Foot Nerve Pain

Nerve pain in the foot may result from damage or malfunction of the nerve itself or from pressure put on the nerve as the result of another underlying condition. Nerve pain in the foot typically affects one of two primary areas: the toe or the arch. There are a variety of causes for pain in either region. Some treatment options are effective for many different disorders.

Causes of Foot Nerve Pain

There are numerous reasons that individuals experience foot pain, ranging from hereditary anatomical anomalies to traumatic injuries to diseases and disorders. The following are some common causes of nerve pain in the big toe or other toes:

• Gout, hallux rigidus or hallux limitus
• Sesamoiditis
• Hammertoe, mallet toe or claw foot
• Turf toe

Reasons for pain in other areas of the foot, including the arch or heel, may include:

• Morton's neuroma
• Plantar fasciitis
• Flat feet or high arches
• Heel spur or bunions
• Arthritis
• Diabetic nerve pain

Regardless of their causes, these foot problems involving nerve pain may result in similar symptoms, including numbness, tingling, odd sensations, weakness, aching, or severe pain.

Treatment for Foot Nerve Pain

Treatments for foot nerve pain may consist of some combination of the following:

• Rest and applications of ice
• Wearing more comfortable shoes
• Oral anti-inflammatory medications
• Analgesics
• Electrical stimulation
• Orthotics, canes or braces
• Physical therapy
• Corticosteroid injections

A few of foot nerve conditions, such as gout, require other medications and dietary restrictions. In severe cases, where nerve pain is not responsive to more conservative treatments, surgical intervention may be necessary.

Additional Resources

• MedlinePlus
• National Institutes of Health
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
• U.S. National Library of Medicine
• WebMD