Foot pain can be tricky to diagnose, especially when it feels like tingling, burning, or numbness in the toes or ball of the foot. Two common conditions that share these symptoms are peripheral neuropathy and Morton’s neuroma. Though they may feel similar, they have very different causes, treatments, and long-term outcomes. Knowing how to tell the difference can help you get the right diagnosis and relief faster after seeing an Athens podiatrist.
Understanding Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition caused by damage to the peripheral nerves, which are the nerves that send signals from your brain and spinal cord to the rest of your body. This nerve damage can result from a variety of factors, including:
- Diabetes (the most common cause)
- Vitamin deficiencies (especially B vitamins)
- Alcohol use
- Certain medications
- Autoimmune disorders or infections
- Trauma or nerve compression
The symptoms of neuropathy often appear gradually and can affect the feet, legs, hands, and arms. People with neuropathy commonly describe sensations such as:
- Tingling or “pins and needles”
- Burning or sharp pain
- Numbness or reduced sensitivity
- Muscle weakness or balance issues
In the feet, neuropathy typically affects both sides and starts at the toes before spreading upward, a pattern often described as a “stocking-like” distribution.
Understanding Morton’s Neuroma
Morton’s neuroma is not actually a true tumor, despite the name. Instead, it’s a thickening or irritation of the tissue around a nerve, most often between the third and fourth toes. This nerve compression usually occurs as the nerve becomes irritated or inflamed due to repetitive pressure or trauma.
Common causes include:
- Wearing tight or narrow shoes (especially high heels)
- Activities that put pressure on the ball of the foot (like running or jumping)
- Foot deformities, such as bunions or flat feet
Symptoms of Morton’s neuroma typically include:
- Sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot
- Tingling or numbness in the toes
- A sensation of a pebble or marble under the foot when walking
- Pain that worsens with activity or tight shoes and improves when barefoot
Unlike neuropathy, Morton’s neuroma usually affects only one foot and one localized area between two toes.
Key Differences Between Neuropathy and Morton’s Neuroma
While both conditions involve nerve irritation, there are several ways to tell them apart:
|
Feature |
Peripheral Neuropathy |
Morton’s Neuroma |
|
Location |
Usually both feet; starts in toes and spreads upward |
Localized between 3rd and 4th toes on one foot |
|
Type of Pain |
Tingling, burning, or numbness; often symmetrical |
Sharp, stabbing, or burning in one small spot |
|
Triggers |
Constant or worse at night |
Triggered by walking, running, or tight shoes |
|
Cause |
Nerve damage (systemic issue) |
Localized nerve compression or irritation |
|
Other Symptoms |
Weakness, balance problems |
Feeling of a lump or “rock” under foot |
|
Response to Rest |
May persist even at rest |
Improves when removing shoes or resting foot |
Diagnosis: When to See a Specialist
Because symptoms can overlap, it’s important to see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis. A doctor may perform:
- Physical exam: pressing on the affected area to reproduce symptoms.
- Imaging tests: ultrasound or MRI to detect a neuroma.
- Nerve conduction studies or EMG: to identify nerve damage consistent with neuropathy.
- Blood tests: to check for diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, or other systemic causes.
Accurate diagnosis ensures that you receive the most effective treatment, since neuropathy and Morton’s neuroma are managed in completely different ways.
Treatment Approaches
For neuropathy, treatment focuses on managing the underlying cause and relieving symptoms. This might include:
- Controlling blood sugar (for diabetic neuropathy)
- Taking medications for nerve pain
- Vitamin supplements
- Laser Therapy
- Physical therapy or balance training
For Morton’s neuroma, treatment aims to relieve pressure on the affected nerve:
- Switching to wider, cushioned shoes
- Using custom orthotics or metatarsal pads
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
- In severe cases, minor surgery to release or remove the affected nerve
Schedule an Appointment with Cure Podiatry & Wound Care
If you’re experiencing foot pain, tingling, or numbness, don’t assume all nerve pain is the same. Peripheral neuropathy tends to cause widespread, gradual, and symmetrical symptoms due to nerve damage, while Morton’s neuroma produces localized pain in one specific spot, often linked to footwear or repetitive pressure.
Because the right diagnosis is key to effective treatment, it’s best to consult a foot and nerve specialist. With proper care, whether that means adjusting your shoes, addressing underlying health issues, or exploring medical interventions, you can find relief and keep moving comfortably.
Cure Podiatry & Wound Care provides quality podiatric care in a family-friendly setting. We pride ourselves in not only diagnosing and treating your wound, but also educating our patients. Dr. Mahzoon, an ABPM Board Certified Podiatrist with extensive experience in wound care, also provides excellent foot and ankle care. We will work closely with your primary care doctor, vascular, infectious disease, and other specialists to formulate the best course of treatment. If you are in need of wound care, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Cure Podiatry & Wound Care
1135 Prince Ave
Athens, GA 30606
706-405-7773