Burning Foot Pain? It Could Be Morton’s Neuroma — Here’s How to Fix It

If you’ve ever felt a sharp, burning pain or the sensation of “walking on a pebble” between your toes, you might be dealing with Morton’s neuroma — a common nerve condition that can make every step uncomfortable.

At Restore Foot & Ankle Specialists, we often see patients who have lived with this pain for months before realizing it’s not just a foot irritation — it’s a nerve issue that needs proper care.

Let’s take a closer look at what Morton’s neuroma is, why it happens, and how modern podiatric treatment can bring lasting relief.

What Is Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma is a thickening or irritation of the nerve that runs between the long bones (metatarsals) in the ball of your foot — most often between the third and fourth toes.

This nerve becomes compressed and inflamed, causing pain, tingling, numbness, or burning sensations that may radiate into your toes. Over time, repeated irritation can lead to permanent nerve changes if left untreated.

Common Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma

The symptoms of Morton’s neuroma can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that limits your activity. You may notice:

• A sharp, burning, or stabbing pain in the ball of the foot

• Tingling or numbness in the toes

• A feeling like you’re standing on a pebble or a fold in your sock

• Pain that worsens with tight shoes or high heels

• Relief when removing shoes or massaging the foot

Symptoms often come and go early on but may become more constant as the condition progresses.

What Causes Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma develops when the nerve between the metatarsal bones is compressed or irritated over time. Several factors can increase your risk, including:

• Tight or narrow shoes — especially high heels that squeeze the toes together

• High-impact sports like running, basketball, or tennis

• Foot deformities such as bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet

• Repetitive stress or trauma to the forefoot

• Abnormal gait mechanics, which place uneven pressure on the ball of the foot

Women are more likely to develop Morton’s neuroma, largely due to footwear choices that restrict natural toe movement.

How Morton’s Neuroma Is Diagnosed

A podiatrist can often diagnose Morton’s neuroma through a detailed clinical exam and medical history. During your appointment, your doctor may:

• Apply pressure to the ball of your foot to reproduce the pain

• Check for a “clicking” sensation (Mulder’s click) between the toes

• Order imaging tests such as an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI to rule out other conditions like stress fractures or arthritis

Early diagnosis is key — treating Morton’s neuroma promptly can prevent long-term nerve damage.

Treatment Options for Morton’s Neuroma

The good news: most cases of Morton’s neuroma can be managed without surgery. Your podiatrist will tailor your treatment plan based on your symptoms and lifestyle.

Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatments

• Footwear changes: Switch to shoes with a wide toe box, low heel, and soft sole to reduce pressure.

• Custom orthotics: Specially designed insoles can help offload pressure from the affected nerve and realign your foot mechanics.

• Padding or metatarsal supports: These help spread the metatarsal bones and relieve compression on the nerve.

• Anti-inflammatory medications: Oral or topical options can help reduce pain and swelling.

• Corticosteroid injections: In more advanced cases, these injections can provide temporary relief by reducing nerve inflammation.

• Physical therapy: Gentle stretching, massage, and ultrasound therapy can help improve mobility and reduce symptoms.

Advanced and Surgical Options

If conservative treatments fail to relieve symptoms, your podiatrist may recommend:

• Alcohol sclerosing injections to reduce nerve irritation.

• Radiofrequency ablation or cryotherapy to disrupt pain signals.

• Surgical decompression or nerve removal (neurectomy) in severe cases, offering permanent relief for chronic pain.

Modern surgical techniques are minimally invasive and have a high success rate when performed by experienced foot and ankle specialists.

Prevention Tips

To help prevent Morton’s neuroma from developing or recurring:

• Choose shoes with ample toe room and good arch support.

• Avoid prolonged wear of high heels or narrow shoes.

• Maintain a healthy body weight to reduce forefoot pressure.

• Use orthotic supports if you have flat feet, bunions, or hammertoes.

• Listen to your feet — if pain starts, address it early before nerve damage worsens.

The Bottom Line

Morton’s neuroma is a painful but treatable condition that stems from nerve irritation in the ball of the foot. With the right care — from footwear adjustments to orthotic support or advanced treatment — most patients experience lasting relief and return to their normal activities.

✅ At Restore Foot & Ankle Specialists, our podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating nerve-related foot pain like Morton’s neuroma. Using advanced imaging, custom orthotics, and minimally invasive treatments, we’ll create a personalized plan to help you walk comfortably again. Contact our office today with Dr. Gireesh Reddy or Dr. Sirisha Pokala by calling (469) 573-3427 or by booking an appointment online.