10 Signs You May Have Morton's Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma, also known as intermetatarsal neuroma, is a painful foot condition that causes sharp discomfort, numbness, and irritation in the ball of the foot. It occurs when the tissue surrounding the nerve leading to the toes becomes thickened and inflamed, making everyday activities like walking or standing increasingly difficult.

Recognizing the early warning signs is crucial. Below, we break down the 10 signs you may have Morton’s neuroma so you can identify symptoms sooner and seek proper care.

We’ll also highlight effective treatment options that can help reduce pain, relieve pressure on the nerve, and improve your overall foot health.

What is Morton's Neuroma?

Morton’s Neuroma is a painful foot condition caused by thickening of the nerve tissue between the toes, most commonly between the 3rd and 4th toes. It leads to sharp, burning pain, swelling, and discomfort in the ball of the foot—often described as feeling like a small stone or pebble inside the shoe. Symptoms typically worsen with high-heeled or narrow footwear, which increases pressure on the forefoot. Individuals with foot deformities such as flat feet, high arches, bunions, or hammertoes are at a higher risk of developing Morton’s Neuroma.

Is Morton's Neuroma a Tumor?

The term “neuroma” can be confusing. While neuromas are often described as non-cancerous nerve tumors, Morton’s Neuroma is not an actual tumor. It does not involve new tissue growth. Instead, the existing nerve tissue between the toes becomes thickened, irritated, and inflamed due to pressure or compression.

Morton’s Neuroma is not cancerous, does not spread, and is not linked to cancer in any way.

10 Signs You May Have Morton's Neuroma

Recognizing the early signs of Morton’s Neuroma can help you seek treatment before symptoms worsen. Here are ten common indicators you may be experiencing this painful foot condition.

1. Persistent Pain in the Ball of the Foot

One of the most common Morton’s Neuroma symptoms is ongoing pain in the ball of your foot, often felt in a specific spot. If this pain interferes with daily movement or activities, it’s time to consult a foot specialist.

2. Numbness in the Toes

Morton’s Neuroma affects the interdigital nerve, leading to numbness or tingling in the 3rd and 4th toes. If the sensation spreads to the 2nd or 3rd toes, it may indicate worsening nerve irritation.

3. Swelling in the Forefoot

Swelling around the metatarsal bones can increase pressure on the nerves, causing more intense and prolonged pain. This is a common sign, especially when the area feels tender to touch.

4. Foot Swelling

General foot swelling may also occur due to inflammation in the affected nerve. While not always present, it can contribute to stiffness and discomfort.

5. Pain That Worsens With Activity

Activities such as running, jumping, or prolonged walking place extra pressure on the metatarsals. If your pain intensifies during movement, Morton’s Neuroma may be the cause.

6. Difficulty Wearing Certain Shoes

Tight shoes or high heels compress the forefoot and increase pressure on the metatarsal heads, heightening Morton’s Neuroma symptoms. If switching to wide toe box shoes provides relief, it’s a strong indicator that footwear is contributing to the problem.

7. Clicking Sensation While Walking

Some people feel a clicking or snapping sensation in the forefoot when the nerve becomes significantly thickened. If this occurs alongside chronic pain, it may point to advanced Morton’s Neuroma.

8. Foot Cramps and Muscle Tightness

Ongoing pressure on the forefoot can lead to intrinsic muscle strain, calf tightness, and recurrent foot cramps. These symptoms worsen as the nerve irritation progresses.

9. Symptoms That Gradually Worsen

Morton’s Neuroma often begins with mild discomfort. Without treatment, symptoms typically worsen over time, increasing pain, irritability, and functional limitations. Early evaluation by a podiatrist is key.

10. Relief When Resting or Removing Footwear

If you feel noticeable relief after taking off tight shoes or resting your feet, this may signal nerve compression. Walking barefoot or wearing cushioned, supportive shoes often reduces pain temporarily.

11. Burning Sensation in the Forefoot

A burning or hot sensation in the ball of the foot that radiates toward the toes is a classic Morton’s Neuroma sign. This burning feeling may be accompanied by toe cramping or tingling.

What Causes Morton's Neuromas?

There is no single confirmed cause of Morton’s Neuroma, but most experts agree that excess pressure on the toes, forefoot, and the digital nerves leads to irritation and thickening of the nerve. Certain activities, footwear choices, and foot mechanics can increase your risk or worsen existing symptoms.

