If you’ve been dealing with unexplained pain or a strange sensation in the ball of your foot, like walking on a pebble, it could be more than just a passing ache. These subtle discomforts are often early signs of a condition called Morton’s neuroma, which can lead to worsening nerve pain if ignored.
At South Texas Podiatry, we specialize in diagnosing and treating neuroma foot pain with a focus on personalized, minimally invasive care. Our expert team, led by board-certified podiatrist Dr. Ed Davis, along with Dr. Silas Espino and Dr. Bryan Sagray, is here to help San Antonio patients get the right diagnosis and treatment plan. If you’ve noticed burning, tingling in your toes, or numbness in your foot, schedule an appointment today.
Let’s explore the key symptoms, causes, and next steps for treating Morton’s neuroma.
What Is a Neuroma?
A neuroma is a benign thickening of nerve tissue that most commonly forms between the third and fourth toes. This condition, known as Morton’s neuroma, often causes ball of foot pain that worsens during walking, running, or when wearing tight or narrow shoes.
Key characteristics of Morton’s Neuroma include:
- Involves the plantar digital nerve located between the third and fourth metatarsals.
- Often triggered by repetitive pressure, ill-fitting footwear, or abnormal foot structure or gait.
- Common symptoms include a tingling sensation in the toes, numbness in the foot, or the feeling of walking on a small stone or rolled-up sock.
Although the precise cause is still debated, Morton’s neuroma is believed to develop from chronic compression or irritation of the nerve. Over time, this persistent stress leads to inflammation and nerve tissue thickening, resulting in noticeable neuroma foot pain.
5 Warning Signs You May Have Morton’s Neuroma
Recognizing Morton’s neuroma symptoms early can lead to more effective and less invasive treatment. If you’re experiencing any of the following signs, it may be time to talk to a podiatrist about neuroma foot pain:
1. Ball of Foot Pain That Worsens with Activity
Pain in the ball of the foot, especially when walking, running, or standing for extended periods, is often one of the first signs. This discomfort tends to intensify when wearing tight shoes or high heels that compress the forefoot.
2. Tingling Sensation Between the Toes
A frequent early symptom is tingling in the toes, particularly between the third and fourth toes. Some describe it as an “electric” or zapping feeling that may start intermittently and become more persistent over time.
3. Numbness in the Forefoot or Toes
As pressure on the nerve increases, you may develop numbness in the foot, particularly in the forefoot or specific toes. This numbness often signals that the nerve is becoming more irritated and compressed.
4. Burning or Radiating Foot Pain
A burning sensation that begins in the ball of the foot and radiates into the toes or even toward the arch is another hallmark of Morton’s neuroma. This pain is usually aggravated by pressure and may limit your mobility or daily activity.
5. The Sensation of a Pebble in Your Shoe
Many patients describe feeling like they’re stepping on a small stone or that there’s a rolled-up sock in their shoe, even when there’s nothing there. This sensation comes from the swollen nerve pressing against nearby tissues.
When to See a Podiatrist in San Antonio
If you’ve been dealing with tingling in your toes, ball of foot pain, or numbness in the foot for more than a few days or weeks, don’t wait to seek care. Early evaluation by a podiatrist is key to preventing further nerve damage and avoiding more invasive treatments down the line.
You should schedule an appointment if you:
- Have recurring tingling, numbness, or burning in the forefoot
- Experience neuroma foot pain that worsens with walking or standing
- Feel like there’s something stuck in your shoe even when there’s not
- Haven’t found relief from wider shoes or over-the-counter orthotics
- Notice that foot pain is interfering with your mobility or daily life
At South Texas Podiatry, we use in-office diagnostic ultrasound to accurately detect Morton’s neuroma and assess its size and severity. This allows us to tailor a treatment plan that offers lasting relief while minimizing downtime.
What Can Increase Your Risk of Developing a Neuroma?
Several lifestyle habits and anatomical factors can increase your risk of developing Morton’s neuroma symptoms, especially if they place excess strain on the ball of the foot. Here are three of the most common contributors:
1. Improper Footwear
Wearing tight shoes, narrow toe boxes, or high heels can compress the forefoot and squeeze the metatarsal bones together.
This increased pressure creates an environment where the nerve is more likely to become irritated and inflamed, eventually leading to neuroma foot pain. Frequent use of unsupportive or ill-fitting shoes significantly raises the risk.
2. Foot Structure
Certain foot types naturally place more stress on the metatarsals. People with flat feet or who overpronate may experience uneven weight distribution, which increases pressure on the forefoot.
Conversely, those with high arches may have reduced shock absorption, leading to instability and nerve compression. Structural deformities like bunions or hammertoes can further disrupt foot mechanics and contribute to nerve irritation.
3. Repetitive Stress from Activity
Spending long hours on your feet or engaging in high-impact activities such as running, dancing, or court sports can aggravate the nerves in the ball of the foot.
Repeated stress, especially when combined with poor footwear or foot alignment, raises the risk of developing a neuroma over time.
What Happens If a Neuroma Goes Untreated?
When Morton’s neuroma isn’t diagnosed and treated early, ongoing nerve irritation can lead to long-term complications. Over time, the condition may progress beyond conservative care, making recovery more difficult and symptoms more persistent.
1. Persistent Pain That Limits Daily Activity
What may start as mild discomfort can evolve into constant, sharp ball of foot pain even during periods of rest. Activities like walking, standing, or exercising can become increasingly difficult.
2. Chronic Numbness or Sensory Loss
Continued nerve compression can lead to lasting numbness in the foot or toes, reducing your ability to feel pressure, temperature, or texture in the affected area.
3. Gait and Mobility Changes
To avoid pain, many people unconsciously shift how they walk. This compensation can strain other joints and muscles, eventually causing issues in the knees, hips, or lower back.
4. Higher Likelihood of Needing Surgery
Delaying care allows the neuroma to grow, which reduces the effectiveness of non-invasive treatments like orthotics or injections. Larger neuromas may require surgical excision for long-term relief.
Smaller neuromas tend to respond well to early intervention, making prompt diagnosis and care essential for the best outcomes.
How South Texas Podiatry Helps Patients with Neuroma Foot Pain
At South Texas Podiatry, we offer comprehensive, patient-centered care to relieve your neuroma symptoms and restore your comfort.
Our Approach to Treating Morton’s Neuroma:
- Accurate Diagnosis: We use diagnostic ultrasound to assess neuroma size and location.
- Custom Orthotics: Prescription orthotics are designed to reduce pressure on the affected nerve.
- Footwear Guidance: We recommend appropriate shoes that accommodate foot structure without increasing pressure.
- Injection Therapy: We offer sclerosing injections or radiofrequency ablation to reduce nerve sensitivity.
- Minimally Invasive Options: Our goal is to relieve pain using the least invasive technique available.
- Surgical Intervention: When needed, we perform precise outpatient neuroma excision procedures for definitive relief.
With a skilled team led by Dr. Ed Davis, along with Dr. Silas Espino and Dr. Bryan Sagray, our San Antonio clinic is well-equipped to manage all stages of Morton’s neuroma.
Don’t Ignore the Signs—Get Expert Care in San Antonio
Early signs like tingling in your toes or ball of foot pain could point to Morton’s neuroma, and expert care can make all the difference. Our podiatrists in San Antonio provide targeted treatment to relieve pain and restore comfort.
Schedule an appointment today with South Texas Podiatry to get expert care for Morton’s neuroma and learn more about our personalized foot and ankle services.
