Neuroma

If you have abnormal sensations in the ball of your foot or toes, you might be dealing with Morton’s neuroma. This is one of the most common nerve problems in the foot. It happens when the tissue around a nerve thickens and becomes irritated near the third and fourth toes.

Common Symptoms:
• Sharp or burning pain in the ball of the foot.
• Tingling or numbness in the toes.
• Discomfort that gets worse with walking, tight shoes, or high heels. (Some companies require employees to wear high heel shoes.)

Several other foot issues—like capsulitis, metatarsalgia, or stress fractures—can feel similar. That’s why it’s important to see a foot specialist. In some cases, imaging like an MRI or ultrasound may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis.

Initial therapies are:
 ◦  Change footwear to alleviate pressure on the nerve.
 ◦  Use customized orthotics (shoe inserts) to reduce pressure on the nerve.
 ◦  Cortisone injection to reduce swelling and inflammation around the nerve.

If these options don’t bring enough relief, surgery may be considered to release the nerve or remove the thickened tissue.