Morton's Neuroma
Burning pain, tingling, numbness, or a sensation of standing on a pebble in the forefoot may be caused by Morton's neuroma. It is a thickening of tissue around a nerve in the ball of the foot, most often between the third and fourth toes.
What Is Morton's Neuroma?
Morton's neuroma most often affects the area between the third and fourth toes, although symptoms can occur between other toes too. The nerve tissue thickens in response to repeated pressure or irritation, and this can cause pain, altered sensation, or a feeling of something inside the forefoot.
Because forefoot pain can have several causes, an accurate diagnosis matters. We assess your symptoms and foot mechanics to confirm what is contributing and guide the most appropriate treatment approach.
Treatment may include footwear advice, pressure reduction, orthoses, gait assessment, activity modification, and referral for further investigation or injection therapy where appropriate.
Common signs
- Burning, tingling, or numbness between the toes
- Sensation of a pebble or thickening underfoot
- Pain that is worse in narrow or tight footwear
- Symptoms that improve when removing shoes and resting
- Pain between the third and fourth toes most commonly
Assessment & Treatment Options
Many cases respond well to conservative treatment. Assessment guides the right approach — which may include footwear changes, offloading, orthoses, or referral for injection or further investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Morton's neuroma feel like?
Common symptoms include burning, tingling, numbness, or a pebble-like sensation in the forefoot. Symptoms are often worse in narrow footwear and may ease when shoes are removed.
Will it always need surgery?
No. Many cases improve with conservative treatment including footwear advice, offloading, and orthoses. Surgery or injection therapy is considered when conservative measures have not provided sufficient relief.
Do wider shoes help?
They often do, especially if narrow footwear is compressing the forefoot. Footwear advice is usually an early and important part of management.
Not Sure What Is Causing Your Pain?
Book an assessment with our HCPC-registered podiatrists and we will identify the cause and recommend the right treatment plan. No GP referral needed.
No GP referral needed · HCPC registered podiatrists · 4 Yorkshire clinics