Foot Health What Causes Nerve Pain in the Foot? By Catherine Moyer, DPM Updated on September 18, 2023 Medically reviewed by Adam H. Kaplan, DPM Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Morton's Neuroma Pinched Nerve Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Herniated Disc Spinal Stenosis Other Causes When to See a Healthcare Provider Nerve pain in the foot can feel like a burning, shooting, "electrical," or stabbing pain. It may occur on the top of the foot or through the arch. These sensations can happen while you're moving or while you're at rest. Sometimes, even the area closest to the nerve will be sensitive to the touch. Nerve pain in the foot could be caused by a number of different conditions, including a pinched nerve, tarsal tunnel syndrome, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and more. This article will discuss the most common nerve-related causes of foot pain and how to recognize them. It also addresses some other common causes. Verywell / JR Bee Morton's Neuroma Morton's neuroma involves a thickening of the nerve that runs between the third and fourth toes, though it can sometimes occur between the second and third toes. Typical symptoms include a burning or shooting pain in this area, most often while walking. Another common symptom is a vague feeling of pressure beneath the toes, as if a sock was bunched up underneath them. Common treatments include: Shoe modifications Arch supports Alcohol or cortisone injections to decrease swelling Typical shoe modifications include lifts, orthotics with metatarsal pads, and rocker soles, which provide cushion where it's needed. A few things increase your risk of developing Morton's neuroma: Wearing high-heeled shoes or shoes that are too tightParticipating in high-impact sports such as runningHaving bunions, hammertoes, high arches, or flat feet Morton's neuroma occurs more frequently in women. A possible explanation is that many women wear high-heeled shoes. Pinched Nerve A pinched nerve, known as nerve entrapment, can occur in various regions of the foot. Trauma—from swelling, blunt impact, or even a tight shoe—is the most likely cause. A pinched nerve can feel like shooting or burning pain. Or the surrounding area on top of the foot may feel sensitive. Pinched nerves in the feet are treated much like Morton's neuromas. Rest, wearing roomier shoes, and anti-inflammatory medications may also help. You're more likely to develop a pinched nerve in your foot if you: Have rheumatoid arthritisAre obeseHave a repetitive stress injuryWear shoes that fit poorlyExperienced trauma to your foot Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Another common type of nerve entrapment is tarsal tunnel syndrome. According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), tarsal tunnel syndrome is "anything that produces compression on the posterior tibial nerve." The tibial nerve is located near the heel. And the burning, tingling, or shooting sensations often radiate from the instep (arch). Other symptoms include numbness and foot cramps. Both can worsen while the foot is at rest, such as when you're sitting or sleeping. Twin Conditions There's a good reason that tarsal tunnel syndrome sounds like carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects the wrist. Both conditions involve a nerve being squeezed in a tight space. Sometimes, placing padding in a shoe (where the foot is being compressed) can relieve foot pain. Other times, more elaborate orthotics are necessary. Orthotics are prescription medical devices that you place inside your shoes. Tarsal tunnel syndrome often recedes with cortisone shots or other anti-inflammatory treatments. As a worst-case scenario, surgery may be necessary to release the nerve. Conditions that compress the tibial nerve can lead to tarsal tunnel syndrome. Examples include: Flat feet or fallen archesAn ankle sprainVaricose veinsBone spursArthritisDiabetes An Overview of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy The long-term high blood sugar (glucose) associated with diabetes can lead to a form of nerve damage. This is known as peripheral neuropathy. Like other forms of nerve damage, neuropathy pain feels like burning or shooting pain, or the sensation that you are walking on bubble wrap. It often appears overnight. The pain of neuropathy may come and go. It may also be marked by a gradual loss of feeling in the feet. Often, it begins in the toes and moves up the foot. It's estimated that around half of those with diabetes will eventually develop neuropathy. Treatments for diabetic neuropathy include: Blood sugar control Medications like antidepressants Lyrica (pregabalin) and gabapentin Vitamin B Topical treatments with capsaicin Alpha lipoic acid If you have diabetes, you are at higher risk for developing peripheral neuropathy if: Your blood sugar isn't well-controlled.You've had diabetes for many years.You have kidney disease.You're a smoker.You are overweight or have obesity. Best Home Remedies for Neuropathy