Morton’s neuroma is a disorder causing pain in the ball of the foot, most often between the third and fourth toes. It develops when tissue around a nerve leading to the toes thickens, causing sharp, burning pain. You might also experience numbness or stinging in your toes.
Abnormal pressure on the metatarsal bones and joints in the ball of the foot is the leading cause of tissue thickening and nerve compression.
High heels drastically alter your foot’s natural biomechanics and structure, setting the stage for Morton’s neuroma and other foot problems, such as bunions.
Studies show that women suffer from Morton’s neuroma around 18 times more often than men, primarily because they’re more likely to wear high heels.
At Lone Peak Foot & Ankle Clinic, patients often complain of foot pain when they regularly wear high heels. Here, we explain what these shoes do to your feet and how to avoid problems like Morton’s neuroma.
Wearing high heels forces your foot into a position called plantarflexion, where your toes point downward, and your heel is elevated. This position shifts your body’s weight onto your forefoot, placing excessive pressure on the metatarsal heads.
Over time, this constant pressure can irritate the nerves in the ball of your foot.
The narrow toe box in most high heels compounds the problem by squeezing your toes together, restricting their natural spread and reducing space in the forefoot. This compression increases pressure on the toe joints and can aggravate nerve irritation.
High heels also reduce your foot’s flexibility and change its natural shape, straining the plantar fascia (connective tissue supporting your arch) and tightening the Achilles tendon in the back of your ankle.
These biomechanical alterations disrupt your body’s natural weight distribution and gait, increasing the risk of foot pain, nerve irritation, and long-term structural damage.
Over time, the pressure can cause inflammation, swelling, and tissue thickening around the affected nerve, leading to Morton’s neuroma. The altered alignment caused by high heels also impacts the lower body, further contributing to biomechanical imbalances that stress the foot.
These changes not only increase the risk of Morton’s neuroma but also worsen symptoms in those who already have the condition.
Selecting appropriate footwear is essential if you have Morton’s neuroma or want to avoid it.
Choose shoes that offer style and support, and consult our podiatrist for personalized advice on maintaining foot health. With a creative approach, you can balance fashion and function, ensuring your feet stay healthy and pain-free for years to come.
Alternatives to high heels that prioritize foot health without sacrificing style include:
Wedges distribute your weight more evenly across the foot, offering height with less strain on the forefoot.
Platforms reduce the angle of the foot and alleviate pressure on the metatarsal heads, making them a stylish yet comfortable choice.
Shoes with a low heel reduce forefoot pressure and provide better stability.
Choose flats with a wide toe box and flexible sole to allow natural toe movement and minimize forefoot compression. Be careful with ballerina flats, though — they don’t offer much support and can contribute to problems like plantar fasciitis (heel pain).
Sneakers and running shoes provide excellent cushioning and shock absorption. Look for options with ample forefoot padding and arch support.
Lone Peak Foot & Ankle Clinic offers custom orthotics to reduce pain and relieve toe pressure in patients with Morton’s neuroma.
Orthotics are insoles that provide additional support and ease pressure on the affected nerves. You can pair these inserts with various footwear types for added comfort and protection.
While high heels may enhance your style, you can’t ignore their long-term impact on foot health. By understanding the risks and making informed footwear choices, you can reduce your risk of Morton’s neuroma while still looking fashionable.
Call the Lone Peak Foot & Ankle Clinic office in Draper or Orem, Utah, today or book a visit online if your high heels are causing problems like Morton’s neuroma.
