High Heels and Morton’s Neuroma: Yes, There Is a Connection

High heels may be good for your style, but they’re tough on your feet. Regularly wearing high heels for long periods of time can cause all sorts of foot issues. If you regularly wear high heels and notice pain in your toes, you could be experiencing symptoms of Morton’s neuroma. 

This painful condition happens when fibrous tissue develops around the nerves in your toes. This causes irritation and compression, resulting in pain and discomfort. Women are up to 10 times more likely than men to have Morton’s neuroma, and cases have surged over the last 10 years. 

If you’re experiencing the symptoms of Morton’s neuroma or any other foot condition, the expert team at Premier Foot and Ankle Center in Worcester and Webster, Massachusetts, can help.

Patients who visit our offices receive the highest quality of care. Our board-certified podiatrists

perform a comprehensive evaluation and discuss the results with you, along with individualized treatment recommendations. 

Morton’s neuroma overview

High heels are anything but practical. They shift your weight forward, placing the bulk of the pressure on the ball of your foot and toes. In addition to throwing off your gait and posture, wearing high heels for extended periods causes bunions, hammertoes, and calluses. 

When you have Morton’s neuroma, fibrous tissue growth develops, usually between your third and fourth toes. This tissue isn’t visible from the outside. However, it can cause significant discomfort.

Symptoms of Morton’s neuroma vary, but people with this condition commonly experience:

• Foot pain and discomfort
• Burning sensation in your toes
• Tingling sensation in your toes
• Feeling as if a pebble is in your shoe

These symptoms may worsen when you walk or run. 

The problem with high heels

Your feet are natural shock absorbers designed to distribute your weight evenly. 

Heels interfere with the equal distribution of your weight. Even a low, 1-inch heel can add significantly more pressure to your feet than flat shoes. 

As the heel rises, the pressure increases. Additionally, high heels are often narrow and squeeze the toes together, contributing to foot pain and the development of conditions such as Morton’s neuroma. 

A major risk factor is regularly wearing high heels for long periods. Other risk factors include high-impact sports that involve your toes and foot deformities, such as hammer toes, flat feet, or high arches. 

Having more than one risk factor dramatically raises your risk for Morton’s neuroma. 

Morton’s neuroma treatment

The podiatrists at Premier Foot and Ankle Center create individualized treatment plans for patients with Morton’s neuroma. Conservative treatment is often the first step to getting relief. Your treatment plan may involve:

• Pain relievers
• Steroid injections
• Custom orthotics

If conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief, your podiatrist may recommend surgical intervention such as decompression surgery or surgery to remove the nerve causing the pain.

They discuss the most appropriate approach for your situation. 

If you have Morton’s neuroma, you must start wearing well-fitting, comfortable shoes to minimize pain and reduce complications. 

If you aren’t ready to abandon high heels, it’s strongly recommended that you consider lower heels and wear them for shorter periods. Additionally, it helps to switch between heels and flats with proper support. 

To learn more about Morton’s neuroma and to discuss all your foot care needs, call the office closest to you today to request an appointment.