Morton's Neuroma Sounds Uncomfortable Because It Is

If it feels like you have a pebble in your shoe, maybe in between your toes, you may want to ask your doctor about Morton's neuroma. The condition is eight to 10 times more common in women, and the shoes women wear may be a contributing factor.

According to fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon Vandan Patel, M.D., with The Institute for Foot and Ankle Reconstruction at Mercy, Morton's neuroma involves areas of the nerves that come down the foot in between the toes that become swollen or thickened. It actually turns into a ball, hence the pebble reference.

“The most common is actually between the third and fourth toes. So, the nerves actually come down in between each of these metatarsal bones and branch to the toes. So, if you look, there’s not a lot of space between the balls of the toes, and the nerves can get pinched in there, but again, most commonly between the third and fourth toe,” Dr. Patel explained.

Dr. Patel noted that higher-arched feet can cause Morton’s neuroma, and narrow or high-heeled shoes are a contributing factor. His patients typically describe an electric, zapping, or burning sensation.

Good, wider shoes can help, as well as using ice and anti-inflammatory medications as the first step for treatment. Patients can also use a pad to lift the balls off the ground, but Dr. Patel said the condition may lead to surgery in which surgeons cut the neuroma out.

View Dr. Vandan Patel’s interview about Morton’s neuroma.