Nerve pain in the foot can feel like aburning, 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.
Verywell / JR Bee
Sometimes, even the area closest to the nerve will be sensitive to the touch.
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.
Typical symptoms include a burning or shooting pain in this area, most often while walking.
A possible explanation is that many women wear high-heeled shoes.
Traumafrom swelling, blunt impact, or even a tight shoeis 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.
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.
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.
This is known asperipheral neuropathy.
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.
A herniated disc will usually cause additional symptoms such as muscle weakness in the legs and/or numbness and tingling.
Herniated discs can happen to anyone, but they are most common in young adults and middle-aged adults.
This creates pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots.
Spinal stenosis is usually triggered 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.
If the condition interferes with your quality of life, surgery may also be an option.
Early diagnosis and treatment may help prevent symptom progression and future disability.
Nerve problems often trigger burning or shooting pain.
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National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Peripheral neuropathy fact sheet.
