Morton’s neuroma is a degeneration of the plantar digital nerve accompanied by fibrosis or thickening around this nerve. It is a lesion also known as interdigital or plantar neuroma, as it is located between the 3rd and 4th metatarsal (toe) in 70% of cases, or between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal in 20% of cases. It is not common to find it in other locations, although it may rarely appear.
It is a common condition in today’s society and its incidence is higher in women. It can appear at any age, however, it is more common after the age of 30. The causes of its appearance are closely related to the use of very narrow shoes at the toe and/or shoes with a high heel; this squeezes the toes and puts more pressure on the forefoot.
The symptoms can be very varied, as each person is different because the level of tolerance of the tissues is completely personal; however, the most common symptoms are:
- Sharp pain in the front of the foot, usually between the third and fourth toe.
- Burning in the affected area.
- Itching.
- Numbness or tingling in the affected toes.
- Swelling.
- Weakness of the interdigital, flexor and extensor muscles of the toes.
- Atrophy of the plantar fascia.