Morton’s Neuroma is a painful and often misunderstood foot condition that can make everyday activities like walking or standing extremely uncomfortable. While many people are familiar with common foot problems like bunions or plantar fasciitis, Morton’s Neuroma doesn’t always get the attention it deserves—yet it can have a significant impact on quality of life if left untreated.

At Bondi Podiatry, we see many patients dealing with the effects of Morton’s Neuroma, and we understand the importance of prompt and effective treatment. In this article, we’ll explain what Morton’s Neuroma is, what causes it, and how it can be treated.

What is Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s Neuroma is a condition where a thickening occurs in the tissue surrounding the nerves leading to the toes, typically between the third and fourth toes. This thickened tissue compresses the nerve, causing pain, numbness, and tingling in the ball of the foot and toes.

While the term “neuroma” refers to a benign growth on a nerve, Morton’s Neuroma isn’t technically a tumor. It’s more of a nerve irritation that results from chronic compression or irritation.

Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma

The symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. Some of the most common signs to look out for include:

- A sharp or burning pain in the ball of the foot

- Numbness or tingling in the toes

- A feeling of having a pebble or fold in your sock under the foot

- Pain that worsens when walking, especially with tight shoes

- Relief when removing shoes or massaging the foot

If left untreated, the pain from Morton’s Neuroma can become more intense over time, eventually affecting your ability to walk or participate in physical activities.

What Causes Morton’s Neuroma?

Several factors can contribute to the development of Morton’s Neuroma, including:

1. Foot Structure

Certain foot types are more prone to developing Morton’s Neuroma. People with flat feet, high arches, or abnormal toe positions may place more pressure on the nerves in their feet, leading to the condition.

2. Footwear

Wearing shoes that are too tight, particularly high heels or narrow-toed shoes, can compress the forefoot and aggravate the nerves. This is why Morton’s Neuroma is more common in women than men, as high heels are a common culprit.

3. Repetitive Stress

High-impact activities like running or sports that involve frequent jumping or sudden movements can place repeated stress on the ball of the foot, increasing the risk of nerve irritation.

4. Trauma

In some cases, trauma to the foot—such as from a fall or sports injury—can cause inflammation or pressure on the nerves, leading to Morton’s Neuroma.

How Is Morton’s Neuroma Diagnosed?

A podiatrist can diagnose Morton’s Neuroma through a combination of patient history, physical examination, and imaging tests if necessary. During the examination, your podiatrist may apply pressure to the foot to assess pain and tenderness. They may also perform a gait analysis to observe how your foot moves when you walk.

In some cases, imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI may be recommended to rule out other possible causes of foot pain, such as bursitis, stress fractures or arthritis.

Treatment Options for Morton’s Neuroma

At Bondi Podiatry, we offer a variety of treatment options to help alleviate the pain and discomfort of Morton’s Neuroma. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and how long you’ve been experiencing pain.

1. Custom Orthotics

Custom orthotics can provide the support your foot needs to reduce pressure on the affected nerves. By redistributing your weight more evenly across the foot, orthotics can help alleviate pain and prevent the condition from worsening. They are particularly effective for people with flat feet or high arches.

2. Metatarsal Domes

Metatarsal domes are small pads placed in your shoes to help lift and support the metatarsal bones, reducing pressure on the nerves. These can be custom-made or available as over-the-counter pads and are often used in combination with custom orthotics.

3. Cortisone Injections

For more severe cases, cortisone injections can help reduce inflammation and provide relief from pain. Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication that can be injected directly into the affected area. While cortisone injections don’t cure Morton’s Neuroma, they can provide temporary relief and allow the nerve to heal.

4. Footwear Modifications

Wearing shoes with a wider toe box, lower heels, and adequate arch support can help reduce pressure on the ball of the foot and prevent the condition from getting worse. Your podiatrist can provide guidance on the best types of shoes to wear to support your foot structure and reduce pain.

5. Rest and Ice

Resting your foot and applying ice can help reduce inflammation and provide short-term relief. This is especially useful if your symptoms are mild or have only recently started.

6. Physical Therapy

Stretching and strengthening exercises can help improve the alignment and function of your foot, reducing pressure on the affected nerves. There are also nerve threading exercises which aim to mobilize the nerve to try and release tension. Physical therapy may include exercises to strengthen the muscles around the foot and ankle, as well as techniques to improve gait and posture.

7. Surgical Treatment

If conservative treatments don’t provide relief and your symptoms are severe, surgery may be necessary to remove the thickened tissue or even a portion of the nerve. Surgery is usually considered a last resort and is reserved for cases where other treatments have failed.

Prevention of Morton’s Neuroma

Preventing Morton’s Neuroma is largely a matter of maintaining good foot health and avoiding repetitive stress. Some tips to help prevent the condition include:

- Wear proper footwear: Choose shoes that fit well, provide adequate support, and have a wide toe box. Avoid high heels and narrow-toed shoes.

- Use custom orthotics: If you have flat feet or high arches, custom orthotics can help support your foot and reduce the risk of nerve irritation particularly if you experience pain.

- Take breaks: If you’re involved in high-impact activities, make sure to rest your feet and avoid overuse.

- Stretch and strengthen: Regular stretching and strengthening exercises can improve the function of your foot and prevent misalignment or overuse injuries.

Conclusion

Morton’s Neuroma can be a painful and frustrating condition, but with the right treatment and care, it’s possible to find relief and prevent further complications. At Bondi Podiatry, we offer a comprehensive range of treatments, from custom orthotics to cortisone injections, to help manage your symptoms and get you back on your feet.

If you’re experiencing foot pain or suspect you might have Morton’s Neuroma, don’t wait—schedule an appointment with Bondi Podiatry today. We’ll work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and helps you get back to doing the things you love, pain-free.