Morton’s Neuroma Treatment in Halifax & Elland | Elland Foot Clinic
This is a type of neuritis (nerve inflammation) which usually causes burning, pain and tingling between the 3rd and 4th metatarsal space. This can also happen between other metatarsals spaces, but it’s less common. The main causes are compression from tight shoes or a slim foot. Sometimes there’s no reason. The treatment we offer at Elland Foot Clinic focuses on reducing the compression with the use of metatarsal domes on orthotics and joint manipulation.
Condition
What Is Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma involves irritation of the interdigital nerve running between the metatarsal bones in the forefoot. Repeated compression and friction around the nerve can lead to inflammation and thickening of the tissue surrounding it. This may result in sharp pain, burning sensations and numbness affecting the toes and ball of the foot. The condition most commonly develops between the third and fourth toes, although other areas may occasionally be affected.
Common Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma
Common Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma
- Burning pain in the ball of the foot
- Tingling or numbness in the toes
- Sharp or shooting forefoot pain
- Feeling as though you're standing on a pebble or folded sock
- Symptoms worsening in tight footwear
- Pain aggravated by prolonged walking
- Forefoot discomfort during running or activity
What Causes Morton’s Neuroma?
Several factors may contribute to nerve compression within the forefoot, including:
- Tight or narrow footwear
- High-heeled shoes increasing forefoot pressure
- Excessive forefoot loading
- Flat feet or altered biomechanics
- Hypermobile foot function
- Repetitive impact activity
- Sports involving high forefoot loading
Why Does Morton’s Neuroma Cause Burning Pain?
Morton’s neuroma affects a nerve, meaning symptoms are often neurological in nature. Irritation of the interdigital nerve may create:
- Burning sensations
- Electrical pain patterns
- Tingling within the toes
- Numbness or altered sensation
Symptoms may become progressively worse if nerve compression continues over time.
How Is Morton’s Neuroma Diagnosed?
Accurate diagnosis is important because forefoot pain may arise from several different structures including joints, tendons, stress injuries or bursitis. At Elland Foot Clinic, assessment may include:
- Clinical forefoot examination
- Palpation of the interdigital spaces
- Gait and biomechanical assessment
- Footwear evaluation
- Assessment of forefoot loading patterns
- Neurological symptom assessment
Imaging may occasionally be recommended where symptoms are persistent or unclear.
Treatment Options for Morton’s Neuroma
Treatment aims to reduce compression around the irritated nerve and improve pressure distribution across the forefoot. Management may include:
- Footwear modification advice
- Wider toe-box footwear recommendations
- Orthotics and metatarsal offloading devices
- Forefoot pressure redistribution
- Activity modification• Padding techniques
- Biomechanical support where appropriate Early management may help reduce progression of nerve irritation.
The Importance of Footwear in Morton’s Neuroma
Footwear commonly plays a major role in symptom development. Narrow or high-heeled shoes may compress the metatarsal bones together, increasing pressure around the nerve. Supportive footwear with adequate forefoot width may help reduce irritation significantly.
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
Professional assessment is recommended if:
Professional assessment is recommended if:
- Forefoot pain persists or worsens
- Burning or tingling develops in the toes
- Walking becomes uncomfortable
- Symptoms increase in footwear
- You regularly feel as though walking on a lump or pebble
- Home treatments are not improving symptoms
Why Choose Elland Foot Clinic?
At Elland Foot Clinic, we provide detailed assessment and treatment for forefoot pain conditions including:
At Elland Foot Clinic, we provide detailed assessment and treatment for forefoot pain conditions including:
- Thorough assessment and medical history
- Evidence-based treatment approaches
- Individual pressure redistribution strategies
- Friendly and professional clinical care
Nick Mainds is HCPC registered (CH33550) and provides podiatry care for patients across Halifax, Elland and Calderdale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Morton’s neuroma go away naturally?
Mild symptoms may improve with footwear changes, although persistent cases often benefit from professional treatment.
Why does Morton’s neuroma feel like walking on a pebble?
Nerve irritation and surrounding tissue thickening can create the sensation of a lump beneath the forefoot.
Can tight shoes cause Morton’s neuroma?
Nerve irritation and surrounding tissue thickening can create the sensation of a lump beneath the forefoot.
Do orthotics help Morton’s neuroma?
Orthotics may help redistribute pressure away from the irritated nerve and improve foot mechanics.
Is Morton’s neuroma a nerve problem?
Orthotics may help redistribute pressure away from the irritated nerve and improve foot mechanics.