This condition results in nerve swelling and scar tissue formation due to excessive stress being placed on the interdigital nerve of the foot, usually between the 3rd and 4th metatarsals. Patients will complain of a burning pain in the ball of the foot and down into the toes which worsens with increased weight bearing activities and the use of narrow fitting shoes. Patients may also describe associated pins and needles and numbness into the toes.

The main treatment objective with this condition is to spread the load more evenly over the metatarsals and reduce the amount of stress acting on the affected nerve. In order to achieve this your physiotherapist may prescribe you a customised orthotic or fit your shoe with metatarsal padding to redistribute and reduce the load acting on the injured area of your foot. Intrinsic muscle strengthening exercises may also be prescribed to help support the transverse arch of the foot.