Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's Neuroma is a thickening of a nerve, commonly between the metatarsals near the base of the toes, in reaction to external pressure on the nerve. Neuromas usually occur in only one foot and are more common in women than in men. Generally, all forefoot pain is referred to as neuroma.
Morton's Neuroma refers to the neuroma occurring between the 3^rd and the 4^th metatarsals. It is actually a swelling of the inter-digital plantar nerve, passing under the ligaments connecting the bases of toe bones and the metatarsal heads in response to irritation and chronic, excessive pressure.

Development of Morton's Neuroma

It is usually induced by excessive pressure due to biomechanical factors exerted on the metatarsal heads, which leads to compression of the interdigital nerve against the intermetatarsal ligament. This constricts and inflames the interdigital nerves producing tingling pain. If the compression is chronic and abnormal, the affected nerve may become an inflamed swelling and cause the burning pain to radiate to the toes. Also, the natural anatomy of the toes provides narrow interspaces with restricted mobility exposing them to compressive forces.

Symptoms

Since it is not really a tumor, symptoms are absent and variable over a long period.Mild pain with burning or tingling sensation is first experienced between the 3^rd and 4^th toes. Unfavorable biomechanical conditions, such as wearing pointed shoes with narrow toe room, further aggravate the symptoms. Finally, the sharp tingling pain radiates to the tips of the toes. You may feel as if a pebble were inside your ball of the foot or as if you were walking on stones.