There are times we could feel an unexpected shooting pain in one of our feet. This shooting pain is commonly felt between the 3rd and 4th metatarsals.This pain typically are a neuroma or as it is also referred to, Morton’s Neuroma. This is a frequent foot condition treated by Podiatrists. If you have a neuroma you will have inflammation and sharp pain in the area. The symptoms you will have if you do have a neuroma typically are often sharp pain, burning, numbness, prickling, cramping pains in the front part of the foot and frequently there will be a lack of feeling in that part of the foot.

The reason behind the neuroma is usually because the metatarsals of the 3rd and 4th toes are squeezing a nerve which is situated between the two. You will get the signs and symptoms of the neuroma after there has been significant strain on the front of the foot. Those activities that cause this type of pressure are walking, standing, jumping or even running. They are high-impact exercises that have been known to put a large amount of load and stress on the foot. The other way in which you can get this disorder is by wearing footwear with sharp toes and high heels. The high heels places pressure on the foot as the weight of the body is sustained by the front area of your feet. As there is no other balance for the foot you are forced to rely on the ball of the foot to stabilize the body when you are walking, running or any other activity.

Neuromas are a treatable foot condition that may also be avoided from happening altogether. The first step to dealing with the neuroma would be to choose and use the suitable footwear. The shoes you should pick will need to have a wide area for the ball of the foot and the top of the shoes must not press down onto your feet. Next think about using a foot orthotic that's been made with a metatarsal pad. The pad should be put behind the ball of the feet. By having the metatarsal dome put in this spot the pressure on the foot is relieved because the weight on the feet are distributed evenly through the feet. When these self-help steps don't help, then go to a podiatrist for other options.