condition
Morton’s Neuroma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
People with Morton’s neuroma often describe the pain as burning, sharp, or tingling, sometimes feeling like a pebble or lump under the foot. Initially, the pain can come and go, but eventually the pain becomes unrelenting and intense.
Morton’s neuroma is a common and painful foot condition that affects the nerve between the toes, most often between the third and fourth toes. It occurs when the tissue surrounding the nerve thickens due to repeated pressure or irritation. Morton’s neuroma is a nerve entrapment that can significantly impact daily activities.
What Is Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma develops when a nerve in the ball of the foot becomes trapped and inflamed. This compression leads to nerve irritation and pain. Morton’s neuroma is more frequent in adults and is especially common in women.
Morton’s Neuroma Symptoms
- Burning pain in the ball of the foot
- Sharp or shooting pain between the toes
- Tingling or numbness in the toes
- Pain that increases with walking, running, or standing
- Discomfort when wearing slip-on shoes or high heels
- A sensation of standing on a pebble or folded sock
Symptoms may temporarily improve when shoes are removed or when the foot is massaged.
Causes of Morton’s Neuroma
The most common cause of Morton’s neuroma is repeated pressure on the forefoot. Over time, this pressure leads to inflammation and thickening of the nerve tissue.
Factors that increase risk include:
- Safety shoes or boots. Poorly fitted footwear. Slip-on shoes
- High-impact activities such as running or court sports
- Foot deformities including bunions and hammertoes
- Prolonged standing or walking
How Morton’s Neuroma Is Diagnosed
Morton’s neuroma is usually diagnosed through a physical examination and a review of symptoms. Your podiatrist may apply pressure to the foot to reproduce pain. Imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI are often used to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other causes of forefoot pain.
Early diagnosis can improve treatment outcomes and help avoid more invasive procedures.
Morton’s Neuroma Treatment Options
- Manipulation of the foot and ankle
- Footwear modifications
- Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
The vast majority of cases respond well to the above treatments, but if conservative treatments do not provide relief, corticosteroid injections may be recommended. Surgery is typically considered only in severe or persistent cases and is rarely needed for Morton’s neuroma.
When to See a Podiatrist for Foot Pain
If you experience ongoing foot pain, numbness, or burning sensations that interfere with daily activities, it’s important to seek professional evaluation.
Early treatment of Morton’s neuroma can help prevent worsening symptoms and long-term nerve damage. The quicker it is seen by a podiatrist, the greater your chances of avoiding steroid injections or surgery.
