10 Signs You May Have Morton’s Neuroma and How to Manage

Have you ever felt like you were stepping on pebbles or stones even though nothing was in your shoe? Or perhaps you've experienced a burning pain or sensation in the ball of your foot that just won’t go away. If so, you might be struggling with a foot condition called "Morton's Neuroma," which is often overlooked. If left untreated, it can make daily activities unbearable. Recognizing the 10 signs you may have Morton’s Neuroma is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment.

This article will help you understand these warning signs, along with the causes, management, and prevention of this condition. Read on!

What is Morton’s Neuroma?

A Morton’s neuroma is an inflammation of the nerve tissue of the foot. It is an enlargement of the interdigital nerves that are present between the metatarsal bones that connect the foot with the third & fourth toes. The affected nerves get thick and swollen, making it hard or painful to walk. Around 1 out of 3 people experience this foot condition at some point in their lives. It is crucial to consult a doctor immediately if you notice pain and swelling in your foot as it can lead to permanent nerve damage if left untreated. 

10 Signs You May Have Morton's Neuroma

Understanding all the potential symptoms of Morton’s neuroma is important for timely medical intervention. Here are 10 symptoms that could mean you have Morton’s neuroma:

1. Burning Pain in the Ball of the Foot

• According to a study, burning pain is one of the common Morton’s neuroma symptoms that generally occur between the third & fourth toes. This happens due to the compression of interdigital nerves.

• The pain might worsen after long hours of walking or standing or when wearing tight footwear.

2. Pebble-like Feeling in the Shoe

• Research reports that most people feel the sensation of walking on marbles or stones even though there is nothing in the shoe.

• This sensation usually occurs due to the thickened nerve tissue that presses against the foot's surrounding structures.

3. Tingling or Numbness in the Toes

• Numbness or tingling sensation in the toes due to compression and irritation of nerves.

• This sensation may fluctuate or become highly persistent with time.

4. Sharp and Shooting Pain Between the Toes

• Experience sudden sharp and stabbing pain that radiates from the foot to the toes and increases with activity like stretching of the foot.

• Squeezing or pressing the area between the bones can produce the pain again. 

5. Clicking Sensation in the Foot

• Some individuals notice a clicking sensation when pressing the injured area or while moving the toes.

• This occurs due to the thickened nerve that is compressed between the metatarsal bones.

6. Increased Pain From Wearing Tight Shoes

• Worsening the pain when wearing high-heeled, narrow, or tight-fitting shoes.

• This happens when tight shoes make the nerve irritation and compression worse.

7. Instant Pain Relief After Removing Shoes

• Removing the footwear brings instant relief as it reduces the stress and pressure placed on Morton's Neuroma.

• The pressure from the footwear can worsen this foot condition and make the symptoms more visible.

8. Pain That Worsens with Activities

• Activities like running, standing, or walking for long hours can increase the pain associated with Morton’s neuroma.

• Moreover, high-impact activities such as jogging and dancing can put much pressure on the foot which may worsen symptoms.

9. Swelling Between the Toes

• Swelling can occur between the toes as the thickened nerve causes inflammation in the nearby area of the foot.

• The swelling comes along with pain and discomfort which makes your shoes feel tight and uncomfortable.

10. Pain Relief from Toe Spreading or Foot Massage

• Spreading the toes and massaging the affected area often relieves the pain or discomfort could also indicate Morton’s neuroma.

• This relief occurs as massaging and toe spreading alleviates pressure on the nerve tissue and boosts blood circulation in the foot.

Note: If you notice any of these symptoms, visit a doctor. Identifying and managing the symptoms can prevent further complications.

What Causes Morton’s Neuroma?

The following factors can lead to the development of Morton’s Neuroma:

• Repeated Pressure on the Foot: Excessive stress or pressure on the foot can cause nerve thickening.

• High-Heeled or Tight Footwear: Narrow, tight, and high-heeled footwear can compress the toes which can increase nerve inflammation.

• Repetitive Impact Activities: Jumping, running, or other high-impact activities can increase nerve compression.

• Foot Deformities: Foot conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, high arch feet, and flat feet can increase pressure or stress on the nerve.

• Injury or Trauma to Foot: Direct foot injuries or trauma can trigger swelling and nerve irritation.

• Poor Foot Mechanics: Incorrect gait (manner of walking) or biomechanical issues like abnormalities or imbalances in ligaments, joints, muscles, and bones may contribute to high nerve compression.

What Happens If Morton’s Neuroma is Left Untreated?

If you leave Morton's neuroma untreated, it can lead to the following complications:

• Permanent nerve damage

• Chronic Foot Pain

These issues can limit your daily activities such as walking, standing, and running. Hence, identifying the symptoms and seeing the healthcare providers immediately is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. 

Diagnosis of Morton’s Neuroma

Diagnosis of Morton’s neuroma involves the following steps:

Patient History Evaluation

• The first step is understanding the symptoms.

• Doctors ask about the date and location of the pain, what increases it, and what symptoms you develop. This helps determine the problem.

