Morton’s Neuroma: Why Sharp Foot Pain Should Never Be Ignored

Foot pain can disrupt even the simplest parts of your day. If you’ve ever felt a sharp or burning sensation in the ball of your foot, especially between your toes, you might be experiencing Morton’s neuroma. This condition may start as an occasional irritation but can quickly progress into severe discomfort that limits your mobility and activity level. Recognizing the signs, understanding what causes it, and seeking timely treatment are key steps in protecting your long-term foot health.

At Treasure Valley Foot & Ankle, our specialists treat conditions like Morton’s neuroma every day. With professional care and personalized treatment plans, patients find relief and regain their ability to walk comfortably.

What Is Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma is caused by thickening of the nerve tissue between the metatarsal bones, most often affecting the nerves that run between the third and fourth toes. This nerve compression leads to sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot. For some, it feels like stepping on a pebble or having a fold in the sock that will not go away.

Common symptoms include tingling, numbness, or stabbing pain that radiates into the toes. The discomfort often worsens when wearing tight shoes or high heels and may improve when you take your shoes off and rest. If ignored, the pain can intensify and cause long-term changes in how you walk, eventually leading to other foot or joint problems.

What Causes Morton’s Neuroma?

A variety of factors can contribute to this painful condition. The most common cause is footwear that compresses the toes. Narrow shoes and high heels are particularly problematic because they shift body weight toward the front of the foot, creating constant nerve pressure.

Other risk factors include:

• Foot structures such as flat feet or high arches, which alter weight distribution.

• Repetitive impact from running or sports like basketball or tennis.

• Foot deformities, including bunions and hammertoes, which add stress to the forefoot.

• Age and underlying conditions such as arthritis or diabetes.

Even injury or repetitive trauma to the foot can irritate the nerves and lead to neuroma formation. While not all cases can be prevented, lifestyle adjustments and proper footwear choices significantly reduce your risk.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

The hallmark symptom of Morton’s neuroma is sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot that radiates into the toes. You may also feel tingling or numbness that gets worse with activity. Many people describe the sensation as though they are walking on a small rock.

This pain pattern is distinct from other common foot issues. For example, plantar fasciitis usually causes heel pain in the morning, while metatarsalgia is more of a general soreness in the forefoot. Morton’s neuroma pain is often sharper, directly tied to footwear, and can feel like the toes are being squeezed together.

Because symptoms overlap with other conditions, it’s important to get a professional diagnosis. A podiatrist can examine your foot, palpate the tender area, and order imaging tests such as MRI or ultrasound to confirm the presence of a neuroma.

How Morton’s Neuroma Develops

The foot’s biomechanics play a big role. The metatarsal bones are meant to evenly distribute pressure when you walk. If the weight distribution is altered whether from structural issues, tight shoes, or high-impact activity the nerve between the metatarsals becomes irritated. Over time, this nerve thickens and becomes inflamed, triggering pain and other symptoms.

Activities that repeatedly stress the forefoot, like running long distances or playing court sports, accelerate the condition. Combined with poor footwear choices, the risk of developing Morton’s neuroma increases significantly.

Treatment Options for Morton’s Neuroma

Conservative Approaches

In most cases, conservative care provides relief. Choosing footwear with a wide toe box and cushioned sole can reduce pressure. Custom orthotics tailored to your foot structure often make an immediate difference, redistributing weight and easing nerve irritation.

Physical therapy also plays an important role. Stretching and strengthening exercises for the foot and calf muscles reduce tension and improve function. Therapists may also use modalities like ultrasound or massage to relieve pain. For temporary relief, corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation around the nerve.

Lifestyle changes are equally important. Activities that avoid repetitive forefoot stress, like swimming or cycling, can help maintain fitness while giving your feet a chance to heal.

Surgical Options

If conservative methods do not provide relief after several months, surgery may be considered. Surgical procedures generally fall into two categories. Decompression surgery releases the structures around the nerve to relieve pressure. Neurectomy involves removing part of the nerve itself.

While surgery carries some risk, many patients report lasting relief and a return to daily activities without pain. A podiatrist or orthopedic foot specialist can determine if surgery is the best course of action based on the severity of the neuroma.

Prevention Strategies

Prevention starts with footwear. Shoes with wide toe boxes, good arch support, and cushioned soles protect against nerve compression. Avoiding high heels and tight-fitting shoes whenever possible makes a significant difference.

For those with structural issues like flat feet or high arches, custom orthotics provide necessary support. Maintaining a healthy weight also reduces stress on the forefoot. By adopting these practices, you lower the chances of developing painful neuromas in the future.

Final Thoughts

Morton’s neuroma may begin with mild irritation but can quickly progress into a painful condition that limits your mobility. Paying attention to early warning signs and making proactive changes can prevent long-term complications. Conservative treatments, lifestyle adjustments, and when necessary, surgical options provide effective paths toward recovery.

At Treasure Valley Foot & Ankle, our experienced specialists tailor treatment to your specific needs, whether that involves orthotics, physical therapy, or advanced surgical care. With expert guidance, you can find relief from foot pain and return to the activities you love.

FAQ: Morton’s Neuroma

What does Morton’s neuroma feel like?

It often feels like walking on a pebble or having a fold in your sock, with sharp or burning pain in the ball of the foot.

Can shoes cause Morton’s neuroma?

Yes. Narrow or high-heeled shoes that compress the toes are a leading cause of this condition.

When should I see a doctor for foot pain?

If you have persistent burning, tingling, or sharp pain between your toes, especially if it worsens with activity, you should seek medical evaluation.

Is Morton’s neuroma permanent?

Not necessarily. With early intervention, conservative treatments can often resolve symptoms. Advanced cases may require surgery for lasting relief.

Where can I get treatment near me?

Specialized care is available at Treasure Valley Foot & Ankle, where a team of podiatrists provides expert diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management for conditions like Morton’s neuroma.