If you’re experiencing stabbing pain, burning, or numbness in your toes, you may have a neuroma.

A neuroma is a condition where nerve tissue becomes swollen and thickened due to pressure or trauma. The most common type of neuroma in the feet is Morton’s neuroma, which typically develops between the third and fourth toes. Thankfully, neuromas are benign and treatable.

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Causes of a Neuroma

Anything that irritates or compresses a nerve in the foot can lead to a neuroma. This compression can cause the nerve to enlarge and, if left untreated, may result in permanent nerve damage.

  • High Heels and Narrow Toe Boxes: Neuromas are more common in women, partly due to the frequent use of poorly fitting shoes. High-heeled shoes or those with a narrow toe box can squeeze the toes together, putting pressure on the nerves.
  • Abnormal Foot Structure: Conditions like bunion deformities, flat feet, and hammertoes can increase the risk of developing neuromas due to abnormal pressure on the feet.
  • Injury or Trauma: Foot injuries, such as puncture wounds, lacerations, or nerve damage from foot surgery, can also lead to the development of a neuroma.

Neuroma Symptoms

The most common symptom of a neuroma is localized pain at the site of nerve damage. For Morton’s neuroma, the pain is usually felt between the third and fourth toes. Other symptoms in the affected area include:

  • Burning sensation
  • Cramping
  • A feeling of something inside the ball of the foot
  • The sensation of something stuck in your shoe
  • Sharp or stabbing pain
  • Tingling and numbness

The symptoms of neuromas tend to develop gradually. Early on, pain may be triggered by wearing narrow or high-heeled shoes, and it may subside after removing the shoes and massaging the foot. However, over time, the pain may intensify and persist for days or even weeks.

Neuroma Treatment

If detected early, neuromas can be treated effectively. Mild to moderate neuromas may be managed with the following:

  • Activity modification: Avoid activities that worsen the pain.
  • Anti-inflammatory medications: To reduce pain and swelling.
  • Changes in footwear: Switch to shoes with a wider toe box and avoid high heels.
  • Cortisone injections: To reduce nerve swelling.
  • Metatarsal pads: To relieve pressure on the affected nerves.
  • Orthotic devices: To correct foot alignment and relieve pressure.
  • Rest and icing: To reduce inflammation and ease pain.

If conservative treatments don’t provide relief, surgery might be necessary. Surgical options can involve cutting the intermetatarsal ligament or removing the thickened nerve tissue.

A physician can help create a long-term treatment plan to prevent the neuroma symptoms from returning.