Morton's neuroma
Thickening around a nerve between the toes causing forefoot pain.
Overview
Morton's neuroma is a thickening of tissue around a nerve between the toes, usually the third and fourth, causing burning forefoot pain and a sense of a lump in the shoe. Footwear changes and load management often help.
Symptoms
- Burning pain in the ball of the foot
- A feeling of a pebble in the shoe
- Tingling or numbness in the toes
- Pain worse in tight shoes
Causes
- Tight or high-heeled footwear
- Repetitive forefoot loading
- Foot shape and mechanics
Treatment
- Wider, lower-heeled footwear
- Metatarsal pads and offloading
- Activity modification
- Injection or surgery for persistent cases