Here are the most common contributing factors:

Footwear Choices

• Wearing high heels

• High heels shift body weight onto the ball of the foot, compressing the metatarsal heads and irritating the nerve.

High-Impact or Repetitive Sports

Activities that place constant stress on the forefoot can trigger or worsen Morton’s Neuroma, including:

• Running or jogging

• Tennis and court sports

• Any activity with repeated forefoot loading

Prolonged Standing or Intense Daily Activity

Spending many hours on your feet can increase metatarsal pressure, contributing to nerve inflammation and pain.

Underlying Foot Conditions (Increased Risk Factors)

Certain foot deformities alter weight distribution and raise the likelihood of developing Morton’s Neuroma, such as:

• Bunions

• Hammertoes

• Flat feet (fallen arches)

• Previous foot injuries or trauma

What is the Best Treatment for Morton's Neuroma?

The best treatment for Morton’s Neuroma depends on the severity of your symptoms. Your chiropodist or foot specialist may recommend non-surgical or surgical treatment options. Most patients begin with conservative care before considering advanced procedures.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Morton’s Neuroma

Shoe Pads

Over-the-counter metatarsal pads or shoe inserts help cushion the forefoot, reduce pressure on the irritated nerve, and relieve discomfort while walking.

Pain Relievers

NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) may be recommended to reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling. Avoid taking them for more than 10 days without consulting a healthcare professional.

Orthotic Devices

Custom orthotics help support proper foot alignment and reduce pressure on the neuroma. They also keep the toes in better position to prevent further irritation.

Get custom orthotics from RMT Movement for long-term relief.

Icing

Applying ice packs helps minimize inflammation and soothe forefoot pain. Always wrap the ice pack in a thin towel before applying it to protect your skin.

Surgical Treatments for Morton’s Neuroma

If conservative treatments fail, your specialist may recommend minimally invasive or surgical procedures to relieve nerve pressure.

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery uses extreme cold to freeze and deactivate the affected nerve tissue. This minimally invasive treatment offers faster recovery and a lower complication risk compared to traditional surgery.

Neurectomy

A neurectomy involves surgically removing the damaged nerve. This option is typically considered when other treatments do not provide relief. While effective, it may result in permanent numbness or post-surgical discomfort in the affected area.

Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation uses controlled heat from radio waves to target and deactivate the nerve, significantly reducing pain. It is minimally invasive and offers a relatively quick recovery period with strong success rates.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Morton’s Neuroma is a painful foot condition that affects the ball of the foot and can lead to persistent discomfort, numbness, swelling, and difficulty walking. Understanding its symptoms and causes helps you seek timely and appropriate treatment.

If you're experiencing ongoing footel:+1 6472014814t pain, consulting a professional chiropodist in Brampton is the best step toward relief. At RMT Movement, our skilled foot specialists diagnose and treat Morton’s Neuroma and other lower limb conditions with effective, personalized care.

If you want to reduce Morton’s Neuroma symptoms and regain comfort, connect with our experienced team today.

Contact us at 647-201-4814 for more information.

FAQs

How Should I Cure My Morton's Neuroma?

Treatment options for Morton’s Neuroma may include wearing supportive footwear with a wide toe box, using custom orthotic inserts to relieve pressure, and applying ice packs to reduce inflammation. Your chiropodist will recommend the most effective approach for your condition. For more guidance on treatment choices, you can explore healthcare resources on ClinicSpots.

Can I Prevent a Morton's Neuroma?

You can reduce your risk of developing Morton's Neuroma by wearing comfortable, properly fitting shoes with adequate toe room, avoiding high heels and narrow shoes, and maintaining a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your feet.

Which Tests Do Providers Use to Diagnose Morton's Neuromas?

Healthcare providers diagnose Morton's Neuroma through a physical examination and may order imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.

What Happens If a Morton's Neuroma Is Left Untreated?

If left untreated, Morton's Neuroma can lead to chronic pain, numbness, and difficulty walking. It may also result in changes in foot structure and gait mechanics, leading to further complications.

What Does Morton's Neuroma Pain Feel Like?

Morton's neuroma pain often feels like a sharp or burning sensation in the ball of the foot between the third and fourth toes. Some describe it as having a pebble or stone in their shoe.

How Common Are Morton's Neuromas?

Morton's neuromas are relatively common, especially among women. They often occur in individuals who frequently wear high heels or tight shoes, participate in high-impact activities, or have certain foot deformities.