Morton’s Neuroma is a condition where a nerve in your foot becomes thickened and inflamed, causing discomfort and pain. In the early stages, symptoms can sometimes be managed at home, but more persistent cases may require medical treatment, including specialist therapies or surgery.
Morton's Neuroma is a condition where an interdigital nerve in the foot becomes thickened and inflamed, usually as a result of irritation or damage.
These nerves run between the bones connecting the main part of your foot to your toes (called metatarsal bones). When a nerve is affected, it can cause pain when standing or walking and may feel like a small, hard lump in the sole of your foot, similar to having a stone in your shoe.
Morton’s Neuroma most commonly develops between the third and fourth toes, but it can affect any interdigital nerve and may occur in one or both feet. Although sometimes described as a tumour, it is not cancerous.
Common Morton's Neuroma symptoms include:
If you’re experiencing foot pain and you think you might have Morton’s Neuroma, check for the following signs:
Pain located between the small bones of the ball of your foot.
Tingling, pins and needles, or numbness in your toes, often the third and fourth.
Pain that worsens with standing, walking, or high-impact activity.
Pain that’s sharper when you first stand up in the morning.
Discomfort that increases when pressure is applied to the ball of the foot or when wearing tight shoes.
A feeling of a small, hard lump, or ‘stone’ in your foot.
Sensation of walking on a folded or thickened sock.
A clicking or popping sensation between the bones of your foot.
Burning or numbness in the toes or sole of the foot.
Symptoms that may ease with rest but do not completely disappear.
Morton’s Neuroma usually causes pain in the foot only. In some cases, however, the pain can radiate into the lower leg. If you experience leg pain along with foot symptoms, it’s important to consult your doctor so they can rule out other possible causes.
You should see a doctor if you experience persistent foot pain, particularly if you notice any of the following:
Early assessment is important. The sooner any cause of foot pain, including Morton’s Neuroma, is diagnosed, the more effectively it can be treated.
The exact cause of Morton’s Neuroma isn’t fully understood, but it’s thought to develop when an interdigital nerve in the foot is repeatedly irritated or stressed. This can cause the nerve to become inflamed and thickened, leading to pain and other symptoms.
Certain factors may increase your risk of developing Morton’s Neuroma, including:
Regular walking, running, or playing sports that put pressure on the ball of your foot.
Sudden increases in activity or intensity of exercise.
Wearing high-heeled or narrow shoes that squeeze the toes.
Having a problematic walking gait.
Other foot problems, such as flat feet, high arches, hammer toes, or bunions.
Previous injuries or conditions affecting the feet or legs, including arthritis.
If your doctor or foot specialist suspects Morton’s Neuroma, diagnosis usually begins with a physical examination. They will examine your foot, pressing and squeezing the ball of your foot and in between your metatarsal bones to identify the source of pain. They will also ask about your symptoms and when you experience them.
In some cases, imaging tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other causes of foot pain. These can include:
Ultrasound: Often used to visualise the thickened nerve.
X-ray: Helps rule out arthritis, fractures, or other structural problems.
While there is no single ‘Morton’s Neuroma test’, a combination of clinical examination and imaging usually allows for a quick and accurate diagnosis.
Treatments for Morton’s Neuroma can range from simple home remedies to medical interventions, such as corticosteroid injections or, in severe cases, surgery. The right approach depends on the severity of your symptoms and your individual needs. Consulting a healthcare professional early ensures an accurate diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan.
Here are some common approaches to treating Morton’s Neuroma:
Footwear plays a key role in managing Morton’s Neuroma. High heels and narrow shoes can place excessive pressure on the ball of your foot and squeeze your toes, which can worsen symptoms.
To reduce discomfort, choose shoes that are wide enough for your toes, provide good support, and avoid placing unnecessary pressure on the front of your foot.
Cushioned insoles or orthotic inserts can help support and properly position your feet while walking. They can be especially helpful if you have flat feet.
Foot cushions or pads for the ball of the foot can also provide relief from Morton’s Neuroma symptoms.
Resting your feet can help reduce Morton’s Neuroma symptoms, especially if you are active or play high-impact sports. You may also find the following helpful:
Icing your foot immediately after activity to reduce pain and inflammation.
