If you’ve ever been walking or out for a jog and felt a sudden pain or pressure in the ball of your foot, like around a third of Americans, you may have Morton’s neuroma.
Our team of orthopedic foot and ankle specialists here at OrthoNeuro in Columbus, Ohio, offer expert diagnosis and treatment to ease your pain and help you get back to your regular activities and have a pain-free life.
What Is Morton’s Neuroma?
Let’s start at the beginning. A Morton’s neuroma is a benign growth that forms around the nerves in your foot.
The ligaments between the metatarsal bones in your foot thicken, usually between your third and fourth toes, although they can form in other parts of your foot.
The thickened tissue presses on the nerves that pass through the ball of the foot. The compression irritates your nerve, which eventually leads to nerve damage.
What Causes Morton’s Neuroma?
Neuromas form from persistent nerve pressure. In your feet, it could be caused by wearing high heels or tight shoes that squeeze your feet.
Runners and other athletes who put plenty of miles on their feet put repetitive strain on the nerves in their feet. High-impact activities also put pressure on the nerve tissue.
Your foot shape can also increase your risk of getting an intermetatarsal neuroma.