Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition characterized by thickening of the tissue around the nerve between the third and fourth toes. This thickening, often caused by pressure or irritation, leads to pinching of the sensory nerves at the metatarsal bones. Morton’s neuroma is more common in women and typically manifests in the ball of the foot.
If you have Morton’s neuroma, you may experience sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot, primarily between the third and fourth toes, which sometimes radiates into the toes. You might also experience tingling or numbness in these toes, which worsens during activity or when wearing tight shoes. It may feel like you’re stepping on a small stone, caused by the thickening of the tissue. This pain typically intensifies with physical activities such as walking or running and often subsides with rest. If symptoms persist, feel free to visit Xcelsior so we can assist you further.
The primary cause of Morton’s neuroma is wearing inappropriate footwear. Tight shoes or high heels push your toes into an unnatural position, compressing the nerves between the toes, which can lead to swelling and thickening of the nerve. Foot shape also plays a role. People with flat feet or high arches experience more pressure on the ball of the foot, which can irritate the nerves. Overpronation, where the feet roll inward while walking, can also add extra pressure on the nerves.Additionally, activities that put a lot of strain on the feet, such as sports involving frequent jumping, can cause Morton’s neuroma. These activities place significant pressure on the ball of the foot, leading to nerve irritation.
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