Foot Pain from Running? It Could Be a Neuroma

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Foot pain is one of the most common reasons runners seek podiatric care. One frequent culprit? Morton’s neuroma—a nerve-related condition that causes pain, tingling, or numbness in the ball of the foot, often between the third and fourth toes.

If you’re a runner experiencing discomfort in your forefoot, especially during or after a run, this condition may be to blame.

What Is Morton’s Neuroma?

A neuroma is a thickening of the nerve tissue that can develop when nerves are irritated or compressed. Morton’s neuroma occurs near the metatarsal bones and is often caused by repeated pressure from tight footwear or high-impact activities—such as running.

Over time, inflammation causes the nerve to enlarge. In more advanced cases, fibrous tissue can form around the nerve, making symptoms worse and potentially requiring surgical treatment.

Why Runners Are at High Risk

Running places significant and repetitive stress on the forefoot. Combine that with shoes that may be too tight in the toe box, and it’s a perfect storm for developing a neuroma.

Common symptoms include:

  • Sharp or burning pain in the ball of the foot

  • Tingling or numbness near the toes

  • The feeling of walking on a small pebble

  • Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest

Treatment Options for Neuromas in Runners

The good news is that most cases of Morton’s neuroma can be managed with conservative care when caught early. Recommended treatments include:

  • Footwear Modification - Switch to running shoes with a wide toe box and proper arch support. Avoid shoes that compress the forefoot.

  • Toe Spreaders and Proper Socks - Using toe spacers or wearing socks designed to separate the toes (especially overnight) can reduce pressure between the metatarsals.

  • Custom Orthotics - Prescription orthotics can redistribute pressure away from the affected nerve and improve foot alignment.

  • Corticosteroid Injections - Our podiatrist may recommend an injection to reduce inflammation and pain around the nerve.

  • Surgery (for Severe Cases) - If conservative treatments fail, surgical removal of the neuroma may be considered. This is typically done through the top of the foot to aid in recovery.

Your Sports Podiatrist in Gaithersburg, MD

At Maple Springs Foot Center, our board-certified podiatrists Dr. Stuart Snyder, Dr. Sara Sharma , Dr. Sahar Zadeh and Dr. Gregory Aubertin specialize in sports podiatry for runners and treats conditions like Morton’s neuroma with personalized, evidence-based care. Whether you’re training for your next race or just trying to stay active without pain, we’re here to help you recover and run stronger.

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