Title: Morton’s Neuroma vs. Metatarsalgia | Heel That Pain
Headings: Morton’s Neuroma vs. Metatarsalgia
Morton’s Neuroma vs. Metatarsalgia
Common Causes and Symptoms of Metatarsalgia
Common Causes and Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma
Morton’s Neuroma Vs. Metatarsalgia
Treating Pain in the Ball of the Foot

Content: Morton’s Neuroma vs. Metatarsalgia | Heel That Pain
Morton’s Neuroma vs. Metatarsalgia
by Heel That Pain | Apr 2, 2018 | Heel Pain | 3 comments
Pain in the ball of the foot usually points to one of two conditions: Morton’s Neuroma or Metatarsalgia. The key symptoms of both foot conditions include pain, numbness, and inflammation near the ball of the foot–which can make it very difficult to tell which condition you’re dealing with! Fortunately, while Morton’s Neuroma and Metatarsalgia are similar in many ways, there are several notable differences that can help you and your doctor determine the source of the pain in the ball of your foot. Common Causes and Symptoms of Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia is caused by trauma and inflammation in the metatarsal heads–the five bones that connect each of your toes to your foot. This pain and inflammation can have numerous causes, including abnormal arches that place pressure on the metatarsal heads, improper footwear, degenerative diseases like arthritis, nerve disorders, diabetes, Freiberg Disease, Sesamoiditis, obesity, or simply the aging process. Symptoms of Metatarsalgia include the following: While pain can be severe and seem to affect the whole foot, the worst pain is concentrated at the ball of the foot. Numbness in the ball of the foot, at the base of the toes
Pain that may be dull, aching, or sharp and increases (rather than improves) during physical activity
Pain that increases when you place weight on the foot, stand on tiptoe, or go barefoot
Pain that increases, rather than improves somewhat, while walking or moving
The feeling that you have a small stone or object underneath your foot while you are walking, even when you are barefoot
Common Causes and Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma
Morton’s Neuroma is typically understood to be caused by an injury to the nerves in the foot, or strain and injury to the toes that is often caused by wearing high heels or other shoes that place great strain on the toes and ball of the foot. This strain and injury results in swelling, pain, and a mass of tissue that forms around the nerves in the toes.