Morton's Neuroma

What Is It?

A Morton's neuroma is a benign (noncancerous) swelling along a nerve in the foot that carries sensations from the toes. The reason the nerve starts to swell is unknown. But once swelling begins, the nearby bones and ligaments put pressure on the nerve causing more irritation and inflammation. This produces a burning pain, numbness, tingling and other abnormal sensations in the toes. A Morton's neuroma also is called an interdigital neuroma, intermetatarsal neuroma or forefoot neuroma.

Morton's neuroma usually develops between the third and fourth toes. Less commonly, it develops between the second and third toes. Other locations are rare. It also is rare for a Morton's neuroma to develop in both feet at the same time. The condition is much more common in women than men, probably as a result of wearing high-heeled, narrow-toed shoes. High, narrow shoes tend to shift the bones of the feet into an abnormal position that increases the risk that a neuroma will form. Being overweight also increases the risk of a Morton's neuroma.

Symptoms

A Morton's neuroma usually causes burning pain, numbness or tingling at the base of the third, fourth or second toes. Pain also can spread from the ball of the foot out to the tip of the toes. In some cases, there also is the sensation of a lump, a fold of sock, or a "hot pebble" between the toes.

Typically, the pain of a Morton's neuroma is relieved temporarily by taking off the shoes, flexing the toes and rubbing the feet. Symptoms may be aggravated by standing for prolonged periods or by wearing high heels or shoes with a narrow toe box.