A Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition caused by irritation or thickening of the nerve tissue between the toes, most often between the third and fourth toes. It’s usually described as feeling like there’s a small pebble or a fold in your sock that you just can’t shake off.
This nerve compression can cause sharp pain, burning, tingling, or numbness in the ball of the foot. For many people, the pain eases only when they stop walking, take off their shoe, or rub the area. While Morton’s neuromas are not dangerous, they can make walking or wearing shoes very uncomfortable.
We specialise in diagnosing and managing Morton’s neuroma, using gentle, evidence-based treatments to relieve pain and restore mobility.
Benefits of Our Morton’s Neuroma Care
Our podiatrists take a comprehensive approach to neuroma treatment, focusing on reducing pressure on the affected nerve and addressing the underlying cause.
With proper care, you can expect:
- Relief from burning, tingling, or numbness in the forefoot
- Reduced pain while walking or standing
- Prevention of nerve inflammation from getting worse
- Tailored footwear assessments and advice
- Orthotic recommendations to ease pressure
- A personalised plan designed for long-term comfort
Our goal is to help you move freely again, without that sharp or burning sensation in your foot.
What You Need to Know About Morton’s Neuroma
Who benefits most?
People who stand for long periods, wear tight or narrow footwear, or have structural issues such as high arches or flat arches are more likely to develop Morton’s neuroma. It’s also common in runners and regular high-heel wearers, because these styles compress the ball of the foot and place extra strain on the nerves.
If you’ve noticed pain under the ball of the foot that feels like walking on a small stone, or if the discomfort eases once the shoes are off, it’s time to book an assessment with one of our podiatrists.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Typical symptoms of Morton’s neuroma include:
- Burning, tingling, or numbness between the toes
- Pain in the ball of the foot that worsens when wearing tight shoes
- A feeling of a lump, pebble, or fold in the sock
- Pain that improves with rest or shoe removal
Our diagnosis begins with a detailed history and physical examination of your foot. We may perform a clinical test called Mulder’s sign, which checks for a clicking or pain between the toes. In some cases, an ultrasound or MRI is used to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the nerve irritation.
Morton’s Neuroma treatment
Early treatment can often resolve symptoms without surgery. Your podiatrist may recommend:
- Footwear changes: Wearing shoes with a wider toe box and a low heel to reduce pressure on the forefoot.
- Padding or taping: To offload and cushion the affected area.
- Orthotics: Custom orthotic devices to correct foot mechanics and relieve pressure.
- Physical therapy and massage: To relax surrounding tissues and improve function.
- Anti-inflammatory options: Such as ice therapy or medication prescribed by your doctor.
- Injection therapy: In some cases, cortisone or local anaesthetic injections may help reduce inflammation.
If conservative treatments don’t provide relief, we may refer you for surgical evaluation. Surgery involves removing or decompressing the affected nerve to eliminate the source of pain.
How It Works
- Consultation: We begin with a detailed discussion of your symptoms and footwear habits.
- Examination: Your podiatrist will assess your foot posture, gait, and pressure points.
- Diagnosis: If needed, imaging such as an ultrasound helps confirm the foot-specific neuroma.
- Treatment plan: You’ll receive a tailored combination of therapies, orthotics, or footwear recommendations.
- Follow-up: We monitor your progress and make adjustments to ensure lasting relief.
Most patients experience a significant reduction in pain within weeks, particularly once the nerve is no longer under constant pressure.
Why Choose Us
We combine expert knowledge with a caring, down-to-earth approach. Our podiatrists are experienced in diagnosing and managing Morton’s neuromas, using modern techniques to achieve the best results possible.
We focus on practical, non-surgical solutions first, working closely with you to restore comfort and confidence in every step you take.
Book your consultation today and take the first step towards walking pain-free again.