Morton's Neuroma Treatment
Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition affecting a nerve in the forefoot, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. It often feels like a burning or sharp pain in the ball of the foot, sometimes with tingling or numbness in the toes.
At Bucks Podiatry, we can assess the cause of your forefoot pain, confirm whether a neuroma is likely and recommend treatment to help settle your symptoms and get you comfortably back on your feet.
What is Morton's neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma develops when the tissue around one of the nerves running between the toes becomes thickened and irritated. Despite the name, it is not a tumour.
The nerve can become compressed or irritated by pressure from footwear, repeated impact or the way the bones of the forefoot move, which is why symptoms often build up gradually.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms can vary from person to person, but commonly include:
- Burning, stinging or shooting pain in the ball of the foot
- Pain that spreads into the toes
- Tingling or numbness in the toes
- A feeling of standing on a pebble or a bunched-up sock
- Symptoms that are worse in tight or narrow shoes
- Relief when you take your shoes off and rub the foot
What causes Morton's neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma is often linked to repeated pressure on the forefoot. Common contributing factors include:
- Tight, narrow or pointed footwear
- High heels
- High-impact activity such as running
- Foot shapes or conditions such as flat feet, high arches, bunions or hammer toes
- Standing or walking for long periods
How is Morton's neuroma treated?
Treatment depends on how long you have had symptoms and what is contributing to them. In many cases, the problem can be managed without surgery.
Your podiatrist will examine your foot, discuss your symptoms and activity levels, and may recommend:
- Footwear advice, including shoes with a wider toe box and a cushioned sole
- Padding or insoles to ease pressure on the nerve
- Custom orthotics where foot function is a factor
- Advice on activity and exercise
- Biomechanical assessment where appropriate
If symptoms do not settle, we can talk through further options, which may include onward referral for a specialist opinion.
Frequently asked questions
Will Morton's neuroma go away on its own?
Mild symptoms sometimes settle once the pressure on the nerve is reduced, for example by changing footwear. Symptoms that continue or keep returning are worth having assessed.
Can I keep exercising?
Often yes, with some adjustments. Your podiatrist can advise on footwear and how to modify activity while your symptoms settle.
Do I need surgery?
Most people are treated conservatively in the first instance. Surgery is usually only considered when other approaches have not helped.
How do I know it is Morton's neuroma and not something else?
Pain in the ball of the foot can have several causes, including joint irritation, stress injuries and other nerve problems. A proper assessment helps to identify the right cause and treatment.
When should I see a podiatrist?
If you have burning, tingling or pain in the ball of your foot that lasts more than a few weeks, keeps returning or is getting worse, it is sensible to arrange an assessment.