Morton’s Neuroma: Why the Ball of Your Foot Hurts and What Can Help
A sharp or burning pain in the ball of your foot can make walking, exercise, and even wearing shoes uncomfortable. Some people describe it as feeling like a pebble is stuck beneath the foot. One possible cause is Morton’s neuroma, a condition involving thickened tissue around a nerve that leads to the toes. Despite the name, it is not a tumor.
What does Morton’s neuroma feel like?
Morton’s neuroma most often affects the area between the third and fourth toes, though it can occur elsewhere in the forefoot. Symptoms may include:
- Burning, sharp, or aching pain in the ball of the foot
- Tingling or numbness in nearby toes
- A sensation of standing on a pebble or marble
- Discomfort that gets worse with walking or other weight-bearing activity
- Pain that eases when you rest or take off your shoes
Tight or narrow shoes and high heels can increase pressure around the forefoot and aggravate symptoms. These symptoms can also have other causes, so they do not confirm a diagnosis on their own.
How is it diagnosed?
A foot and ankle specialist will ask where the pain occurs, when it started, and what makes it better or worse. They may examine the foot and gently press around the affected area to see whether this reproduces your symptoms.
Imaging may be used when appropriate. X-rays can help rule out issues such as a stress fracture or arthritis. Ultrasound can help evaluate the soft tissues and may also guide an injection. An MRI is sometimes considered when the diagnosis is unclear or another problem needs to be assessed.
What treatments may help?
Treatment depends on your symptoms, exam findings, and daily activities. Many care plans begin with steps to reduce pressure on the forefoot:
- Change footwear: Shoes with a wider toe box, lower heel, and enough room for the toes may reduce irritation.
- Try padding or orthotics: A metatarsal pad or shoe insert may help redistribute pressure. A specialist can advise on placement and whether a custom orthotic may be useful.
- Adjust aggravating activities: Temporarily reducing activities that worsen the pain may give the area a chance to settle.
- Discuss injections: A clinician may recommend an injection in some cases, based on your diagnosis and treatment history.
If symptoms continue despite nonsurgical care, a specialist can review other options, including procedures or surgery. The right approach varies by patient. Surgery that removes part of the nerve can cause lasting numbness in nearby toes, and symptoms can sometimes persist or return, so it is important to discuss the possible benefits and risks beforehand.
When should you seek care?
Consider scheduling an evaluation if forefoot pain, tingling, or numbness keeps returning, affects your walking, or does not improve with a change in footwear. A specialist can assess what may be causing the symptoms and help you understand your options.
Foot pain does not have to become part of your routine. Curalta Foot + Ankle can evaluate persistent pain in the ball of the foot and discuss next steps based on your needs.
This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. A healthcare professional can advise you about your specific symptoms.