A neuroma of the foot happens when nerves between the bones and ligaments in the ball of your foot, the area just before your toes, become pinched. The swelling of these nerves is most common at the base of the middle three toes.
At UC Health, our Foot & Ankle subspecialists bring years of training and experience to treat even the most complex conditions and injuries so that you can return to daily activities as normal. We know that foot and ankle problems are often linked to medical conditions, so we partner closely with other specialists to deliver you world-class, comprehensive care in one place.
To schedule an appointment, please call the UC Health Foot & Ankle team at 513-475-8690.
The ball of your foot is the bottom part just behind your toes. Bands of tissue (ligaments) connect the bones in the ball of your foot. Nerves run between the bones and underneath the ligaments. When a nerve or a number of small nerves become pinched, this causes them to swell and become painful due to the thickening of the tissue that surrounds the nerves. The painful, swollen nerve or cluster of nerves is called a neuroma (also called Morton’s neuroma).
Runners often report this problem and describe experiencing pain as they push off from the starting block. Wearing tight or high-heeled shoes can cause a neuroma. Shoes that are too narrow or too pointed squeeze the bones in the ball of the foot. Shoes with high heels put extra pressure on the ends of the bones. When the bones are squeezed together, they pinch the nerve that runs between them.
The most common symptom of a neuroma is pain in the ball of the foot between two toes. The pain may be dull or sharp. It may feel as if you have a stone in your shoe. You may also have tingling or numbness in one or both of the toes. Symptoms may happen after you have been walking or standing for a while. Taking off your shoes and rubbing the ball of your foot may decrease or relieve the pain.
To prevent a future neuroma, buy shoes with plenty of room across the ball of the foot and in the toes. This keeps the bones from being squeezed together. Wearing low-heeled shoes (less than 2 inches) also puts less pressure on the bones and nerves in the ball of the foot.
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