Morton’s Neuroma
(Interdigital Nerve Tumor)
Morton’s neuroma (MN) is an abnormal growth pattern that occurs within the digital nerve(s) that run(s) between the third and fourth toes in either foot. {Neuromas can occur between any toes with either foot, but most commonly occurs between the third and fourth toes, and is referred to as a morton’s neuroma}
This abnormal growth leads to an enlargement of the nerve and is caused by many factors; including but not limited to, abnormal foot motion, abnormal growth patterns within individual foot bones, increased pressure from concomitant foot deformities (i.e. bunion, hammertoes, etc.) or weight/shoe factors, previous injury or pathology, or
This enlargement of the digital nerve that runs between the bones just behind your toes (metatarsal bones) causes irritation of the nerve tissue and a variety of symptoms occur. These symptoms may begin simply as a feeling of having your ‘sock balled-up in your shoe’ or something ‘stuck between your toes’.
The symptoms usually progress to periodic numbness and tingling and then, most commonly, burning pain between the toes. Untreated, the symptoms become more episodic in nature and lead to severe burning or shooting pains into the toes that occasionally can be relieved with removing the shoe gear and massaging the area. The pain associated with MN can become disabling, but more importantly, can alter shoe gear or gait patterns which can lead to other foot, knee, hip, and/or back problems.
