Morton's Neuroma
A thickened, irritated nerve between the toes
Quick Facts
- Type: Foot nerve condition
- Common location: Between the third and fourth toes
- Typical feeling: Burning pain or standing on a pebble
- Common trigger: Tight or high-heeled shoes
Overview
Morton's neuroma is a thickening of the tissue surrounding one of the nerves that run to the toes. Despite the name, it is not a tumor but an irritated, enlarged nerve, usually located in the ball of the foot between the third and fourth toes.
The condition causes pain, burning, and tingling that can make walking uncomfortable. It is more common in women and is often linked to footwear that crowds the toes. Many people find relief with simple changes, and more involved treatments are available when needed.
Symptoms
- Burning or sharp pain in the ball of the foot
- A feeling of standing on a pebble or a fold in the sock
- Tingling, numbness, or a pins-and-needles sensation in the affected toes
- Pain that worsens with walking, tight shoes, or high heels
- Relief when removing the shoe and rubbing the foot
There is usually no visible lump or swelling on the foot.
Causes
Morton's neuroma develops when a nerve between the toes is repeatedly compressed or irritated, causing the surrounding tissue to thicken. Contributing factors include:
- Tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes that squeeze the toes together.
- High-impact activities such as running or sports that stress the ball of the foot.
- Foot shapes and problems such as bunions, flat feet, or high arches that change pressure on the nerve.
Risk Factors
- Wearing tight, pointed, or high-heeled shoes
- Running and high-impact sports
- Foot conditions such as bunions, hammer toes, flat feet, or high arches
- Being female, as the condition is more common in women
Diagnosis
A doctor can often diagnose Morton's neuroma by examining the foot, pressing between the toes, and squeezing the foot to reproduce the pain or a clicking sensation. Imaging such as an ultrasound or MRI may be used to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other causes of ball-of-foot pain, and X-rays can exclude a stress fracture or arthritis.
Treatment
Treatment usually starts with simple measures and progresses if needed:
- Footwear changes: Wider, lower-heeled shoes with a roomy toe box.
- Padding and orthotics: Metatarsal pads or shoe inserts to relieve pressure on the nerve.
- Rest and activity changes: Reducing high-impact activity and applying ice.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory pain relievers for symptoms.
- Injections: Corticosteroid or other injections to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Surgery: Removing or releasing the affected nerve if other treatments do not help.
Prevention
- Choose shoes with a wide toe box and low heels
- Avoid prolonged wear of tight or pointed footwear
- Use cushioned insoles or metatarsal pads if prone to foot pain
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the feet
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if you have persistent burning pain, numbness, or a pebble-like feeling in the ball of your foot that does not improve with rest and roomier shoes. Early treatment is often simpler and more effective, and a professional can rule out other causes of foot pain such as a stress fracture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Morton's neuroma a tumor?
No. Despite the word neuroma, it is not a cancerous growth. It is a thickening of the tissue around a nerve between the toes caused by irritation and pressure. It is not dangerous, but it can be quite painful.
What shoes are best for Morton's neuroma?
Shoes with a wide toe box, low heels, and good cushioning take pressure off the nerve. Avoid tight, pointed, or high-heeled shoes. Metatarsal pads or orthotic inserts can further relieve pressure on the ball of the foot.
Can Morton's neuroma go away on its own?
Mild cases sometimes improve with roomier shoes, rest, and padding. Many people get good relief from these simple measures, but persistent pain may need injections or, occasionally, surgery to remove or release the nerve.
What does Morton's neuroma feel like?
People often describe burning or sharp pain in the ball of the foot, a feeling of standing on a pebble, and tingling or numbness in the nearby toes. The pain typically worsens in tight shoes and eases when the shoe is removed.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo). Morton's Neuroma.
- Mayo Clinic. Morton's neuroma.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Foot injuries and disorders.