Physical Exam

• During the physical exam, a doctor checks for tenderness and the location of the affected nerve by pressing between the toes.

• The doctor also presses the sides of your foot to squeeze the nerve present between the metatarsal bones. If you feel a sharp pain, the result is a positive diagnosis.

• The doctor may also see your manner of walking to identify abnormal foot pressure or alignment issues that might contribute to symptoms.

Imaging Tests

• The providers conduct ultrasound, the first imaging test that helps give a precise picture of soft nerve tissues and reveals the thickening around your nerve.

• They may also go for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) when diagnosis is unclear. MRI provides detailed images of bones and soft tissue that help determine conditions such as arthritis, stress fractures, or tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Treatment Options for Morton’s Neuroma

1. Non-Surgical Treatments

• Footwear Changes: Wearing footwear with wide and deep toe boxes to prevent pressure or stress on the affected nerve.

• Shoe pads: Using shoe pads can help cushion the area around the affected nerve which helps relieve pressure.

• Orthotic Devices: Use orthotics which are shoe inserts or insoles that support the feet and keep the toes in the proper position.

• Pain Medications: Pain relievers like ibuprofen and naproxen can help relieve pain and swelling. Avoid using the pain medicines for more than 10 days one after the other without a doctor's guidance.

• Icing: Apply cold packs or ice to the affected foot to reduce pain and inflammation. Just wrap a cold pack in a clean cloth or towel and apply it to the area. Avoid direct application.

• Corticosteroids: The providers may prescribe corticosteroids which reduce inflammation. They may suggest cortisone shots to minimize the size of the neuroma.

2. Surgical Treatments (For Severe Cases)

If symptoms persist despite conservative treatments, surgery may be necessary:

• Neurectomy: The most common surgery that involves the removal of the part of the affected nerve.

• Cryogenic Neuroablation: Involves the use of extreme cold to kill the targeted amount of affected nerve cells which reduces nerve sensitivity and inflammation.

• Radiofrequency Ablation: Uses an electrical current to eliminate the little amount of the nerve tissue with the help of heat. This surgery helps in preventing the pain signals from returning to the brain.

Home Remedies for Morton’s Neuroma

Though it is essential to see a podiatrist for the proper diagnosis and treatment, you can follow these approaches at home to manage Morton’s Neuroma symptoms:

• Give rest to your feet: In case of sudden pain, especially after spending long hours standing on your feet, rest for a few days.

• Go for Epsom salt foot soaks: Magnesium sulfate in Epsom salt reduces inflammation and pain and supports healing.

• Do stretching: Stretch your toes to loosen up tight hamstring muscles and calf which help relieve pressure on the foot.

• Switch to comfortable shoes: Wear shoes with a wide toe box to prevent nerve compression.

• Consider dietary changes: Add anti-inflammatory foods to your diet to prevent nerve inflammation and irritation.

• Consider a break from high-impact physical activity: If you regularly participate in running, soccer, and dancing, take a break from these activities as they put excessive strain on your foot's ball.

What Can Be Mistaken for Morton’s Neuroma?

Certain foot conditions share the same symptoms which makes a proper diagnosis very essential. These conditions include:

• Metatarsalgia: Causes pain in the foot's ball and at the same place that is between the metatarsal bones.

• Stress Fracture: Includes small cracks in the foot's bones and causes pain like nerve issues.

• Arthritis or Bursitis: Causes inflammation of the joints and imitates the symptoms of neuroma.

• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Impacts different nerves but can contribute to a burning sensation or tingling feeling in the foot.

How to Prevent Morton’s Neuroma

Follow these measures to prevent Morton's neuroma:

• Choose Proper Footwear: Wide-toe, cushioned, and low-heeled footwear are the best shoes for Morton’s neuroma to reduce pressure. Avoid tight and high-heeled shoes as they lead to nerve compression and irritation.

• Use Orthotics or Supportive Insoles: Use metatarsal pads and arch supports to evenly distribute pressure.

• Stretch and Strengthen the Feet: Perform toe stretches as well as foot exercises to reduce pressure and enhance flexibility.

• Avoid High-Impact Activities: Take a break from high-impact exercises like running or dancing to prevent excessive pressure on your foot. Instead, practice low-impact activities such as cycling or swimming.

• Maintain a Healthy Body Weight: Reduce excess body weight to minimize pressure and strain on the foot.

• Regularly Massage Your Feet: Massage your feet regularly to reduce tension and prevent thickening of the nerve. 

Final Thoughts

The 10 signs you may have Morton's neuroma include a pebble-like feeling in the shoe, burning sensation, tingling or numbness, sharp and shooting pain between the toes, clicking sensation, etc. Identifying these symptoms and consulting a doctor can help prevent further complications. Early medical intervention with comfortable footwear, shoe pads, orthotics, pain medications, corticosteroids, and surgery can prevent the worsening of the condition.

Remember that your feet support each step of your way, so do not neglect persistent foot pain! See a podiatrist for the best care!

Read Also: Pain in Bottom Foot: Causes, Treatments and When To Visit a Doctor