Morton's neuroma is a condition that involves the thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves in the foot. A neuroma is a noncancerous growth of nerve tissue that can develop in different parts of the body, the Mayo Clinic says. A Morton's neuroma can cause a sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot in a patient. A doctor can recommend conservative treatments, but surgery may be necessary to remove the growth. However, the patient will likely experience numbness in the affected area of the foot. A patient should know the causes of this condition to prevent its recurrence.
Injury
An injury to the foot may cause a Morton's neuroma to form, the Mayo Clinic says. Injury can occur with a fall, car accident or other trauma to the foot. The body may grow thickened nerve tissue around the area of the injury during the healing process. This may cause a patient to experience pain in the foot during this period. A patient experiencing extended pain should let his doctor know.
High-heeled or Bad-fitting Shoes
Wearing a bad-fitting shoe may cause the formation of a Morton's neuroma, says Medline Plus of the National Institutes of Health. High-heeled shoes or shoes that are tight or ill-fitting can irritate the nerve and cause excessive growth of nerve tissue. Therefore, a patient should wear proper shoes if he is affected with a Morton's neuroma. A patient should ensure his shoes fit properly, especially if he will be wearing them for an extended period.
Physical Activity
The Mayo Clinic says high-impact activities such as jogging may subject the foot to repetitive trauma that may lead to the formation of a Morton's neuroma. Additionally, excessive jumping or repetitive resistance training that involves the feet may also increase the risk. A patient should ensure he's wearing properly cushioned shoes before participating in repetitive physical activity. In addition, he should practice the proper running or jumping technique. He should see a doctor if he begins to have foot pain.
