Title: Morton neuroma: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
Headings: Morton neuroma
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Morton neuroma
Causes
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Content: Causes
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The exact cause is unknown. Doctors believe the following may play a role in the development of this condition: Wearing tight shoes and high heels
Abnormal positioning of toes
Flat feet
Forefoot problems, including bunions and hammer toes
High foot arches
Morton neuroma is more common in women than in men. Click to Keep Reading
Symptoms
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Symptoms may include: Tingling in the space between the 3rd and 4th toes
Toe cramping
Sharp, shooting, or burning pain in the ball of the foot and sometimes toes
Pain that increases when wearing tight shoes, high heels, or pressing on the area
Pain that gets worse over time
In rare cases, nerve pain occurs in the space between the 2nd and 3rd toes. This is not a common form of Morton neuroma, but symptoms and treatment are similar. Exams and Tests
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Your health care provider can usually diagnose this problem by examining your foot. Squeezing your forefoot or toes together bring on the symptoms. A foot x-ray may be done to rule out bone problems. MRI or ultrasound can successfully diagnose the condition.