Morton's Neuroma
A neuroma is an enlarged, benign growth of nerves, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. It forms a thickening of tissues around the nerve that leads to the toes. Morton's neuroma usually develop in response to irritating the nerves, such as that caused by pressure from poorly fitting shoes, wearing high-heeled or narrow shoes, from trauma or abnormal bone structure. Symptoms may include sensations of thickness, burning, numbness, tingling, pain in the ball of the foot, or numbness in the toes.
Conservative treatments usually resolve the pain or progressions of the condition, and range from wearing roomier, lower-heeled footwear or using orthotics to reduce the pressure on the nerve, to injections of corticosteroid medication to reduce swelling and inflammation. In severe cases, surgical removal of the growth may be necessary.