These are a few of the symptoms described by those suffering from a common foot condition known as a Morton's neuroma. Although generally a benign condition, a neuroma can be quite annoying and cause extensive discomfort.

A Morton's neuroma is an irritated, swollen nerve in the ball of the foot, usually described as a pain located between the base of the third and fourth toes. The involved nerve is sometimes squeezed and irritated by the adjacent metatarsal heads located in the ball of the foot, causing the painful neuroma to develop. This area is already subjected to considerable pressure from shoes and walking.

We now know from experience that a neuroma can also develop between the second and third metatarsals. In fact, a neuroma can develop anywhere there is a nerve. Neuroma's are more commonly a problem for women. High-heeled shoes with cramped pointed tips cause additional pressure and irritation on the nerves in the ball of the foot.

Individual complaints and symptoms for a neuroma vary. Frequently, a burning sensation is experienced in the ball of the foot. Patients also complain of cramping in the foot. A sharp pain is sometimes experienced between the bones (metatarsal heads) at the base of the toes. This pain, and sometimes a feeling of numbness or burning, may involve the corresponding toes that the nerve supplies.

Of course, walking in shoes aggravates pain. Often patients say there is relief after removing their shoes and perhaps massaging their foot. Less commonly, patients describe a sensation of pressure such as "walking on a pebble" because the inflamed, swollen nerve is felt under the ball of the foot. A neuroma may be the result of an injury or from wearing the wrong shoes. Most of the time, patients have no recollection of any injury.

A diagnosis of neuroma is based on the symptoms described by the patient and a good clinical exam. A clinical exam will rule out other disorders, which may be present with similar symptoms. Stress fractures, metatarsalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic neuropathy and referred pain from the back are just a few conditions which cause foot pain.

Treatment

Treatment begins with conservative padding and strapping of the foot. Orthotic devices, anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, steroid injections and the changing of shoe types are used in treating neuromas.

Although early diagnosis and treatment of the problem will increase the success of conservative care, surgical excision of the involved nerve mass provides the best relief from this painful condition particularly in chronic cases. In such cases our doctors employ precise surgical techniques to identify and remove the offending tumor. It is important that proper dissection is used to prevent reccurence and/or prolonged recovery.