Elevating your foot while icing.
Soaking your feet in a warm Epsom salt footbath when you’re relaxing (such as just before bed).
Gently massaging the soles of your feet to soothe pain and encourage blood flow.
Using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, to manage inflammation and pain, if recommended by your doctor.
Gentle strengthening, balancing, and stretching exercises can help ease Morton's Neuroma symptoms, especially in the early stages of the condition. These can help by:
Strengthening the muscles around the neuroma and improving foot stability.
Stretching ligaments in the foot to reduce pressure on the affected nerve.
Improving blood flow to the area to support healing and reduce inflammation.
A podiatrist, chiropodist, or physiotherapist can guide you through appropriate exercises. You can also access expert advice online, including instructional videos.
For more severe symptoms, a cortisone (corticosteroid) injection can reduce inflammation and relieve pain in the affected nerve. Injections are often guided by ultrasound for precision, and a local anaesthetic may be applied to numb the sole of the foot.
Surgery is usually only considered when conservative treatments haven’t relieved symptoms.
The most common procedure is a neurectomy, where the affected part of the nerve is removed. This is generally effective but may result in some permanent loss of sensation in the foot.
Other forms of Morton's Neuroma surgery can include:
Our experienced Ramsay Health Care podiatric surgeons can recommend the most appropriate surgical approach based on your individual symptoms and condition.
The cost of Morton's Neuroma surgery varies depending on your individual circumstances. At Ramsay Health Care, we offer competitive pricing for podiatric surgery, including self-funding options and flexible payment plans.
Contact us to receive a personalised, up-to-date estimate for your surgery.
At Ramsay Health Care, our specialist podiatric surgeons and physiotherapists have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating Morton’s Neuroma and other foot conditions.
We provide expert care in our modern, fully equipped hospitals across the UK, ensuring your treatment and rehabilitation plan is tailored to your individual needs.
Book an appointment today to discuss your foot pain and explore the most suitable treatment options.
Morton’s Neuroma is generally not a serious medical condition and does not pose a risk to your overall health. However, if left untreated, the pain can affect daily activities, making walking and sleeping more difficult. Despite sometimes being referred to as a nerve tumour, it’s not cancerous.
The exact cause of Morton’s Neuroma is not fully understood. However, it is more likely to develop in people who frequently walk, run, or play sports that place pressure on the feet, such as tennis or basketball. Other contributing factors include wearing high heels or tight, narrow shoes and having foot issues, such as flat feet, hammer toes, or bunions.
Morton’s Neuroma rarely resolves on its own. While symptoms may temporarily ease with rest or a change of footwear, the thickened nerve usually remains and can worsen over time without proper management.
If left untreated, Morton’s Neuroma can worsen over time, causing increased pain and additional symptoms. Prolonged nerve irritation may lead to long-term nerve damage, affecting your ability to walk and carry out daily activities. If you suspect you have Morton’s Neuroma, consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
The most suitable treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms. Mild cases may improve with footwear changes, cushioning insoles, rest, icing, and activity adjustments. More severe or persistent symptoms may require corticosteroid injections or, in some cases, surgery to remove the affected nerve tissue.
A podiatrist (called a chiropodist in the UK) specialises in diagnosing and treating conditions of the feet, ankles, and lower legs. They will examine your foot, discuss your symptoms, and may arrange imaging, such as an ultrasound or MRI, to confirm the diagnosis. Once assessed, they can recommend the most appropriate treatment, whether that’s footwear changes, a cortisone injection, or surgery.
Morton’s Neuroma most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60, but it can occur at any age. Women are often more affected, in part due to wearing tight shoes or high heels that place pressure on the balls of the feet.
Yes. Morton’s Neuroma can be detected using ultrasound or MRI, which reveals the thickened nerve tissue. Ultrasound is often the first choice, but MRI may also be used to confirm the diagnosis or to rule out other causes of your foot pain.
The most important thing not to do is ignore Morton’s neuroma and hope it will go away on its own. Seek a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Avoid wearing tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes, as well as prolonged walking or high-impact activities, which can worsen symptoms.
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