| A: It could be a number of things. But one of those things is a Neuroma.
Symptoms
- Pain in the area of the ball of the foot, usually between two toes
- Burning or tingling sensation in the ball of the foot
- Callous formation on the ball of the foot
Definition
- The tissue surrounding a nerve in the ball of the foot becomes enlarged - thickened
- An inflammation of the nerve between two toes (many times between the 3rd and 4th)
Contributing Factors
- Flat feet
- Wearing tight, poorly fitted shoes that are too narrow or high heels with pointed toes
- Prolonged standing
- Increased stress on the ball of the foot such as kneeling or up on ladders or running on the ball of the foot
- Flattening of the arch which is called over pronation and causes increased pressure on the ball of the foot
Treatment
- Stretching the foot
- Gentle massage of the bottom of the foot with your hands
- Ice bottle roll for 5 minutes
- Make sure the shoe has enough room in the toe box. (Remember that when running or walking the feet may swell due to increased activity)
- Support the arch of the foot with proper shoes and inserts
- Additional metatarsal support to take pressure off the ball of the foot
Contact your doctor to rule out diabetes, fractures and other conditions, which may have many of the same symptoms
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