Morton's Neuroma
What is Morton's Neuroma?
Morton’s Neuroma is a thickening of the common plantar nerve that runs under the ball of your foot and into your toes (often between the 3rd and 4th toe). It is thought to develop because of long-term stress and irritation to the nerve.
What are the symptoms of Morton's Neuroma?
The thickened nerve at the ball of your foot (this is the padded section of the sole, under your toes) gets pinched when you walk and run. This pinching produces:
- shooting, stabbing or burning pain at the ball of your foot
- a feeling like a small pebble is stuck under your foot
- tingling or numbness in your toes
- the appearance of swelling in more painful cases
The symptoms are generally made worse when you wear tight or high-heeled shoes or after prolonged activity. It often gets worse over time.
How causes Morton's Neuroma?
Associated causes include:
- being overweight
- lots of standing
- poorly fitting or unsupportive footwear
- poor foot function
- tight calf muscles.
Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma can improve with simple treatments such as:
- resting the foot
- applying ice packs
- anti-inflammatory medication – speak to the Pharmacist or GP for best advice about this
- massage of toes and fore foot
Footwear
Wearing the right shoe is one of the most important things to do. Make sure your shoes:
- fit well with plenty of room for your toes
- have laces or an adjustable Velcro strap
- have stiffer soles, to limit bending of the joints, with a slight rocker-shape across the forefoot.
Avoid:
- high-heels of more than 25mm (1 inch)
- shoes with a pointed or shallow toe box
- flexible soles.
Exercises
Foot roller
Place a tennis ball or rolling pin on the floor, place your foot on top and roll back and forth to massage the bottom of your foot.
Insoles
Insoles with a metatarsal support can help to support the foot and are available over the counter.
Always build up the use of insoles gradually over a week and stop use if you have new pain.
Also in this section
If you have a problem which does not improve as you would expect with self-care, you should contact a healthcare professional for advice. This may be your GP, Pharmacist, NHS Podiatry Service or a Private Podiatrist.
Please make sure your podiatrist is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and look out for the letters HCPC after their name.
