Neuromas are enlarged benign growths of nerves, most commonly between the third and fourth metatarsal area of the foot (near the toes), but may occur between any of the intermetatarsal spaces. It is also common to have more than one intermetatarsal area involved with a neuroma at the same time.
Symptoms include:
Pain that burns under the ball of the foot with numbness often into the toes. It may feel as if you are stepping on a hot marble or pebble. Some may feel the sensation of a sock or stocking bunching up under the toes. Pain will worsen as the day progresses, and may persist even after removing shoes or when walking is stopped.
Causes include:
Nerves normally run alongside of the metatarsal bones. If these bones are out of alignment, or if tight shoes compress the bones, this in turn pinches the nerve.
Treatments include metatarsal pads, orthotics, cortisone injections, and physical therapy. Surgery to remove the pinched portion of the nerve is the last resort, but is very effective to completely rid your foot completely of pain. This is especially true for people that have been having their pain for more than a year and for whom conservative treatment has not helped much.