Definition:

A neuroma, often referred to as a Morton's neuroma, is an inflammation of a nerve in your foot. More specifically, it's an enlargement in the interdigital nerves between the metatarsal bones. It is estimated that around 1 in 3 people has a neuroma at some point in their life.

Symptoms:

The most common symptoms of a foot neuroma include:

Pain between your toes when you stand or walk
Pain that's worse when you wear high-heeled shoes or stand on the balls of your feet
Swelling between your toes
Tingling (feeling pins and needles) and numbness in your foot

A neuroma's symptoms usually get worse over time. Typically, there is some minor pain at first that goes away with rest or after you take off your shoe and massage your foot. As the inflammation on your affected nerve gets worse, your symptoms will become more noticeable.

Neuroma pain is usually sharp, stinging or burning. It can also feel like you're stepping on something. It might feel like:

Your sock is bunched up in your shoe
There's a small rock stuck in your shoe
You're stepping on a marble or stone under the ball of your foot

Certain health conditions that affect your feet might make you more likely to develop a neuroma, including:

Flat feet
High arch feet
Bunions
Hammertoes

If a Morton's neuroma isn't treated, it can cause nerve damage or chronic pain in your affected foot.

Diagnosis:

A neuroma's diagnosis is based on your symptoms and a physical exam. A foot X-ray can help rule out other common conditions that cause foot pain, like stress fractures and arthritis. In addition, an ultrasound to visualize the nerve and the area around it is frequently utilized, as is an MRI.

Treatment:

Footwear changes: shoes with wide, deep toe boxes
Orthotic devices: to support the feet and maintain correct toe position
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and swelling
Ice to reduce pain and inflammation
Injection therapy with cortisone
EPAT: Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology to break-up scar tissue and reduce pain.
Surgical intervention

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