Morton's neuroma is a condition that affects one of the nerves between the toes. The nerve becomes irritated and compressed, which results in severe pain on the ball of the foot and at the base of the toes.
Morton's neuroma usually affects the nerve between the third and fourth toes. It is rare for more than one nerve or foot to be affected.
You may initially experience a tingling sensation in the space between your third and fourth toes, which gets worse over time. This leads to cramp in your toes and a sharp shooting or burning pain on the ball of your foot or at the base of your toes.
The pain is often worse when you wear shoes that press on the affected area and when you are walking.
Read more about the symptoms of Morton's neuroma.
What causes Morton's neuroma?
The pain of Morton's neuroma occurs when the nerve that connects the toe bones (metatarsal bones) becomes irritated or compressed.
The exact cause of the irritation is unknown, but it may be due to the metatarsal bones pressing against the nerve when the gap between the bones is narrow. This causes the nerve and surrounding tissue to thicken.
Some experts believe that a number of other foot problems, including flat feet, high foot arches, bunions and hammer toes, may also play a role in Morton's neuroma.
Read more about the causes of Morton's neuroma.
When to see your GP
If you have continual tingling or persistent pain in your foot, you should make an appointment to see a podiatrist (a specialist in foot problems). Alternatively, you could visit your GP, who may refer you to a podiatrist.
Your GP or podiatrist may examine your foot and ask you some questions to find out:
- how much pain you are in and what it feels like
- when your symptoms started
- what type of shoes you usually wear
- about your work, lifestyle and sporting activities
Your GP or podiatrist may also refer you for a scan, such as an X-ray, ultrasound scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, to get a detailed image of the inside of your foot.
Who is affected by Morton's neuroma?
Anyone can get Morton's neuroma, but women are most commonly affected. In particular, the condition tends to occur in:
- women who wear high-heeled shoes
- people who do regular exercise, especially running
- people with a particular foot shape, such as a high arch
Treating Morton's neuroma
You will probably be advised to wear shoes with a wider toe area and take painkillers to ease the pain. Steroid injections may also be given to treat the affected nerve.
If this doesn't work, surgery may be needed. Surgery involves removing the thickened tissue around the nerve (and sometimes the nerve itself) to release the pressure.
Read more about how Morton’s neuroma is treated.
