• Nerve inflammation, most often between the third and fourth toes

What causes it?

• Anything that causes the bones of the foot to be compressed and rub against the nerve such as problems with foot structure or poor fitting footwear that is too tight in the toe area

Signs and Symptoms

• Sharp pain, burning, numbness, tingling, or cramping, usually in the area just behind the third and fourth toes and sometimes into the toes themselves

Prevention and Treatments

• Rest / reduce activity level until symptoms subside; choose low impact activities such as swimming in the interim
• Metatarsal pad to offload pressure in the area
• Low dye strapping (taping) to help immobilize the involved area
• Prescription custom orthotics to help correct structural foot problems causing the pain; a metatarsal pad will generally be prescribed for manufacture into the orthotics
• Footwear that is properly suited to your foot type. For an illustration of what to look for in footwear at your local shoe store for your type foot, click here. Look for cushioning footwear with lots of room in the toe box. Your Chiropodist can provide further footwear advice

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