Burning, tingling, or a “pebble in the shoe” feeling in the ball of your foot? This quick-read guide answers the most common questions about Morton’s neuroma — short, sharp, and helpful.
Common Questions About Morton’s Neuroma
Q: What is Morton’s neuroma?
A: A thickening of tissue around a digital nerve in the forefoot, most often between the 3rd and 4th toes, causing burning pain, tingling, or numbness.
Q: What causes Morton’s neuroma?
A: Repeated nerve compression from tight or narrow shoes, high heels, forefoot overload, foot deformities (bunions, hammertoes), or high‑impact activities.
Q: What does Morton’s neuroma feel like?
A: Many describe it as standing on a pebble or a bunched‑up sock, plus burning, tingling, or numbness in the toes.
Q: Is Morton’s neuroma the same as a tumor?
A: No. Despite the name, it isn’t cancer. It’s a benign thickening around the nerve.
Q: Can Morton’s neuroma go away on its own?
A: Mild cases may settle with wider shoes, met pads, and activity changes. Symptoms often return if compression resumes.
Q: How is Morton’s neuroma diagnosed?
A: History and exam (pressing between metatarsals can reproduce pain). Ultrasound or MRI may confirm size/location if needed.
Q: What shoes are best for Morton’s neuroma?
A: Wide toe box, low heel, cushioned sole, and minimal forefoot squeeze. Avoid narrow, pointy, or high‑heeled styles.
Q: Do orthotics help Morton’s neuroma?
A: Yes. Metatarsal pads and custom/quality OTC orthotics redistribute pressure and offload the irritated nerve.
Q: Can high heels cause Morton’s neuroma?
A: They contribute by shifting weight onto the forefoot and compressing the toes together.
Q: What sports can trigger Morton’s neuroma?
A: Running and court sports (tennis, squash, basketball) that involve repetitive forefoot loading or tight footwear.
Q: Are there home remedies for Morton’s neuroma?
A: Wider shoes, met pads, icing, avoiding barefoot on hard floors, and reducing high‑impact activity during flares.
Q: Can Morton’s neuroma cause permanent nerve damage?
A: Prolonged compression can lead to persistent numbness or chronic pain, but early offloading usually improves symptoms.
Q: What medical treatments are available?
A: Corticosteroid injections, alcohol sclerosing injections, custom orthotics, physical therapy; surgery for refractory cases.
Q: Is surgery for Morton’s neuroma successful?
A: Often effective for pain relief; a small numb area between the toes is common afterward. Recovery takes weeks to months.
Q: How long does recovery take?
A: Conservative care may take weeks–months. After surgery, many return to normal shoes in 4–6 weeks, with full settling over several months.
Q: Can Morton’s neuroma affect both feet?
A: Yes. It’s usually one foot, but both can be affected, especially with shared mechanics or footwear habits.
Q: Is Morton’s neuroma common in athletes?
A: Yes — especially in runners and court‑sport athletes due to repetitive forefoot loading.
Q: How can I prevent Morton’s neuroma?
A: Wear roomy toe boxes, avoid high heels, use met pads or orthotics if needed, and rest at the first sign of forefoot pain.
Q: When should I see a doctor?
A: If pain lasts more than a few weeks despite shoe changes, or if numbness/tingling worsens or limits activity.
Q: Is Morton’s neuroma linked to other foot problems?
A: Often coexists with bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, or metatarsalgia — all can alter mechanics and raise nerve pressure.
👣 Need Help Choosing the Right Shoes?
Explore our guides tailored to forefoot comfort and roomy toe boxes:
- 👉 Best Shoes for Morton’s Neuroma »
- Morton’s neuroma = nerve irritation/compression in the forefoot.
- Wide shoes, met pads, orthotics, and activity tweaks are first‑line.
- Injections can help stubborn cases; surgery is a last resort but effective.
- Early offloading prevents chronic pain and speeds recovery.