An athlete reports to the athletic training room complaining of burning, numbness, and shooting pain between the third and fourth metatarsal heads. He reports that the pain increases when he wears cleats and lessens when he is sitting or wearing sandals. What condition is most closely associated with these symptoms?

Morton's neuroma

Explanation:

Morton's neuroma -

It refers to the condition , which causes pain between the third and fourth toes of the foot , affecting the balls of the foot , is referred to as Morton's neuroma .

In this condition , the tissues around the nerves of the toes thickens , which leads to intense pain , and the toes may turn numb .

The person feel much relaxed with open toes slippers , rather than closed one .

In severe cases , surgery or corticosteroid injections are given .

Hence , from the given scenario of the question ,

The correct condition is Morton's neuroma .