What should you know about morton neuroma psoriatic arthritis?

Morton neuroma is irritation around a nerve in the forefoot, often causing burning pain, tingling, or the feeling of a pebble beneath the foot. Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory joint condition that may present with joint pain, swelling, morning stiffness, sausage-shaped swelling of a digit, or tenderness where a tendon attaches to bone.

Having foot pain does not establish psoriatic arthritis. Skin or nail psoriasis, symptoms in other joints, a pattern of morning stiffness, and the findings on examination help a clinician decide whether one or both conditions need consideration.

Choose shoes with enough room in the toe area and avoid activities that repeatedly squeeze the forefoot. Write down where pain occurs, whether the foot swells, how long stiffness lasts after waking, and whether skin or nail changes are present.

A clinician may consider physiotherapy for movement and load management. If inflammatory arthritis is suspected, anti-inflammatory medication or other treatment may be discussed after reviewing your health history, medicines, and examination.

Arrange prompt assessment for a newly hot, red, or markedly swollen joint, rapidly worsening pain, fever, or inability to bear weight. Seek urgent help after an injury if the foot is deformed, numb, pale, or cold, or if you cannot move the toes.

Ask whether the pain follows a nerve or joint pattern, whether psoriasis or nail changes alter the assessment, which examination or imaging may help, and how footwear, physiotherapy, or medication should fit your symptoms.