NeuromaMorton’s Neuroma is a painful condition affecting the ball of the foot, usually between the 3rd and 4th toes. It happens when a nerve between the toes becomes thickened and irritated, often due to pressure or trauma.
🔬 What It Is:
- A benign (non-cancerous) growth or swelling of nerve tissue
- Involves the plantar digital nerve
- Not a true tumor—more of a nerve inflammation or fibrosis
🔍 Causes:
- Tight or high-heeled shoes (compress the toes and forefoot)
- Repetitive stress from sports (e.g., running, tennis)
- Foot deformities:
- Flat feet
- High arches
- Bunions or hammertoes
⚠️ Symptoms:
- Burning pain in the ball of the foot
- Feeling of walking on a pebble or fold in a sock
- Tingling or numbness in the toes
- Pain worsens with:
- Standing
- Walking in tight shoes
- Physical activity
🧠 Pain is often relieved by removing shoes or massaging the foot.
🩺 Diagnosis:
- Physical exam (pressing between toes may reproduce pain or a “click”)
- Ultrasound or MRI to confirm swelling of the nerve
- X-rays to rule out bone issues
💊 Treatment:
🏠 Conservative:
- Footwear change – wide shoes with low heels and soft soles
- Orthotics or metatarsal pads to offload pressure
- Ice and rest
- NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) for pain
🩺 Medical:
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
- Physical therapy (massage, ultrasound)
- Alcohol sclerosing injections (to destroy part of the nerve)
🛠️ Surgical (for persistent cases):
- Neurectomy – removal of the affected nerve
- Surgery can relieve pain but may cause numbness in the toes
🛡️ Prevention:
Warm up before sports or high-impact activities
Avoid tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes
Use arch supports or metatarsal pads
Maintain a healthy weight