What is it?
This is a pathological condition of the common digital nerve between the third and fourth metatarsals. The nerve sheath becomes abnormally thickened with scar tissue as a result of compression or irritation of the nerve.
Signs and Symptoms
- Sharp shooting pain
- Tingling burning or numbness of the toes or ball of the foot
- Pain may radiate into the toes or up the leg
- A feeling that something is inside the ball of the foot
- Aggravated by tight shoes, removing the shoe often removes the pain
- Symptoms begin gradually. At first they occur when wearing narrow shoes or performing aggravating activities. With time symptoms progressively worsen and persist for several days.
Treatment
- Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medication
- Shoe modifications ( wider shoes)
- Simple insoles/ orthotics to control abnormal motion and relieve pressure off nerves
- Cortisone injections
- Surgery if conservative therapy doesn't work
