Condition

Morton's Neuroma

Morton's Neuroma is a painful condition affecting one of the nerves that runs between the toes, most commonly between the third and fourth toes.

Overview

What is it?

The condition occurs when the tissue surrounding the nerve becomes thickened and irritated, leading to compression of the nerve and symptoms such as pain, burning, tingling, and numbness in the forefoot. Despite its name, Morton's Neuroma is not actually a tumour. It is a benign enlargement of nerve tissue caused by repetitive irritation and compression.

Morton's Neuroma can significantly affect walking, exercise, and footwear comfort, particularly when left untreated.

How common is it?

Morton's Neuroma is one of the most common causes of forefoot pain. It is more frequently diagnosed in women than men and typically affects adults between the ages of 30 and 60.

The condition often develops gradually and may initially be mistaken for a simple foot strain or footwear-related discomfort.

Symptoms & Causes

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms can vary depending on the severity of nerve irritation.

Common symptoms include:

Burning pain in the ball of the foot
Sharp or shooting pain radiating into the toes
Tingling or pins and needles in the toes
Numbness in the affected toes
A sensation of standing on a pebble or folded sock
Pain that worsens when walking or wearing tight footwear
Relief when shoes are removed or the foot is massaged

Symptoms may come and go initially but often become more persistent over time.

What does it feel like?

Many patients describe the sensation as if there is a small stone stuck beneath the ball of the foot. Others experience burning, stabbing, or electric shock-like pain that radiates into the toes.

The discomfort is often aggravated by prolonged walking, running, high heels, or footwear that compresses the forefoot.

What causes it?

Morton's Neuroma develops when excessive pressure or repetitive irritation affects one of the nerves between the metatarsal bones.

Common contributing factors include:

Tight or narrow footwear
High-heeled shoes
Excessive forefoot loading
Flat feet
Excessive pronation
High arches
Running and impact sports
Biomechanical abnormalities
Toe deformities such as bunions or hammertoes

Over time, repeated irritation causes the nerve tissue to thicken, increasing compression and symptoms.

How is it Diagnosed?

What tests are used to diagnose it?

1. Clinical History

Your podiatrist will discuss:

The location of your symptoms
When symptoms occur
Activities that aggravate the condition
Footwear habits
Sporting activities
Previous treatments attempted

2. Physical Examination

Assessment may include:

Palpation of the affected area
Evaluation of forefoot alignment
Examination of foot posture
Assessment of nerve irritation signs
Identification of areas of tenderness
Functional movement assessment

Certain examination techniques may reproduce symptoms and help confirm the diagnosis.

3. Gait & Biomechanical Analysis

At Foot Factor, a detailed biomechanical assessment helps identify the underlying factors contributing to excessive nerve compression.

This may reveal:

Excessive pronation
Forefoot instability
Altered pressure distribution
Poor lower limb mechanics
Increased loading beneath the metatarsal heads

Addressing these factors is often essential for long-term symptom relief.

Foot Factor provides Expert Podiatry Treatment Tailored to You.

At Foot Factor, our podiatrists specialise in diagnosing and treating foot pain with precision and expertise. With advanced gait analysis, bespoke orthotics, and sports-focused podiatry care, we don’t just identify the problem—we provide a targeted solution to get you back to moving pain-free. Book a consultation today and take the first step toward lasting relief.