A neuroma is actually a benign tumour but the word is used here to describe a fibrous swelling near or on a nerve. Morton’s neuroma affects the nerve between the third and fourth toes, the third intermetatarsal space.

The result will be pain in the area concerned, spreading to the ball of the feet. The patient will have sharp pain whilst walking and find increasing difficulty doing so.

Initial signs that this condition is developing are the feeling of occasional shooting pain whilst walking and a sensation that there is something in the shoes in the way of the toes or under the ball of the foot. Some tingling feeling or a sensation of heat may also be present. The condition does deteriorate with time and the tendency of the symptoms to disappear of their own accord may decrease if not treated.

There are four main causes of the nerve swelling in this way, all involving compression of the nerve.

1. The sufferer may have a physical predisposition to pressure on or around the nerve, through an existing foot deformity, such as flat or arched feet, bunions or hammertoe.
2. The sufferer may induce this pressure by the wearing of shoes which constrict the toes, or which force the toes down against each other. Women suffer a lot from this condition because of the wearing of high heels which both constrict the give downward force to the toes. About three quarters of people suffering from Morton’s neuroma are women!
3. Some sports people can acquire this condition by repeated pressure on the ball of the foot. This is usually by running or court sports.
4. A direct physical trauma may also cause a neuroma.

Similar conditions can arise on any nerve on any gap between any toes. Should you be experiencing pain or symptoms similar to those described, it is recommended that you consult with an Orthopedic doctor as soon as possible.