Treatment options may include custom orthotics, changes to footwear and ultrasound-guided steroid injections to reduce inflammation and relieve pressure on the nerve.

Surgery is rarely required. Most cases of Morton’s Neuroma improve with conservative treatments such as orthotics, footwear adjustments and injections.

Morton’s Neuroma

Q: What is a Morton’s Neuroma?

A Morton’s Neuroma is a thickening of a nerve in the forefoot, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. When the nerve is compressed, it can produce sharp, burning or electric-type pain.

Q: What does it feel like?

Symptoms are often described as sudden, sharp or burning pain in the ball of the foot or between the toes. Some people feel the need to remove their shoes for relief. The pain can come and go unpredictably.

Q: Why does Morton’s Neuroma occur?

Morton’s Neuroma develops due to irritation or compression of a nerve. Contributing factors can include poorly fitting footwear, biomechanical stress or foot deformities such as bunions.

Q: Can it be diagnosed if symptoms aren’t present during the appointment?

Yes. Diagnosis is based on your clinical history, symptom patterns, physical examination and, when needed, diagnostic tools. The condition can be identified even if symptoms are not active during the assessment.

Q: Can I still be active?

Yes. The aim of treatment is to reduce symptoms and address the underlying cause so you can continue walking, exercising and enjoying daily activities without unpredictable bouts of pain.

Home > Morton’s Neuroma

What is a Morton’s Neuroma?

A Morton’s Neuroma is essentially an intermittently trapped nerve in the foot where it becomes enlarged due to the irritation to the nerve tissue. It can stop you in your tracks and is the only condition to make people take their shoes off!

A patient’s story

“I have had a very strange pain in my foot that no one seems to be able to diagnose. The problem is whenever I see somebody the pain seems to have gone. The pain only really occurs when I am walking, but it is never predictable. One day I can be in agony the next, whilst doing exactly the same things, perfectly pain free. It is really hard to say where the pain is, but it is somewhere around my toes and the ball of my foot. Do you know what? I have even had to take my shoe off in the middle of the supermarket and wiggle my toes, which gives me some relief for a short time.
When I get home and look at my foot it is entirely normal and I cannot reproduce the pain by pressing on the spot where I think it was.”

Why have I developed a Morton’s Neuroma?

A Morton’s Neuroma develops as a result of compression/irritation of the nerve. It is often associated with bunions.

How do you treat a Morton’s Neuroma?

To treat a Morton’s Neuroma, we will need to ascertain why you developed it. Treatment may involve footwear advice, orthotics and steroid injection under ultrasound guidance.

This will give you relief of the discomfort and the ability to do what you love again.

Frequently Asked Questions about Morton’s Neuroma

What is a Morton’s Neuroma?

A Morton’s Neuroma is a thickening or enlargement of a nerve in the forefoot, often between the third and fourth toes. It causes sharp, burning, or electric pain when compressed.

What does it feel like?

Pain is often described as sudden, sharp, or burning in the ball of the foot or between the toes — sometimes forcing people to remove their shoes for relief. It may come and go unpredictably.

Why does Morton’s Neuroma occur?

It develops due to irritation or compression of a nerve, often caused by poor footwear, foot deformities like bunions, or biomechanical stress.

Can it be diagnosed if symptoms aren’t present during the appointment?

Yes. We use your clinical history, symptom patterns, physical examination, and diagnostic tools to confirm the condition — even if the pain isn’t active at the time.

How is it treated?

Treatment may include orthotics, footwear changes, and ultrasound-guided steroid injections to reduce inflammation and relieve nerve pressure.

Will I need surgery?

In most cases, Morton’s Neuroma can be successfully managed without surgery. We aim for non-invasive treatments first to avoid more drastic measures.

Can I still be active?

Yes — that’s the goal. By addressing the root cause, we aim to relieve symptoms and help you return to walking, exercising, or simply enjoying life without unpredictable pain.

Morton’s Neuroma Treatment Comparison

Treatment Option	Home Remedies	Over-the-Counter Insoles	Podiatrist Care (TFH)
Rest and shoe changes	✔	✔	✔
Accurate diagnosis of nerve compression	✘	✘	✔
Custom orthotics to reduce pressure	✘	Limited	✔
Ultrasound-guided steroid injection	✘	✘	✔
Prevention of recurrence	Unlikely	Possible	✔
Ability to stay active long-term	Limited	Moderate	✔

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