Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s Neuroma is a condition causing pain around the ball of the foot, usually between the second, third and fourth toes. It’s caused by thickening of tissue around the nerves leading to the toes, which creates sharp pain or a burning, stinging or numb sensation.

What Causes Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s Neuroma is often linked with high-heeled or narrow-toed shoes, which compress the front of the foot. Switching to lower-heeled shoes with a wider, enclosed toe box can often help relieve symptoms.

Symptoms

• A feeling like standing on a stone or something inside your shoe
• Sharp, burning or numb pain localised between the metatarsal heads
• Unlike metatarsalgia, Morton’s Neuroma pain is usually more localised, as it directly affects a nerve between the metatarsal heads. See our Metatarsalgia page for that comparison.

Assessment

Your podiatrist can generally confirm Morton’s Neuroma through a physical assessment, sometimes supported by ultrasound if further confirmation is needed.

• Treatment Options We Offer
• Custom orthotics and metatarsal pads to offload the affected nerve
• Dry needling and foot mobilisation
• Footwear changes: wider, lower-heeled, enclosed-toe shoes

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing shoes fix Morton’s Neuroma on its own?

For mild cases, footwear changes alone can meaningfully reduce symptoms, but persistent or worsening cases usually benefit from a full assessment and tailored treatment plan.

Book an Assessment

Book a biomechanical assessment at your nearest Dr Abbie Clinics location.