Title: Damage to the Nerves in the Foot - Bone, Joint, and Muscle Disorders - Merck Manuals Consumer Version
Headings: Damage to the Nerves in the Foot
Damage to the Nerves in the Foot
(Interdigital Nerve Pain; Interdigital Neuralgia; Morton Neuroma; Morton Neuralgia)
Causes of Damage to the Nerves in the Foot
Symptoms of Damage to the Nerves in the Foot
Diagnosis of Damage to the Nerves in the Foot
Treatment of Damage to the Nerves in the Foot
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Content: Pain in the ball of the foot may be caused by longstanding irritation of the nerves. The irritation often causes the nerves to enlarge and noncancerous (benign) growths of nerve tissue (neuromas) to form, usually between the base of the third and fourth toes (Morton neuroma). However, these growths may occur between any of the toes. Neuromas usually develop in only one foot and are more common among women. Many factors contribute to nerve irritation, particularly nonsupportive or poorly fitting shoes. Other factors include thinning of the fat around the nerves, poor foot posture, or abnormal foot structure that stretches the nerves. Symptoms of Damage to the Nerves in the Foot
In the early stages, a neuroma may cause only a mild ache around the third or fourth toe, occasionally accompanied by a burning or tingling sensation in the toes, particularly as the disorder progresses. These symptoms are generally more pronounced when a person wears certain types of shoes, especially those that are too narrow for the front part of the foot, including those that are pointed. As the condition progresses, a constant burning sensation may radiate to the tips of the toes, regardless of what shoes are worn. In time, most people are unable to wear most closed-toe shoes.