Condition guide
Morton's Neuroma Treatment: Forefoot Pain Explained
Morton's neuroma causes burning pain, tingling or numbness in the ball of the foot, usually between the third and fourth toes. Many people describe it as feeling like standing on a stone or a folded sock. Morton's neuroma treatment usually starts with footwear and load changes, and physiotherapy looks at how the foot is coping with the demands placed on it. This page is general information rather than a diagnosis, and an assessment is the sensible next step if your symptoms are not settling.
What is Morton's Neuroma?
A Morton's neuroma is a thickening of the tissue around one of the small nerves that run between the long bones of the forefoot towards the toes. When the forefoot is squeezed, for example in narrow or high heeled shoes, or loaded repeatedly in running and standing work, the nerve becomes irritated and the surrounding tissue thickens. It most often affects the space between the third and fourth toes, and sometimes between the second and third. It is more common in women, and it is different from general foot and ankle pain or plantar heel pain because the symptoms are nerve-like and sit in the forefoot.
Typical Symptoms
- Burning or sharp pain in the ball of the foot, often between the third and fourth toes
- Tingling, numbness or pins and needles spreading into two neighbouring toes
- A feeling of a pebble or folded sock under the foot
- Pain that worsens in tight or high heeled shoes and eases when the shoe is taken off
- Relief from rubbing the forefoot
Common Causes & Triggers
- Narrow, tight or high heeled footwear that squeezes the forefoot
- Repeated forefoot loading in running, racket sports or dance
- Long periods standing or walking on hard floors at work
- Foot shape, such as bunions or a flattened forefoot, that crowds the toes
- A sudden increase in walking or running distance
How We Treat Morton's Neuroma at Bluebell
- 1
A detailed history of your symptoms, footwear, work and activity.
- 2
Examination of the forefoot and toes to separate a neuroma from joint, stress fracture and other forefoot problems, with referral for imaging through your GP when it is needed.
- 3
Footwear advice, including a wider toe box and lower heel, and discussion of whether a metatarsal pad may help.
- 4
Changes to running, walking and standing load while the nerve settles.
- 5
Foot and calf strengthening and mobility work, and referral back to your GP or a podiatrist for injection or a surgical opinion if symptoms are not easing.
Honest Recovery Timeline
Many people notice improvement once footwear and load are changed, but the timescale varies, and longer standing symptoms can take more time. Some people need a medical opinion about injection or surgery. Your physiotherapist will explain honestly what they think is realistic for you.
Forefoot pain and other foot problems
Morton's neuroma is one of several causes of foot pain. If your pain sits under the heel, around the ankle or along the arch, our foot and ankle pain guide covers those areas, and heel pain first thing in the morning is explained in our plantar fasciitis guide.
Booking a forefoot assessment
If running brings your forefoot pain on, our running injury physio page explains how a running assessment and load plan work. Bring the shoes you wear most often. Appointments are at Warren Road, Blue Bell Hill, Chatham ME5 9RD, with free parking, Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm. You can self-refer online or call 01634 757123.
When Morton's Neuroma Needs Urgent Medical Attention (Not Physio)
- •Constant numbness across the whole foot or weakness lifting the foot, see your GP promptly.
- •Foot pain with swelling, heat and redness, or in people with diabetes, a wound or colour change, seek same day medical care.
- •Pain in one spot on a forefoot bone that hurts at rest, see your GP or physiotherapist promptly, as it may be a stress fracture.
- •Numbness in both feet, particularly with diabetes, discuss with your GP.
Morton's Neuroma — Common Questions
What does Morton's neuroma treatment involve?
Usually footwear changes, a review of activity and standing load, foot and calf exercises and advice on padding. If symptoms do not ease, your GP can discuss further options.
How long does Morton's neuroma take to settle?
It varies. Some people improve within weeks of changing footwear and load, while longer standing symptoms take longer. We cannot promise a timescale but will explain what is likely in your case.
Can I keep running with Morton's neuroma?
Sometimes, with changes to shoes, distance or surfaces. Your physiotherapist will help you decide how much running is sensible while the forefoot settles.
Is Morton's neuroma the same as metatarsalgia?
Not quite. Metatarsalgia is a general term for pain in the ball of the foot. A neuroma is one specific cause, with nerve symptoms such as tingling or numbness into the toes.
What affects the cost of treatment?
The number of appointments you need is the main factor. Ask the clinic for current fees when you book, and check with your insurer if you have a policy.