How Your Shoes Can Cause Interdigital Neuroma

By Elizabeth Stannard Gromisch HERWriter

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Are you a fan of high heels and pointy toe shoes? They may be causing harm to the nerves in your feet.

Interdigital neuroma, also called Morton's neuroma, plantar neuroma and intermetatarsal neuroma, is a nerve condition that affects the nerves between the third and fourth toes. Less commonly, it can affect the nerves between the second and third toes. Mount Sinai notes that women have a higher risk for interdigital neuroma; however, a mechanically unstable foot, injury to the foot and pressure on the foot from sports can also result in the disorder.

Interdigital neuroma is a benign tumor, resulting from nearby bones and ligaments rubbing against each other. This causes a buildup of fibrous tissues on the outer coating of the nerves. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that a patient with interdigital neuroma will have tingling between her third and fourth toes, and cramping in her toes. The patient can also have a sharp or burning pain in the ball of her foot, though this can sometime occur in her toes as well. The pain from the interdigital neuroma gets worse when the patient is wearing shoes, especially high heels that put extra pressure on the afflicted areas. In general, pain will worsen over time. Interdigital neuroma can make walking difficult, even if the patient is wearing flat shoes.

The Mayo Clinic notes that certain lifestyle changes can relieve the pain, and also help the afflicted nerve heal. A big lifestyle change is wearing different footwear, such as shoes that have a broad toe box and extra depth, which puts less pressure on the nerves.

Can't give up your favorite pair of heels? Take breaks from wearing them, or use an orthotic device that gives your foot extra support. Ice massage and anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can reduce the pain; however, pain killers should not be used as a long-term treatment.

In severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove the thickened tissue from the interdigital neuroma. The NIH notes that surgery is successful in 85 percent of cases. However, the surgery is not without side effects. Permanent numbness is possible. Identifying the signs early, as well as alternating between those fashionable heels and a cute pair of flats or sneakers, can help prevent serious damage to the nerves and the need for surgery.
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Elizabeth Stannard Gromisch received her bachelor’s of science degree in neuroscience from Trinity College in Hartford, CT in May 2009. She is the Hartford Women's Health Examiner and she writes about abuse on Suite 101.

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.