Morton’s neuroma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor or swelling of a nerve of the foot that runs in the plantar (bottom) surface of the foot and out to the toes. The condition causes severe pain in the ball of the foot, usually between either the second and third toes or the third and fourth, and patients often experience frequent numbness of the toes.
When placing weight on the foot, the patient usually experiences severe pain in the ball of the foot, usually between the third and fourth toes. This has been variously described as feeling like an electric shock, a pebble in the shoe, a numbness, a burning or stinging sensation, a pins and needles sensation, and feeling as if a sock is bunching up on the foot. The pain can be alleviated somewhat by removing the shoe and massaging the front part of the foot. Some runners have said that the pain develops after about twenty minutes of exercise.
A physician must make a diagnosis of Morton’s syndrome, since other conditions can produce similar symptoms. Contact us today to learn more about your treatment options.