Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffFactors that appear to contribute to Morton's neuroma include:
- High heels. Wearing high-heeled shoes or shoes that are tight or ill-fitting can box in your feet and place pressure on your toes.
- Certain sports. Participating in high-impact athletic activities such as jogging or running may subject your feet to repetitive trauma. Sports that feature tight shoes, such as snow skiing or rock climbing, can put pressure on your toes.
- Foot deformities. People who have bunions, hammertoes, flatfeet or excessive flexibility are at higher risk of developing Morton's neuroma.
References
- Thomas JL, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of forefoot disorders: Morton's intermetatarsal neuroma. Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery. 2009;48:251.
- Callahan LR, et al. Overview of running injuries in the lower extremity. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 4, 2010.
- Neuromas. American Podiatric Medical Association. http://www.apma.org/MainMenu/Foot-Health/Foot-Health-Brochures-category/Learn-About-Your-Feet/Neuromas.aspx. Accessed Aug. 4, 2010.
- Morton's neuroma. American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. http://www.footphysicians.com/footankleinfo/mortons-neuroma.htm. Accessed Aug. 5; 2010.

Find Mayo Clinic on