Managing Mortons Neuroma: Tips for Patients

What is Morton’s Neuroma?

A neuroma is a painful swelling or irritation of a nerve in the foot. Morton’s neuroma most often affects the nerve between the third and fourth toes. It can also happen between the second and third toes.

It most often occurs:

• Between the third and fourth toes
• Less commonly, between the second and third toes

What causes it?

The exact cause is not always known, but it is usually due to long-term irritation of the nerve.

Common causes include:

• Tight or poorly fitting shoes
• High heels
• Standing or walking for long periods
• Walking on hard surfaces
• Previous foot injuries

Over time, this irritation can cause the nerve to become thicker and painful.

Symptoms

People with Morton’s neuroma may feel:

• Pain in the ball of the foot (just behind the toes)
• Pain that gets worse when walking
• Relief when resting

Other possible symptoms:

• Sharp or burning pain that can spread to the toes
• Numbness or tingling in the toes
• A feeling like you are standing on a pebble or marble
• A sensation that something is moving under your foot

Treatment Options

Non-surgical treatment

• Pads or shoe inserts: Help reduce pressure on the nerve
• Cortisone injections: Can reduce pain and swelling
• Injections may also help doctors find the exact problem area

Surgical treatment

If other treatments don’t help, surgery may be an option.

• The surgeon removes the affected nerve
• The foot is numbed, and a small cut is made on the top of the foot
• The procedure is done the same day (you go home the same day)

After surgery:

• A bandage is worn for a few weeks
• Dressings are changed regularly
• Some numbness in the toes is normal where the nerve was removed

Key Point

Morton’s neuroma is a common cause of foot pain, especially in the ball of the foot. Early treatment—like better shoes and padding—can often help avoid surgery.