Understanding morton's neuroma
Morton's neuroma is a thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves running between the long bones of the foot, most often between the third and fourth toes. The nerve becomes compressed and sensitised, producing pain that feels sharp, hot or electric rather than dull.
Because the nerve sits in a narrow space, anything that squeezes or repeatedly stresses that space will provoke it, which is why footwear and forefoot loading matter so much.
Signs you might notice
- Burning or shooting pain between the toes
- Numbness or tingling in the toes themselves
- A sensation of a lump or fold in the sock
- Pain relieved by removing your shoe and rubbing the foot
- Symptoms worse in narrow or high-heeled footwear
Common contributing factors
- Footwear that compresses the forefoot
- High pressure through the ball of the foot when walking
- Foot posture that splays or loads the forefoot unevenly
- Reduced toe and midfoot mobility
- Activities involving repeated push off
How we assess and treat it
We confirm the diagnosis clinically, then use pressure mapping to see exactly how much load passes through the forefoot and when. This nearly always explains why that one space is being irritated.
Treatment then focuses on decompressing the area and changing the loading pattern, not merely numbing the symptom.
- Footwear assessment and specific fitting advice
- Offloading strategies and targeted padding or orthoses
- Hands-on mobilisation of the forefoot
- Strength and mobility work for the foot and ankle
- Onward referral if injection or surgical opinion is warranted
Common questions
Do I need surgery for a neuroma?
Most people do not. Conservative treatment aimed at footwear, loading and forefoot mechanics resolves or greatly improves the majority of cases. We would only discuss referral if that route has been given a fair trial.
Is it definitely a neuroma?
Several forefoot problems mimic it, including capsulitis and plantar plate injury. Getting the diagnosis right matters, because the treatments differ considerably.
Can I still exercise?
Usually yes. We will look at your footwear and your loading first, and often that alone makes exercise comfortable again.