In fact, a neuroma can develop anywhere there is a nerve. Neuroma's are more commonly a problem for women. High-heeled shoes with cramped pointed tips cause additional pressure and irritation on the nerves in the ball of the foot. Individual complaints and symptoms for a neuroma vary. Frequently, a burning sensation is experienced in the ball of the foot.
Patients also complain of cramping in the foot.
This pain, and sometimes a feeling of numbness or burning, may involve the corresponding toes that the nerve supplies. Of course, walking in shoes aggravates pain. Often patients say there is relief after removing their shoes and perhaps massaging their foot. A neuroma may be the result of an injury or from wearing the wrong shoes. Most of the time, patients have no recollection of any injury.