MORTON’S NEUROMA

What is Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects a nerve in the ball of the foot, most commonly in the area between

the third and fourth toes. It develops when tissue surrounding the nerve becomes irritated and thickened.

People with Morton’s neuroma often describe the sensation as feeling like they are standing on a pebble, marble, or wrinkle inside their sock. The condition may also cause burning, tingling, numbness, or pain that extends into the toes.

Symptoms can become increasingly uncomfortable over time, particularly when walking or wearing shoes that place pressure on the forefoot.

Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma can cause a variety of symptoms in the ball of the foot and toes. Symptoms may include:

• Burning or sharp pain in the ball of the foot
• Tingling or numbness extending into the toes
• The sensation of having a pebble or marble inside the shoe
• Feeling as though a sock is folded or bunched underneath the foot
• Pain that becomes worse while walking or standing
• Increased discomfort when wearing tight or narrow shoes
• Temporary relief after removing the shoe or massaging the foot

Symptoms may initially occur only occasionally but can become more frequent if irritation of the nerve continues.

What Causes Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma develops when a nerve in the forefoot becomes compressed or irritated.

Several factors may increase pressure on the nerves in the ball of the foot. These can include:

• Shoes with narrow or tight toe boxes
• High-heeled shoes that place additional pressure on the forefoot
• Activities that repeatedly place stress on the ball of the foot
• Certain foot structures or abnormal foot mechanics
• Other conditions that alter the way weight is distributed across the forefoot

Reducing pressure on the affected nerve is often an important part of treating the condition.

Diagnosis

Because several foot conditions can cause pain in the ball of the foot, obtaining an accurate diagnosis is important.

Symptoms of Morton’s neuroma can sometimes resemble metatarsalgia, stress injuries, joint problems, or other conditions affecting the forefoot. Crossover toe can also produce pain in a similar area.

During an examination, the podiatrist will discuss your symptoms and examine the foot to identify the location of the pain. Pressure may be applied to different areas of the forefoot to determine whether symptoms can be reproduced.

Imaging studies may sometimes be recommended to help evaluate the foot or rule out other causes of pain.

Treatment

Non-Surgical Approaches

Treatment for Morton’s neuroma often begins with conservative approaches designed to reduce pressure and irritation around the affected nerve.

Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment may include:

• Shoe modifications. Wearing shoes with a wider toe box can provide additional room for the forefoot and reduce pressure on the affected nerve.
• Activity modification. Temporarily reducing activities that repeatedly place pressure on the ball of the foot may help decrease symptoms.
• Padding. Metatarsal pads may be used to redistribute pressure away from the irritated nerve.
• Orthotic devices. Custom orthotics may help improve foot mechanics and reduce excessive pressure on the forefoot.
• Medications. Anti-inflammatory medications may be recommended when appropriate to help manage pain and inflammation.
• Injections. In some cases, injections may be considered to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms.

The appropriate treatment depends on the severity and duration of symptoms as well as the individual’s foot structure and activity level.

When Is Surgery Needed?

When symptoms persist despite conservative treatment, surgery may be considered.

The goal of surgery is to relieve pressure on the affected nerve or address the painful nerve tissue responsible for the symptoms. The specific procedure recommended will depend on the individual’s condition and other factors identified during the examination.

Your podiatrist can discuss whether surgery is appropriate after evaluating your symptoms and response to nonsurgical treatments.

Don’t Ignore Persistent Forefoot Pain

The feeling that you are walking on a pebble may seem like a minor annoyance at first, but recurring pain, burning, tingling, or numbness in the ball of the foot deserves attention.

Early evaluation can help identify whether Morton’s neuroma or another forefoot condition is causing your symptoms and provide more options for managing the problem.

If you’re experiencing persistent pain in the ball of your foot, numbness or tingling in your toes, or the sensation that something is inside your shoe, contact Dr. Semma at Canton Foot & Ankle Specialists for an evaluation.

Schedule an appointment today to determine the cause of your forefoot pain and discuss treatment options.

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing foot or ankle symptoms, contact Dr. Semma at Canton Foot & Ankle Specialists to schedule an evaluation. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, seek immediate medical care.