Morton’s neuroma is known to be a painful inflammatory condition in the ball of your foot. As one of the most common issues in podiatry, however, we at Your Next Step realize the nuance of the condition and how everyone, depending on their lifestyles and bodies, experiences ball-of-foot pain differently. In this article, we’ll outline the 5 most at risk groups and how they each develop- and feel- these symptoms in their own unique ways.
Women
High heels place excessive pressure on the foot, while narrow toe boxes compress the toes together and increase friction.
From this, you might describe a sharp, electric-like pain that forces you to immediately remove your shoes for relief. The sensation might feel intensely localized between the toes, almost like a burning needle, and you might frequently massage the area to try and alleviate the pressure. The pain might be intermittent and directly correlate with the duration of time spent in the offending shoes.
Runners
Especially those who engage in high-impact training or long distances.
It might start as a subtle ache or a feeling of a sock bunching up under the toes that gradually intensifies into a burning or shooting pain as the miles accumulate. You might notice it particularly during the push-off phase or when your foot flexes. Some runners might even experience numbness or tingling that extends into the affected toes, which can temporarily subside with rest but return with the next run.
Foot Deformities
Those with flat feet or high arches might experience a more chronic, underlying ache in the ball of the foot due to altered weight distribution. With flat feet, your plantar fascia has more stress due to a lack of arch support. However, with high arches, there’s less shock absorption.
The nerve pain from Morton’s neuroma could then manifest as sharp exacerbations on top of this baseline ache, triggered by specific movements or prolonged standing. You might describe a deep-seated pain that occasionally flares into a more intense, nerve-related sensation.
Poor Footwear
For individuals who consistently wear shoes that are too snug, the onset of Morton’s neuroma pain might be gradual. You might initially notice a mild tingling or numbness in your toes, which slowly progresses to a more distinct, burning pain in the ball of the foot, often feeling like something is constantly pressing on a nerve. The pain might be present even when you’re not active, although it’s typically aggravated by wearing shoes.
Occupations
Those who spend long hours standing or squatting might experience a dull, persistent ache in the ball of the foot that intensifies throughout their workday. The nerve pain of Morton’s neuroma could feel like a throbbing or cramping sensation that radiates into the toes, often becoming most noticeable at the end of your shift. You might find relief by sitting down and taking the weight off your feet.
Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich, Dr. Aliza V. Eisen, and Dr. Cassandra Stache are happy to solve your foot and ankle problems. Book your appointment and contact us today!