Sole pain is a common symptom that most people experience at least once. However, dismissing it as simple fatigue and missing the treatment window can cause the condition to worsen to the point where walking becomes difficult. If the front of the foot feels tingly or numb — as if gum were stuck to it — the issue is likely a nerve problem rather than simple pain. A representative condition is interdigital neuritis. It occurs when the interdigital nerve running between the toes is compressed, and its hallmark is pain in the forefoot. Because interdigital neuritis is a nerve problem, there is a "golden time" for treatment. Delayed treatment can lead to surgery to sever the nerve or alter the bone structure.
On the evening of the 28th at 9 p.m., Dr. Joo In-tak, director of the Foot and Ankle Center at Yonsei Kunwoo Hospital, a renowned specialist in foot disorders, will appear on Seoul Economic TV's "Now, the Best Doctors" to discuss interdigital neuritis, flat feet, cavus foot and other conditions in detail.
Dr. Joo, who previously served as an orthopedic surgery professor at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital and president of the Korean Foot and Ankle Society, is regarded as one of Korea's leading foot and ankle specialists. To overcome the limitations of neurectomy — considered the final stage of interdigital neuritis treatment — he devised a "metatarsal osteotomy" that corrects the joint structure of the toes.
◇ Interdigital Neuritis Causing Forefoot Pain… 'Nerve Compression' Is the Cause
The interdigital nerve runs between the toes. When this nerve is repeatedly compressed, inflammation develops, and repeated inflammation causes fibrosis. This condition is called interdigital neuritis. Narrow-toed shoes and high heels in particular can compress the nerves in the forefoot and trigger interdigital neuritis.
"Interdigital neuritis most commonly occurs between the second and third toes or between the third and fourth toes," Dr. Joo said. "In addition to narrow shoes and high heels, cavus foot with a high instep, hallux valgus and differences in metatarsal length can also be causes."
The condition is commonly known as "Morton's neuroma," but interdigital neuritis is the correct term. "In the past, the nerve appeared thick like a lump, so it was thought to be a tumor and called a 'neuroma.' In reality, it is an inflammatory change with no tumor cells," Dr. Joo explained.
Interdigital neuritis is often confused with plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is characterized by severe heel pain when taking the first step after waking up in the morning. This occurs because the foot, which has been curled during sleep, stretches and pulls on the plantar fascia.
"Because interdigital neuritis is a nerve problem, tingling, numbness and forefoot pain when stepping are the three hallmark signs," Dr. Joo said. "If the condition has progressed to the point of pain, it can be considered fairly advanced."
◇ Seek Treatment Quickly if Nerve Symptoms Appear
