Searing pain in the ball of your foot. Burning or tingling sensations that radiate into your toes. If you're experiencing these classic neuroma symptoms, you're not alone—especially if you're female. Studies show women develop this nerve condition 8 to 10 times more often than men. And the culprit may be in your closet.
The dedicated podiatrists at Marvel Foot & Ankle Centers have helped countless women overcome neuromas and get back to their favorite activities. We've seen firsthand how footwear can significantly impact nerve health. The shoes you wear day after day have a direct impact on your risk for this painful condition. Here's what you need to know to protect your feet.
What Is a Neuroma?
The term "neuroma" usually refers to a benign tumor that forms on a nerve anywhere in the body. However, the type of neuroma that develops in the foot—known as a Morton's neuroma—is not actually a tumor. Instead, it's a thickening or enlargement of the nerve tissue itself.
A Morton's neuroma typically forms in the ball of the foot, most often between the third and fourth toes. It occurs when the nerve becomes compressed or irritated over time, usually due to ill-fitting shoes or repetitive stress. This causes the nerve tissue to swell and thicken, leading to a painful bundle of fibers.
As the Morton's neuroma enlarges, it puts pressure on the surrounding nerves, leading to symptoms like:
- Sharp, shooting, or burning pain in the ball of the foot. The sensation may feel like you're standing on a marble.
- Tingling or numbness that extends into the affected toes. You might feel like your sock is bunched up, even when it's not.
- Pain that worsens with activity or when wearing shoes. Walking barefoot or massaging the area may provide temporary relief.
- Feeling a "click" between the toes when walking. This is known as Mulder's sign and often indicates the presence of a neuroma.
If left untreated, neuromas tend to worsen over time. The earlier you address the problem, the better your chances of finding relief through conservative measures, such as footwear adjustments or orthotics. In advanced cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the growth and decompress the affected nerve.
Why Are Women More Prone to Neuromas?
While anyone can develop a neuroma, women are far more susceptible due to one key factor: their choice of footwear. Shoes with narrow, pointed toe boxes or high heels over two inches put excessive pressure on the ball of the foot, irritating the delicate nerves.
Over time, this constant compression can cause the nerve tissue to thicken and form a neuroma. Women who wear constrictive shoes for long periods, such as for work, are especially at risk.
The High Heel Connection
Sky-high stilettos may be fashionable, but they're a podiatrist's nightmare when it comes to foot health. Heels over two inches shift your body weight forward onto the balls of your feet, putting immense strain on the forefoot area.
The higher the heel, the greater the pressure. In fact, a three-inch heel can increase the load on the ball of the foot by up to 75 percent. Imagine the cumulative trauma that causes over months or years of regular wear. It's no wonder women in heeled professions like flight attendants have higher rates of neuromas.
Even so-called "comfortable" heels can pose problems if they lack adequate cushioning and support. Thin soles and flimsy materials do little to absorb the shock of each step, leaving your forefoot vulnerable to nerve compression.
Squeezing Toes, Strangling Nerves
Pointed-toe shoes are another significant trigger for neuromas in women. These styles force the toes into an unnatural, triangular shape, squeezing the metatarsal bones together. This pinches the nerves running between the toes, causing inflammation and irritation.
Over time, that compression can lead to the development of a neuroma. Even flats or low heels with narrow toe boxes can cause problems if worn frequently enough. Ballerina flats, in particular, often lack support and crowd the toes, making them a common culprit.
Genetics can also play a role in the development of a neuroma. Women with certain foot shapes, such as those with flat feet or high arches, may be more prone to nerve compression. Biomechanical issues like bunions or hammer toe can further increase the risk by changing the alignment of the toes.
Preventing and Treating Neuromas in Women
Foot and ankle specialists encourage female patients to prioritize comfort and support in their shoe choices. While you’re not expected to completely swear off heels, making smart swaps in your daily footwear can make a world of difference for your nerve health.
To reduce your neuroma risk, look for shoes with these features:
- Wide, round toe boxes that give your toes room to spread out naturally. Avoid pointed or narrow styles that cramp your forefoot.
- Low heels under two inches. The lower the heel, the less pressure on the ball of your foot. Flats, kitten heels, and wedges are all preferred options.
- Plenty of cushioning. Shoes with ample padding under the forefoot can help absorb shock and decrease nerve compression. Look for styles with contoured footbeds or added metatarsal support.
- Soft, flexible materials. Rigid shoes restrict your foot's natural movement. Instead, opt for styles made with supple leather, suede, or knit fabrics that mold to your unique foot shape.
- Arch support. Proper arch support helps distribute weight evenly and reduces strain on the ball of the foot. If your shoes lack built-in support, consider adding over-the-counter shoe inserts.
If you're already experiencing neuroma symptoms, there are several conservative treatment options we can explore at Marvel Foot & Ankle Centers:
- Wearing shoe inserts or custom orthotics to offload pressure from the neuroma
- Modifying your activities to reduce forefoot strain
- Taking anti-inflammatory medications or receiving injections to manage pain
- Trying newer therapies like platelet-rich plasma to shrink the neuroma
- Participating in physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the foot muscles
In severe cases that don't respond to conservative care, surgical removal of the neuroma may be necessary. Our board-certified podiatrists have extensive experience performing both traditional and minimally invasive neuroma surgeries, with excellent success rates in relieving foot pain.
Regardless of the stage your neuroma is in, the dedicated team at Marvel Foot & Ankle is here to help. With cutting-edge diagnostic technology and a comprehensive range of conservative and surgical treatments, our podiatrists are committed to delivering the most advanced foot care in a welcoming environment. Our convenient locations in Chandler and Gilbert make it easy to get the expert care you need to relieve your pain and get back on your feet.
The bottom line? Your shoe choices matter more than you might think when it comes to neuromas. By opting for foot-friendly styles and addressing symptoms early, you can keep your feet feeling fabulous for years to come.