Morton’s Neuroma

What is Morton’s Neuroma

The pain of Morton's Neuroma occurs when the nerve connecting the toe bones (metatarsal bones) becomes irritated or compressed. The exact cause of the irritation is unknown, but it may be the metatarsal bones pressing against the nerve when the gap between the bones is narrow. This causes the nerve and surrounding tissue to thicken. 

Some experts believe that a number of other foot problems, including flat feet; high foot arches; bunions; and hammertoes, may also play a role in Morton's Neuroma. People with Morton's Neuroma usually complain of pain that can start in the ball of the foot and shoot into the affected toes. However, some people just have toe pain. There may also be burning and tingling of the toes.

The symptoms are usually felt up the sides of the space between two toes. For example, if the nerve between the third and fourth long bones (metatarsals) of the right foot is affected, the symptoms will usually be felt up the right-hand side of the fourth toe and up the left-hand side of the third toe. Some people describe the pain that they feel as being like walking on a stone or a marble.

When to see your podiatrist

If you have continual tingling or persistent pain in your foot, you should make an appointment to see a Podiatrist. Your podiatrist will examine your foot and ask you some questions to find out: 

• About the pain and what it feels like
• When your symptoms started
• What type of shoes you usually wear
• About your work, lifestyle and sporting activities 

They may also refer you for a scan, such as an Ultrasound Scan or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan, to get a detailed image of the inside of your foot.