Morton's Neuroma
Morton’s neuroma is a painful thickening of tissue around a nerve in the ball of the foot, often felt as a burning or tingling pain between the toes.
At Emerald Hill Podiatry, we assess which nerve is affected and what’s compressing it, then build a plan to relieve that pressure, starting conservatively and escalating only when needed.
What Is a Morton's Neuroma?
A Morton’s neuroma is a thickening of tissue around one of the nerves running between the long bones of the foot, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. Despite the name, it isn’t a true tumour; it’s the nerve itself becoming irritated and enlarged from repeated compression, most often where it passes between the metatarsal heads in the ball of the foot.
As the nerve thickens, it becomes more sensitive to pressure, and everyday activities like standing or walking can trigger sharp, burning, or electric-shock-like pain.
Nerve Compression and Pain Location
- Narrow or tight footwear, particularly shoes with a pointed toe box
- High heels, which shift excess weight onto the ball of the foot
- High-impact activity, such as running or court sports
- Foot structure, including flat feet or a shape that places more pressure through the forefoot
- Previous forefoot trauma or surgery
Most cases occur between the third and fourth toes, though the nerve between the second and third can also be affected.
When to See a Podiatrist
Burning, tingling, or sharp pain in the ball of the foot, particularly between the toes
Pain consistently triggered or worsened by certain footwear
Symptoms persisting more than a couple of weeks despite footwear changes
Numbness or tingling becoming more frequent or constant
Pain affecting your ability to stand, walk, or exercise comfortably
Get Your Forefoot Pain Properly Assessed
Relieving the Nerve Pain in the Ball of Your Foot
Most cases respond well to a staged approach: reduce the compression irritating the nerve first, then address what’s causing it. Treatment starts conservatively for the vast majority of cases, escalating only where needed.
Options include:
- Custom Orthotics — often with a metatarsal pad or dome to spread the metatarsal bones and reduce pressure on the nerve
- Footwear Guidance — advice on shoe shapes and features that reduce forefoot pressure and give the nerve space to settle
- Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) — reduces inflammation and supports tissue recovery for cases that haven't settled with orthotics alone
- Corticosteroid Injection — reduces inflammation more substantially where conservative measures haven't been enough
- Surgical Referral — for neuromas that remain painful despite a thorough trial of conservative care and injections
What to Expect at Your Assessment
Your podiatrist reviews when your symptoms started, what triggers or eases them, and your footwear and activity levels, then carries out a hands-on assessment with specific tests to localise the nerve pain, alongside a footwear review. Ultrasound may be used to confirm the diagnosis if the picture is unclear. From there, you’ll be walked through the treatment options suited to your case, with escalation to injection or surgical referral only where conservative care hasn’t provided sufficient relief.