in Feet Herniated Disc Sometimes, nerve pain in the foot can stem from a problem in the spine. A herniated disc in the lower back, for example, can irritate nearby nerves, causing a shooting pain that radiates down the leg and to the foot. A herniated disc will usually cause additional symptoms such as muscle weakness in the legs and/or numbness and tingling. Most herniated discs don't require surgery and get better with conservative treatment over time. If the symptoms don't improve or worsen, your healthcare provider may recommend surgery. Herniated discs can happen to anyone, but they are most common in young adults and middle-aged adults. You may be more likely to get a herniated disc if: You have degenerative changes in your spine due to older age.You lift heavy things incorrectly.You are overweight or obese.You have a physically demanding job.You have a genetic predisposition (if someone in your family has had a herniated disc). Herniated Disc Surgery: Overview Spinal Stenosis Spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces in your spine narrow. This creates pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. Spinal stenosis is usually caused by wear and tear on the spine as you get older. Spinal stenosis in the lower back may cause burning pain in the buttocks and leg. As it progresses, you may feel pain in your feet. Some people also experience numbness and tingling. Spinal stenosis is usually treated nonsurgically with physical therapy exercises and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). Some people may also benefit from cortisone injections. If the condition interferes with your quality of life, surgery may also be an option. Risk factors for spinal stenosis include: Age 50 or older Osteoarthritis affecting the back Previous injury or surgery of the spine A narrow spinal canal What to Expect from Spinal Stenosis Physical Therapy Other Causes of Foot Nerve Pain Other conditions can spawn nerve damage and the ensuing pain. Some examples include: Physical trauma, such as after surgery or an accident Certain cancer drugs, antiviral drugs, or antibiotics Complex regional pain syndrome Tumors that compress a nerve Liver or kidney disease Vitamin deficiencies Infectious diseases, such as complications from Lyme disease, or viral infections When to See a Healthcare Provider Nerve pain in the foot is always a reason to see a healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and treatment may help prevent symptom progression and future disability. Once the cause of your pain has been identified, you and your healthcare provider can work together to control your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Call your healthcare provider right away if: The pain worsens over several days. You have a numb, tingling, or burning feeling that gets worse over several days. Your foot begins to swell. You have trouble walking or holding up your weight. Summary A number of different conditions can cause nerve pain in the foot, including Morton's neuroma, tarsal tunnel syndrome, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a herniated disc, or a pinched nerve. Nerve problems often trigger burning or shooting pain. See your healthcare provider right away if the pain and related symptoms get worse, or if you have trouble standing or walking. 9 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Gougoulias N, Lampridis V, Sakellariou A. Morton's interdigital neuroma: instructional review. EFORT Open Rev. 2019;4(1):14-24. doi:10.1302/2058-5241.4.180025 Chari B, McNally E. Nerve entrapment in ankle and foot: ultrasound imaging. Semin Musculoskelet Radiol. 2018;22(3):354-363. doi:10.1055/s-0038-1648252 American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Tarsal tunnel syndrome. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diabetes and nerve damage. Feldman EL, Callaghan BC, Pop-Busui R, et al. Diabetic neuropathy. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2019;5(1):42. doi:10.1038/s41572-019-0097-9 Yoon WW, Koch J. Herniated discs: When is surgery necessary? EFORT Open Rev. 2021;6(6):526-30. doi:10.1302/2058-5241.6.210020 Lurie J, Tomkins-Lane C. Management of lumbar spinal stenosis. BMJ. 2016;352:h6234. doi:10.1136/bmj.h6234 Staff NP, Windebank AJ. Peripheral neuropathy due to vitamin deficiency, toxins, and medications. Continuum (Minneap Minn). 2014;20(5 Peripheral Nervous System Disorders):1293-306. doi:10.1212/01.CON.0000455880.06675.5a University of Utah Health. Foot injuries: when to see a doctor. Additional Reading Hovaguimian A, Gibbons CH. Clinical approach to the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy. Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2011;2(1):27-38 National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Peripheral neuropathy fact sheet. NIH. By Catherine Moyer, DPM Catherine Moyer, DPM, is a podiatrist experienced in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the foot and ankle. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit