What is Morton's Neuroma?

Foot pain can disrupt even the simplest parts of your day. At Renew Foot & Ankle in Minnesota, Eric Gilbertson, DPM, FACFAS, helps patients get to the root of that discomfort and find real relief. One common but often misunderstood condition is Morton’s neuroma. While the name may sound intimidating, understanding it is the first step toward effective treatment.

What is Morton’s neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma is a thickening of tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes. It most often develops between the third and fourth toes. This thickened tissue can press on the nerve, causing pain and irritation.

Despite its name, it is not actually a tumor. Morton’s neuroma is a response to repeated stress or irritation. Over time, that pressure leads to inflammation and discomfort.

Many people describe the sensation as feeling like they are standing on a pebble. Others notice burning, tingling, or numbness in the forefoot.

Common symptoms to watch for

Morton’s neuroma symptoms can vary, but they often become more noticeable over time. At first, the pain may come and go. Eventually, it may become more persistent.

You might experience:

• A sharp or burning pain in the ball of your foot
• Tingling or numbness in your toes
• The feeling of something bunched up inside your shoe
• Pain that worsens when walking or wearing tight footwear

Symptoms often improve when you remove your shoes or rest your foot. However, without treatment, the condition may progress.

Morton’s neuroma causes

Morton’s neuroma develops from repeated pressure or irritation on the nerve. Several factors can contribute to that stress.

Common causes include:

• Wearing tight or high-heeled shoes
• High-impact activities like running
• Foot deformities such as bunions or hammertoes
• Flat feet or high arches

These factors increase pressure on the forefoot, which can aggravate the nerve over time. The longer the irritation persists, the more likely symptoms will worsen.

How is it diagnosed?

A proper diagnosis starts with a thorough evaluation. Dr. Gilbertson will ask about your symptoms, activity level, and footwear habits. He also examines your foot and applies gentle pressure to identify the source of pain.

In some cases, imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI may help confirm the diagnosis. These tools allow providers to see the affected nerve and rule out other conditions.

Early diagnosis makes a big difference. Addressing the issue sooner can prevent it from becoming more severe.

Treatment options for relief

Treatment for Morton’s neuroma depends on the severity of your symptoms. Many people find relief with conservative, non-surgical options.

Common treatments include:

• Changing footwear to reduce pressure on the foot
• Custom orthotics to improve support and alignment
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Padding or taping techniques
• Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation

These approaches aim to relieve pressure on the nerve and reduce irritation. For many patients, they provide significant improvement.

If conservative treatments do not work, surgical options may be considered. Surgery typically involves removing the affected nerve or relieving pressure around it.

When should you seek care?

Call the office or schedule an appointment online if you notice persistent foot pain or unusual sensations. Ignoring the symptoms can lead to worsening discomfort and more complex treatment later. 

Early intervention helps prevent progression. It also increases the likelihood of successful, non-surgical treatment.