High Heels and Morton's Neuroma: Yes, There is a Connection

Morton’s neuroma is eight times more common in women than in men. If you’ve worn high heels for a long time and are experiencing pain, tingling, or numbness between your third and fourth toes, it could be Morton’s neuroma. 

At Michigan Foot & Ankle Institute, we understand how frustrating it can be to deal with foot pain, especially when it limits your ability to enjoy life. 

With two offices in Clinton Township, Michigan, our board-certified podiatrists and foot and ankle surgeons are here to help you understand Morton's neuroma and how your footwear choices might impact your foot health. 

Today’s blog explores the Morthon’s neuroma-high heels connection and how you can restore your foot health. 

What is Morton's neuroma?

Morton's neuroma affects the nerves between the toes, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. 

It develops when the tissue surrounding a nerve thickens, causing a tumor-like growth and symptoms, typically affecting the third and fourth toes and the area underneath them. You may experience: 

• Burning in the ball of your foot
• Sensation of a pebble in your shoe
• Tingling in your toes
• Numbness in your toes
• Pain intensifies in high heels

If you continue wearing high heels frequently, your symptoms can often worsen. 

The link between high heels and Morton's neuroma

Although experts are still studying the cause of Morton’s neuroma, many believe that it’s tied to nerve compression — something that high heels can directly cause. 

These shoes place excessive pressure on the ball of your foot and squeeze your toes into an unnatural position. Over time, this pressure and compression can trigger problems with the common plantar digital nerve that helps supply sensation to your fourth and fifth toes. 

This, in turn, may trigger Morton’s neuroma, particularly if you’ve worn high heels on a daily or near-daily basis for months or years. Women aged 30-60 who wear high heels are most likely to experience Morton’s neuroma. 

Treating Morton's neuroma 

Switching to footwear that provides good support and room for your toes to move can significantly reduce your risk. Look for shoes with:

• A wide toe box (avoid pointy on highly rounded toes)
• Low heels (or no heels)
• Cushioning in the sole

Our team at Michigan Foot & Ankle Institute is ready to help with specialized treatments to relieve persistent Morton’s neuroma symptoms. 

• Padding and taping
• Custom orthotics 
• Oral anti-inflammatory medication
• Prescribed foot exercises
• Corticosteroid injections

In rare cases, some patients may need surgery for Morton’s neuroma. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained surgeons can remove the troublesome nerve, effectively stopping your pain permanently. Recovery can be as quick as a few weeks with minimally invasive techniques.

If you’re frustrated with foot pain, call one of our Clinton Township offices today to schedule a consultation with our empathetic specialists now.