Neuroma

Pain, numbness or tingling located in the ball of the foot (sometimes extending into the toes) is commonly caused by inflammation of a nerve in the area. In the foot, small nerves (about the size of a piece of string) run between the bones in the ball of the foot to supply sensation to the toes. When these nerves become enlarged due to chronic inflammation, the condition is known as Morton's neuroma named after the clinician who originally described the problem.

The symptoms can range from mild tingling or "odd sensations" like "the sock feels as though it were wrinkled in my shoe" up to severe pain. Restrictive, high-heel or pointed shoes can aggravate the symptoms. Furthermore, when certain biomechanical abnormalities are present in the foot, wearing rigid boots such as those worn for snow skiing or hiking may be the only time the forefoot nerves become irritated and inflamed. Adjusting the boots is usually not the answer.this is a foot problem not a boot problem.

To learn about the various treatments available for neuritis or neuroma in the forefoot, click here.