Sharp Pain in the Foot

Morton’s neuroma , also known as Morton’s metatarsalgia , is a painful area where a nerve in the foot is irritated or damaged. It is a  degenerative disease of the plantar nerve , and symptoms can often be alleviated with small measures, such as avoiding tight shoes or high heels. This metatarsalgia is very common and predominantly affects women.

What is it?

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects the sole of the foot , most commonly the area between the third and fourth toes. It feels like a pebble in a shoe or a twisted sock, causing a stinging pain. It can cause thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to the toes.

Be very careful with your shoes; high-heeled or tight-fitting shoes have been linked to the development of neuroma. Many people find relief by switching to lower-heeled and wider-toed shoes. Sometimes, corticosteroid injections or surgery may be necessary .

Symptoms

Symptoms of Morton’s neuroma are:

• Pain
• Burning sensation on the sole of the foot that may radiate to the toes
• Tingling or numbness in the toes

Cause

Morton’s neuroma is primarily caused by irritation, pressure, or injury to one of the nerves leading to the fingers. There are risk factors:

• High heels . Wearing high heels or shoes that are tight or ill-fitting can put extra pressure on your toes and the ball of your foot.
• Some sports . Participation in high-impact athletic activities such as jogging or running can subject your feet to repetitive trauma.
• Foot deformities . People with bunions, hammertoes, high arches, or flat feet are at increased risk of developing Morton’s neuroma.

Diagnosis