Why Does It Feel Like I’m Stepping on a Pebble?

If you’ve ever had a pebble in your shoe, you know the discomfort they cause with every step. Now imagine having the sensation when you walk without a stone to blame.

Instead, Morton’s neuroma develops because of an irritated nerve in your foot. It’s also essential not to ignore this problem, or it can lead to nerve damage and chronic pain.

This condition affects around 1 in 3 people at some point during their lifetime — but our team can get you back on your feet again, pain-free.

The Advanced Care Foot and Ankle team can often diagnose Morton’s neuroma during a routine office visit and provide a treatment strategy to ease your symptoms. 

If you feel like you’re stepping on a pebble, here’s what you should know about Morton’s neuroma.

Morton’s neuroma basics

As mentioned above, Morton’s neuroma affects a nerve in the foot, usually between the metatarsal bones. These structures connect your foot to your third and fourth toes.

When Morton’s neuroma develops, the affected nerve swells and thickens. This triggers the telltale sensation of a lumpy sock or pebble underfoot.

Additional signs of Morton’s neuroma include:

• Swelling between the toes
• Pain that worsens when standing on the balls of your feet or wearing high heels
• Pain between the toes, especially when walking or standing 
• Tingling or numbness in the foot

In most cases, Morton’s neuroma develops over time and worsens without treatment. 

Understanding your risks of Morton’s neuroma

While the exact cause of Morton’s neuroma isn’t known, certain things can increase your chances of developing this condition.

Risk factors for Morton’s neuroma include:

• Playing sports that put a lot of pressure on the balls of the feet, like racquet sports and running
• Engaging in physical work that keeps you on your feet all day
• Wearing high heels or styles with narrow, pointy toes
• Having foot conditions, like flat feet, high arches, hammer toes, or bunions

Foot injuries can also increase your chances of developing Morton’s neuroma.

Finding relief for Morton’s neuroma

The good news is that our team can often diagnose Morton’s neuroma based on your symptoms and a physical exam alone. 

However, we could perform additional diagnostic screenings to rule out other common causes of foot pain, like arthritis and stress fractures.

Once we confirm Morton’s neuroma, we typically recommend a variety of treatments to ease symptoms and reduce nerve inflammation.

Common treatments for Morton’s neuroma include:

• Wearing shoes that reduce pressure on the affected nerve
• Using shoe pads or custom orthotics to relieve pressure and support the feet
• Icing the foot regularly to reduce inflammation
• Administering oral or injectable medications for symptom relief

When Morton’s neuroma doesn’t respond to conservative treatments, minimally invasive procedures could provide solutions.

Since Morton’s neuroma can worsen and cause permanent damage and chronic pain, it’s crucial to seek treatment as soon as possible when you notice signs of a problem.

Do you feel like you’re stepping on a pebble? The Advanced Care Foot and Ankle can get to the bottom of things. Contact our office in Corona or Ontario, California, by phone or online to book a consultation today.