This can feel like electric shocks, similar to hitting your funny bone on the elbow. First line of treatment is change of shoe type, as changing to a wider shoe will reduce or eliminate the symptoms. An injection of xylocaine and cortisone into the area by your podiatrist may help temporarily. If this fails to resolve the pain, surgery may be warranted, which may include removing the neuroma and the nerve as well. This results in permanent numbness in the area supplied by the nerve.
Hammertoes are a common condition.
In most cases, these problems can be traced to improper shoes, usually those that are too short or pointed. Toes that are crowded in poor fitting shoes become permanently fixed in that position and will not straighten. Shoes cause more pressure on the toes and cause painful corns. Toes can be hammered at one or two joints, causing claw, mallet or hammer toes. Constant pressure due to shoes can cause corns and irritation of the toes, which can lead to swelling and pain.