Last Updated on May 28, 2025 by Andy Walker
Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. It involves the thickening of tissue around one of the nerves leading to the toes, which can cause sharp, burning pain and even a sensation like standing on a pebble or a fold in your sock.
This condition is not actually a tumor, despite the term “neuroma” suggesting one. Instead, it’s a benign thickening of nerve tissue, usually triggered by irritation or compression.
What Causes It?
Morton’s neuroma is often linked to repeated stress or compression of the nerves in the forefoot. Contributing factors may include wearing high heels or shoes with a narrow toe box, engaging in high-impact sports, or having foot deformities such as bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet. Anything that compresses or aggravates the nerve between the metatarsal bones can lead to the condition.
Symptoms to Watch For
The hallmark of Morton’s neuroma is localized pain. Most people describe it as:
- A burning or sharp pain in the ball of the foot
- Tingling or numbness in the toes
- A feeling like there’s something inside the ball of the foot or like a sock is bunched up
Symptoms tend to worsen when wearing tight shoes or after long periods of standing, walking, or running. Removing shoes and massaging the area often brings temporary relief.
Learn about Morton’s Neuroma in this helpful video:
How Is It Diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically starts with a physical examination and a discussion of symptoms. A doctor may apply pressure to the foot or perform a maneuver called a Mulder’s click test to reproduce the pain or elicit a clicking sensation. Imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI may be used to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of foot pain.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms. In mild cases, conservative management is usually effective. This can include:
- Switching to shoes with a wide toe box and low heels (see below)
- Using orthotic inserts to reduce pressure on the nerve
- Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
For more persistent cases, corticosteroid injections or alcohol sclerosing injections may be used to reduce inflammation and pain. In chronic or unresponsive cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the thickened nerve tissue.
Best Shoes for Morton’s Neuroma
When managing Morton’s neuroma, the right footwear can mean the difference between daily discomfort and lasting relief. Shoes that are too narrow or lack support in the forefoot can aggravate the nerve and trigger sharp, burning pain between the toes. Choosing shoes designed to ease pressure on the ball of the foot is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce flare-ups.
Look for shoes with a wide toe box, extra cushioning under the metatarsals, and firm arch support. Styles that allow natural foot movement without compressing the forefoot are ideal. Athletic shoes, orthopedic casuals, and some trail or walking shoes tend to perform well for people with this condition.
To help you find the most supportive, pain-reducing options, we’ve tested and reviewed the best models available today. See our top-rated shoes for Morton’s neuroma.
Can It Be Prevented?
While not all cases are preventable, steps can be taken to reduce the risk. These include wearing properly fitted footwear, avoiding prolonged pressure on the forefoot, and addressing any biomechanical issues with orthotics or physical therapy.
How Common Is It?
Morton’s neuroma is more common in women than men, likely due to footwear choices like high heels and tight shoes. Estimates suggest that it affects about 1 in 3 people who report forefoot pain, though many cases go undiagnosed.
Related Conditions
Morton’s neuroma is often confused with metatarsalgia, a broader term for forefoot pain. However, the nerve-specific symptoms of Morton’s neuroma distinguish it. Other conditions that may present similarly include stress fractures, arthritis, and plantar plate tears.
When to See a Doctor
If you experience persistent pain in the ball of your foot that doesn’t improve with shoe changes or rest, it’s worth consulting a healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and treatment improve the chances of managing the condition without surgery.
Morton’s Neuroma vs. Metatarsalgia: What’s the Difference?
Pain in the ball of the foot can come from different conditions, and two of the most commonly confused are Morton’s neuroma and metatarsalgia. While they can feel similar, especially at first, they involve very different causes and treatment approaches.
Morton’s neuroma is a nerve issue—usually affecting the area between the third and fourth toes—where the tissue thickens and creates sharp, burning pain or numbness. Metatarsalgia, by contrast, is more of a general inflammation or overload of the metatarsal bones, often from impact, poor support, or pressure.
Understanding which one you’re dealing with can help you choose the right shoes, treatments, and long-term strategies for relief. Learn more in our side-by-side comparison of Morton’s neuroma vs. metatarsalgia.
More Morton’s Neuroma Resources
For more information about Morton’s neuroma and related foot conditions, consider the following links:
