Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful thickening of nerve tissue between the toes, often causing tingling, numbness, and discomfort. Early treatment can prevent the need for surgery, but surgical removal may be necessary in advanced cases.

What is a Neuroma?

A neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue that may develop in various parts of the body. The most common neuroma in the foot is a Morton’s neuroma, which occurs between the third and fourth toes. It is sometimes referred to as an intermetatarsal neuroma. Intermetatarsal describes its location in the ball of the foot between the metatarsal bones. 

The thickening of the nerve that defines a neuroma is the result of compression and irritation of the nerve. This compression creates enlargement of the nerve, causing the symptoms of Morton’s neuroma and eventually leading to permanent nerve damage.

Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma

If you have a Morton’s neuroma, you may have one or more of these symptoms where the nerve damage is occurring:

• Tingling, burning or numbness
• Pain
• A feeling that something is inside the ball of the foot
• A feeling that there is something in the shoe or a sock is bunched up
   

The progression of a Morton’s neuroma often follows this pattern:

• The symptoms begin gradually. At first, they occur only occasionally when wearing narrow-toed shoes or performing certain aggravating activities.
• The symptoms may go away temporarily by removing the shoe, massaging the foot or avoiding aggravating shoes or activities.
• Over time, the symptoms progressively worsen and may persist for several days or weeks.
• The symptoms become more intense as the neuroma enlarges and the temporary changes in the nerve become permanent.