Does It Feel Like You’re Walking on a Pebble? Here’s Why

We’ve all had a rock stuck in our shoes at one time or another. It’s a hazard of walking and playing on surfaces like gravel and sand. Usually, the problem can be corrected by emptying your shoe, but what if it still feels like you’re walking on a pebble even after? 

The sensation of walking on a pebble is a common side effect of neuromas. At Mayfair Foot Care in Commack, New York, podiatrists Drs. Edward Buro, Christine Peterson, and Rosario Saccomanno specialize in neuroma care. Here, we explain what neuromas are, highlight their other symptoms, and provide insights on diagnosis and treatment.

Why neuromas make it feel like you’re walking on a pebble

Neuromas are noncancerous nerve tumors that form around one of the nerves in your feet. There are several types of neuromas, but the most common is Morton’s neuroma. Morton’s neuroma refers to a nerve tumor between the third and fourth toes. Since this nerve is located in the ball of your foot, any inflammation of it makes activities like standing and walking painful. As the nerve tumor grows, it can feel like a small object, such as a pebble, is stuck in your shoe.

Do neuromas present other symptoms?

The most common neuroma symptom is the sensation of having something stuck in your shoe. However, other telltale signs include:

• Tingling and numbness in your foot
• Pain between your toes when standing and walking
• Pain that worsens when wearing certain types of shoes, like high heels
• Swelling between your toes

Neuroma symptoms are usually mild at first, but as the nerve tumor grows, it can affect your mobility and keep you from activities you love. 

Do any other foot problems make it feel like you’re walking on a pebble?

Yes. Another foot problem that presents similar symptoms to neuromas is metatarsalgia. Metatarsalgia causes the ball of the foot to become swollen and inflamed because of overuse (general wear-and-tear) or an underlying medical condition, like arthritis. Anyone can suffer from metatarsalgia, but it commonly affects runners and athletes.

When to see a podiatrist if it feels like you’re walking on a pebble

If it feels like you’re walking on a pebble for more than a few days, make an appointment at Mayfair Foot Care. That’s especially true if your symptoms don’t improve with at-home measures, like ice, rest, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. Without treatment, both neuromas and metatarsalgia can worsen, so professional care is important. 

How are neuromas and metatarsalgia diagnosed?

Your provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when you first noticed the sensation of walking on a pebble, if it’s worse at certain times (like during exercise), and if the sensation occurs alongside pain or swelling.

Next, your provider examines the ball of your foot. They check for redness and swelling, look for bruising between your toes, and gently press on the bottom of your foot to identify sensitive places. They also complete diagnostic imaging, like X-rays or an ultrasound, to check for neuromas, fractures, and soft tissue damage.

After identifying the source of your discomfort, we make personalized treatment recommendations to relieve pain and restore your mobility.

How are neuromas and metatarsalgia treated?

At Mayfair Foot Care, we treat neuromas and metatarsalgia using a conservative, minimally invasive approach. We might suggest:

• Wearing wide shoes with deep toe boxes to relieve pressure on the affected nerve
• Wearing over-the-counter shoe pads to relieve nerve pressure
• Custom orthotics (prescription shoe inserts) to relieve pressure and provide padding
• Over-the-counter pain medication to reduce inflammation and discomfort
• Icing to alleviate inflammation 
• Stretching and strengthening exercises to improve foot mechanics
• Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and relieve pain

Often, one or more of these treatments provide significant relief from the sensation of walking on a pebble, but it may take some trial and error to determine the best approach for you. Rarely, surgery is needed, but only after all other options are exhausted.

Contact Mayfair Foot Care today if you’re tired of feeling like you’re walking on a pebble. Call our office in Commack, New York, to schedule an appointment, or book your visit online.