Morton's neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a common cause of sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot, often felt between the third and fourth toes. It develops when the tissue around a nerve in the foot thickens, making everyday activities like walking or standing uncomfortable. With the right care, most people find relief and get back to their regular routines.

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A close-up view of a transparent foot showing nerves and blood vessels.

Anatomy of the foot

A small nerve runs between the long bones in the front of your foot, called the metatarsals, and provides feeling to your toes. When this nerve is repeatedly exposed to pressure or friction, often from footwear or foot mechanics, the tissue surrounding it can begin to thicken as a protective response.

Over time, this thickened tissue leaves less room for the nerve. That makes it more sensitive to the everyday stress of walking or standing, which is what leads to the discomfort associated with Morton's neuroma.

Overview

Symptoms

You may have Morton's neuroma if you notice:

Sharp, burning or shooting pain in the ball of your foot
Pain that worsens when walking, running or wearing tight shoes
Numbness, tingling or a pins and needles feeling in your toes
A sensation like you're stepping on a pebble or lump

These symptoms often start gradually and may worsen with continued pressure on the foot, particularly from tight or narrow shoes.

Causes

Morton's neuroma occurs when repeated pressure irritates the nerve between your metatarsal bones. Common contributing factors include:

Narrow, tight or high-heeled shoes
High-impact activities such as running or jumping
Foot deformities like bunions, hammertoes or flat feet
Walking or standing patterns that put extra pressure on your feet
Spending long hours on your feet

Risk factors

Some people are more likely to develop Morton's neuroma because of certain habits or foot characteristics, including:

Regularly wearing narrow or high-heeled shoes
Participating in high-impact sports or activities
Having flat feet, high arches or other foot deformities
Spending extended periods standing or walking for work

Having one or more of these risk factors doesn't mean you'll develop Morton's neuroma. It simply means it's worth paying attention to any foot pain or discomfort you experience.

Diagnosis

Your foot and ankle specialist will examine your foot and talk with you about your symptoms, activities and footwear. This may include a focused exam pressing between the toes to locate tenderness or reproduce symptoms, an assessment of your foot alignment, walking pattern and toe motion, and imaging such as x-rays to rule out fractures or arthritis. Ultrasound may also be used if needed to get a clearer view of the nerve.

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