Understanding a Morton's Neuroma

This condition develops in the plantar digital nerves between the bones of your foot which may sound bizarre to those who don’t suffer with the condition but rings true for those suffering.

As the nerves experience day to day movement, compression from the foots tissue, they react through inflammation, thickening which results in a Mortons Neuroma. The lining of the nerves can become thickened and are usually found at the ball of your foot. .

How does a Mortons Neuroma form?

How one develops can be affected by several reasons:

Age: The typical age range that is usually affected is 40+ due to wear and tear of day to day activities which impact the ball of the foot which will affect the compression felt over time.

What we wear: High heels or ill-fitting shoes play a huge part in developing a Mortons Neuroma

Career: Roles that involve standing for long periods of time will increase the risk of developing a Mortons Neuroma

Forefoot concerns: Forefoot Bursitis will put pressure on the nerve which can lead to the condition Foot conditions: There are certain conditions that increase the risk of A Mortons Neuroma such as Tailors bunion or Hallux abducto-valgus

Increased Strain: For active individuals, consistent pressure on the feet and over use can also contribute

How we walk: Alongside exercise, how we walk, run or stand can increase the risk of developing a Mortons Neuroma

What are the symptoms?

Typically the Morton’s neuroma can develop between the 3rd and 4th toes but can also affect between other joints in the foot. A classic indicator there may be a Morton’s neuroma is the pain located under the ball of the foot.

Other symptoms may include:

Sharp shooting pain in the forefoot

Tingling or pins and needles sensation in the ball and toes of your foot

Clicking sensation in the ball of the foot

Sensation of walking on a pebble

Difficulty bearing weight due to pain

Localised tenderness

Burning pain in the foot, potentially radiating toward the toes

Joint stiffness in affected areas

Pain during activity and daily tasks

Limited joint mobility and range of motion

Discomfort when walking barefoot or wearing specific shoes, particularly tight-fitting or high heels.

How do we diagnose a Morton's Neuroma?

Your podiatrist will assess how you experience a squeeze on the ball of your foot. If the pain increases during this particular test, then this will be looked into with further assessment. As there are many symptoms similar to other foot conditions, our Amersham podiatry team will continue with further Neuroma tests.

Treatment Options:

We recommend being seen as soon as possible by our team to ensure we can help you. A tailored treatment plan will be created for you following an assessment. Typically this involves supporting your feet as best possible with recommended footwear, strengthening exercises with rehabilitation, strapping the foot. In summary we encourage rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE).

Following your assessment, if the pain is persistent then other options could be considered such as corticosteroid injections, surgical removal or simply anti -inflammatory medications.

Preventing a Morton's neuroma

Your podiatrist will recommend supportive shoes with space and padding, particularly for those who are active. Avoiding shoes with high heels is key when looking to prevent the condition.

What if you don’t receive treatment?

By not seeking professional advice and treatment, this can lead to further issues which can result in extreme treatment such as surgery. Ignoring a Morton’s Neuroma can also lead to further foot conditions such as bursitis. Footwear is key to insure there is not further damage or repeats of the condition.

At Walk This Way Poditry Podiatry Clinic, we’re dedicated to addressing your foot concerns with precision and care. Don’t let Morton’s neuroma slow you down—schedule a consultation with our expert Amersham podiatrists today.

Your journey to happier, healthier feet begins here.

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A pain in the foot can have many causes- which is why our knowledge and skills enable us to diagnose what exactly is the problem from a pain.

Most people have never heard of Morton’s Neuroma, those who think it is serious or something to do with cancer, the “roma” ending does mean growth. It is a benign (non-cancerous) “pinched nerve” in-between the toes which also causes the tissues around the nerve to thicken, making a lump.

The symptoms you feel from a Morton’s neuroma are sharp, stabbing pains or feeling like you have a small stone stuck under your foot, other people may feel a tingling or numbness. These symptoms can last a few minutes or be a constant problem, it varies for different people. Your symptoms might come on gradually or you might only have them whilst wearing a certain pair of shoes but overtime symptoms will get worse as the lump enlarges. In very rare cases these become permanent.

The exact cause of Mortons’s neuroma is unknown but there are many external factors that can aggravate the issue. High heels wearers do commonly suffer from Morton’s neuroma. Another cause is sports, for example, running or ballet. Sports with high repetitive impact on your feet. Other foot problems such as bunions, flat feet or high arches can also make you susceptible to Morton’s neuroma forming.

When you book a foot pain appointment with us we discuss your history, symptoms, footwear choices and options for treatment. As with most medical problems it is best to come in quickly before it gets worse. All treatment advice is tailored to you but here as some examples of what we recommend.

• Advice- we will recommend suitable styles of footwear.
• Education-we will show you how to effectively use the R.I.C.E treatment method (shown below).
• Orthotics- these take the pressure off the painful area.

There is a chance of these Morton’s neuromas reoccurring so education is vital as well as spotting symptoms early.

Never worry about these, Morton’s neuromas are common and easily treated- give us a call or book online with us. If you think you have one but can’t for any reason come in soon these tips might help relieve your pain

• Stop wearing shoes that are contributing to the problem
• Take a break from running or the sport that causes a flare-up
• Massage your foot
• Use the R.I.C.E method