Morton’s neuroma
DEFINITION
At Mayo Clinic, we take the time to listen, to find answers and to provide you the best care.
Learn more. Request an appointment.
Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of your foot, most commonly the area between your third and fourth toes. Morton’s neuroma may feel as if you are standing on a pebble in your shoe or on a fold in your sock.
Morton’s neuroma involves a thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes. This can cause a sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot. Your toes also may sting, burn or feel numb.
High-heeled shoes have been linked to the development of Morton’s neuroma. Many people experience relief by switching to lower heeled shoes with wider toe boxes. Sometimes corticosteroid injections or surgery may be necessary.
CAUSES
Morton’s neuroma seems to occur in response to irritation, pressure or injury to one of the nerves that lead to your toes.
SYMPTOMS
Typically, there’s no outward sign of this condition, such as a lump. Instead, you may experience the following symptoms:
- A feeling as if you’re standing on a pebble in your shoe
- A burning pain in the ball of your foot that may radiate into your toes
- Tingling or numbness in your toes
When to see a doctor
It’s best not to ignore any foot pain that lasts longer than a few days. See your doctor if you experience a burning pain in the ball of your foot that’s not improving, despite changing your footwear and modifying activities that may cause stress to your foot.
