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The main nerve problems I see are:
Morton's Neuroma
Not to be confused with Morton's Steakhouse-which may cause a full stomach-Morton's neuroma causes cramping, tingling (a feeling of pins and needles), burning, or shooting pain in the toes or ball of your foot. A neuroma is a painful growth on a nerve that forms when the nerve becomes irritated. Treatment for neuromas consists of using a special arch support, called an orthotic, and sometimes injections are needed. Surgery is rarely necessary.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Almost everyone has heard of carpal tunnel syndrome in our hands, but few people realize the same problem occurs in our feet. Tarsal tunnel syndrome may cause burning, tingling, shooting pain, or a cramping sensation in our foot. The good news is that there is a light at the end of this tunnel. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is often easily treated with orthotics, injections or a short, outpatient procedure.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy literally means a "disease of the nerves," and it affects millions of people each year. Persons with neuropathy often experience loss of sensation, burning, tingling, or shooting pain. The number one body part affected by neuropathy is the feet. Persons with diabetes are those most afflicted with neuropathy, but it also occurs in people with thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies, alcoholism, and some types of arthritis. Neuropathy has many treatment options and some people might opt for a new, somewhat controversial, procedure that involves surgically freeing up the nerves to restore normal sensation to their feet.
Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle
Degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis, or just plain old "Arthur" is a deterioration of the joints between our bones. When Arthur visits people's feet or ankles, many believe they just have to live with it. This is far from the truth. The reality is podiatrists have many techniques to alleviate arthritis, including a high-tech, tiny arthroscopic camera that can remove arthritis from sore ankles.
Nail Problems
I am not talking about rusty nails on your garage floor, but ingrown toenails and fungal toenails. Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the nail grows deep into the flesh of the toe. These are painful and can become infected. Fortunately, a brief, in-office technique can alleviate ingrown toenails, often permanently.
Fungal toenails are another story, and usually require a long course of medication.
Bunions
These are protrusions of bone or bumps that form on the inside of the foot at the joint at the base of the big toe. If you wear ill-fitting shoes, don't blame them for bunions. Blame your parents.
Bunions are inherited. However, poor footwear can contribute the formation of a bunion.
Numerous conservative treatments, such as trying wider shoes or foot soaks, can alleviate painful bunions, though getting rid of them requires a short, outpatient surgical procedure.
Other Big Toe Problems
Hallux Rigidus
With hallux rigidus the big toe may look normal; however the inside of the joint at the base of the big toe is deteriorated and painful. Sometimes the big toe won't bend. Like bunions, simple treatments can lessen the pain, but in on some cases surgery is necessary.