Morton's neuroma is a painful condition affecting the ball of the foot. Also referred to as a pinched nerve or a nerve tumor, Morton's neuroma is a benign growth of nerve tissue frequently found between the third and fourth toes.
The principle symptom associated with a neuroma is pain between the toes while walking and pain in the ball of the foot when weight it placed on it. It may also cause a burning sensation, swelling between the toes and tingling or numbness between the toes and in the ball of the foot.
Those suffering from the condition often find relief by stopping their walk, taking off their shoe and rubbing the affected area. At times, the patient will describe the pain as similar to having a stone or pebble in his or her shoe. The vast majority of people who develop neuromas are women.