Signs that you may have Morton’s neuroma include feeling a ball-like lump under your foot, pain in between your third and fourth toes, or foot tingling. Other indications can also show up in the form of foot numbness, discomfort when wearing tight shoes, or visible swelling around the toes.
Dealing with foot issues like Morton’s neuroma is part of our everyday tasks at Align HC. However, it’s helpful to know whether this is the foot condition you’re dealing with, or if some other foot-related issue is the culprit for your pain and discomfort. If you’re wondering about the 10 signs indicating you may have Morton’s neuroma, we’ll lay them out for you here.
Key Takeaways
- Women are more affected by Morton’s neuroma because they wear tight shoes more often than men typically do.
- Morton’s neuroma is a form of nerve damage between the toes, which causes swelling, discomfort, and tingling or numbness.
- A common sign you might have Morton’s neuroma is a constant feeling that there’s a pebble in your shoe.
- You should consult a podiatrist if you notice any of the 10 signs you may have Morton’s neuroma, and follow their directions carefully.
Who is Most Likely to Be Affected by Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma affects women more frequently than men, with a female-to-male ratio ranging from 4:1 to 10:1, depending on various sources. The highest prevalence is found in individuals aged 15–50, with a peak onset typically between 45 and 50 years old.
In addition, approximately 30–33% of the general population may have asymptomatic Morton’s neuroma, according to a study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology. This means they do not experience symptoms despite having the condition.
What is Morton’s Neuroma, and What Causes it?
Morton’s neuroma is a painful thickening of tissue around nerves between your toes, usually the third and fourth toes. It happens when these nerves get irritated and inflamed from pressure or injury. You might feel like you’re standing on a pebble or have burning pain in the ball of your foot.
When the nerve between your toes gets squeezed repeatedly, it swells and thickens. This creates a neuroma, which is a benign growth of nerve tissue. Note, Morton’s neuroma is not cancer. Your symptoms might include sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot. This pain may spread to your toes. You might also feel tingling or numbness in your toes. Many people describe it as feeling like something is stuck inside their shoe.
What are the 10 Signs You Might Have Morton’s Neuroma?
10 common signs you might have Morton’s neuroma:
- Feeling as if a lump is under the ball of your foot
- Swelling around your toes
- Tingling feet
- Numbness in your foot
- A sharp pain in your 4th toe
- Pain between toes 3 and 4
- Excessive toe cramps
- Difficulty walking due to foot inflexibility
- Burning pain throughout the foot
- Discomfort when wearing tight shoes
1. A Lump Feeling Under the Ball of Your Foot
You might feel like you’re standing on a marble or pebble when walking. This happens because the nerve tissue has thickened, creating a bump under your foot. When you put weight on it, the pressure makes it feel like something is trapped under your skin. The sensation is usually strongest when you’re barefoot or wearing thin-soled shoes.
2. Swelling Around Your Toes
Your toes may look puffy or feel tight in shoes. This swelling occurs as your body responds to the irritated nerve, by sending extra fluid to the area. You might notice that your regular shoes feel tighter, especially around the front of your foot. The swelling often gets worse after standing or walking for long periods.
3. Tingling Feet
You might feel pins and needles in your foot, especially between your toes. This happens because the damaged nerve sends incorrect signals to your brain. The tingling sensation can come and go throughout the day, often getting worse when you’re on your feet. It may feel like your foot is “falling asleep”, but only in specific areas.
4. Numbness of the Foot
Parts of your foot might feel numb or dead. Your compressed nerve can’t send normal feeling signals, leaving areas without sensation. You might not feel temperature changes or light touch in affected areas. This numbness typically affects your toes but can spread to larger areas of your foot as the condition worsens.
5. A Sharp Pain in Your 4th Toe
Another sign you may have Morton’s neuroma is a shooting pain in your fourth toe. This happens because the nerve that leads to this toe is commonly affected by Morton’s neuroma. The pain can strike without warning and feel like an electric shock. It might make you stop walking immediately until the sensation passes.
6. Pain Between Toes 3 and 4
You might feel pain specifically in the space between toes 3 and 4. This area houses the nerve that commonly develops into a neuroma. When you squeeze this area with your fingers, you may feel tenderness or shooting pain. The discomfort can radiate from this spot into surrounding toes.
7. Excessive Toe Cramps
Your toes might cramp up unexpectedly, causing sharp pain and awkward toe positions. The irritated nerve triggers muscle contractions in your toes, creating painful cramping that’s difficult to relieve. These cramps can happen while you’re walking, standing still, or even while you’re resting with your feet up.
8. Difficulty Walking Due to Foot Inflexibility
You may struggle to walk normally as pain and swelling make your foot stiff. The discomfort can change your gait as you try to avoid putting pressure on painful areas. You might find yourself walking on the outside of your foot or taking shorter steps. This altered walking pattern can eventually cause knee, hip, or back pain.
9. Burning Pain Throughout the Foot
A common symptom of Morton’s neuroma is a burning sensation across your foot, similar to sunburn, but it’s inside your foot. The damaged nerve fires pain signals that your brain interprets as burning. This pain often starts between your toes but can spread throughout your foot. It may become more intense after you’ve been on your feet for hours.
10. Discomfort When Wearing Tight Shoes
Your symptoms get worse in tight shoes or high heels. Narrow footwear squeezes the neuroma, increasing pressure on the already irritated nerve. You might notice immediate pain when putting on certain shoes and relief when taking them off. This symptom often leads people to seek more comfortable, wider footwear.
How is Morton’s Neuroma Treated?
Morton’s neuroma treatment begins with changing your footwear to wider, supportive shoes. You can try ice, rest, massage, and over-the-counter pain relievers for mild cases. The team at Align HC offers comprehensive treatment plans, including custom orthotics to relieve pressure on your nerves.
10 Signs You May Have Morton’s Neuroma FAQs
How is Morton’s neuroma diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose Morton’s neuroma through physical examination of your foot. They press between your toes to find tender spots and may squeeze your foot to reproduce your pain. Your doctor might order X-rays or an MRI to rule out other problems like stress fractures or arthritis.
Can Morton’s neuroma go away on its own?
No, Morton’s neuroma rarely goes away on its own. You need to treat the underlying causes, like wearing tight shoes or high heels. Without treatment, your symptoms will likely get worse over time. Early intervention with wider shoes, rest, and ice can help prevent the condition from worsening and requiring more aggressive treatments.
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