Who’s Most at Risk for Developing Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma feels like a pebble in your shoe, along with pain and numbness that accompanies it. It doesn’t sound like a foot condition anyone would want – but who is most at risk for developing it? In this article, we at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center will unpack the specific groups that Morton’s Neuroma affects the most, and why.

Women and Fashion Footwear

Unfortunately, women are a highly susceptible group for developing Morton’s neuroma, and it all has to do with high heels and shoes with a narrow, pointed toe box.

High heels force a significant amount of a person’s body weight onto the forefoot, which puts direct pressure on the metatarsal bones and the nerves between them. Narrow-toed shoes then squeeze the toes together and compress the nerves even further.

For many women, the pain might be acutely triggered by a specific pair of shoes, and it may only subside by taking your shoes off.

Runners and High-Impact Athletes

Runners and other athletes are also at a higher risk. The repetitive pounding of your feet, the hard surfaces, the complex cutting and jumping – it all can cause chronic stress and inflammation in the forefoot.

Also, the constant flexing of the foot and the tight fit of some athletic shoes can contribute to nerve irritation. If you’re a runner, you might experience the pain as a burning sensation that intensifies as your training progresses, or as numbness that persists after your workout.

People with Certain Foot Structures

A person’s natural foot structure can also increase their vulnerability. If you have flat feet, you may experience a collapsing arch, which can cause the forefoot to splay and put extra tension on the nerves.

On the other hand, people with high arches might have less natural shock absorption and place more stress on the ball of the foot with every step. These structural issues are the perfect storm for nerve compression to happen.

Workers and Their Footwear

Finally, those who spend long hours standing for their job are at risk. We’re talking everyone from construction workers to nurses to doormen.

Prolonged standing causes inflammation and swelling in the forefoot. And with the wrong work shoes, particularly those with a narrow toe box, it will only irritate the nerves more.

People Who Are Overweight or Obese

While it wouldn’t happen right away, this risk factor is all about physics. Excess body weight magnifies the burden of each step, especially on the metatarsal bones. This sustained force can lead to inflammation and irritation of the nerves around them, which increases the chance of a neuroma developing over time.

For more foot care facts and advice, consult Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center in Fairfax County, Virginia, about any podiatric concerns you’re facing. Set up an appointment today to find relief!