Neuroma or Morton’s disease is a swelling of scar tissue around the nerves of the toes which causes sharp pain, usually between the 3^st and the 4^st toe. Pain, similar to a burn, is felt when standing or walking and rarely in both feet at the same time.

Causes

The exact cause of Morton’s neuroma is not well known, but it could be the result of nerve compression of the forefoot because of too narrow shoes. It could also be caused by thickening and scarring of the tissue around the nerves that communicate with the toes in response to irritation, pressure, or injury.

More rarely, Morton’s neuroma develops between the 2^st and the 3^st toe. In about 1 in 5 patients, the neuroma appears in both feet.

Morton’s neuroma is a common foot discomfort and would be more frequent in women, probably because of the more frequent wearing of high heels or narrow shoes.

Diagnostic

A medical examination is usually sufficient to establish the diagnosis of Morton’s neuroma. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is rarely useful in confirming a diagnosis, it is expensive and may prove to be false positive in a third of cases that are asymptomatic.

Symptoms of Morton’s disease

This condition usually shows no external signs:

• A sharp pain like a burn in the front of the foot which radiates into the toes. Pain is often greatest at the plantar region and temporarily cease when removing shoes, flexing the toes or massaging the foot;
• The sensation of stepping on a stone or having a crease in a sock;
• Un tingling or a numbness toes ;
• Symptoms that intensify during prolonged periods of standing or when wearing high or narrow heel shoes.

People at risk

• People who have foot deformities such as onions (swelling of the joints and soft tissue at the base of the big toe), claw toes (deformity of the toe joints), flat feet, or excessive flexibility;
• People who have a excess weight.

Risk factors

• Wearing high heels or tight shoes can put pressure on the toes;
• Practice some athletic sports like running or jogging which subject the feet to repetitive impacts. Play sports that involve wearing tight shoes that compress the toes, such as downhill skiing, ski touring, or rock climbing.