12/04/2026
What is a Morton's neuroma? 👣
Do you have burning pain in the ball of your foot, shooting pain and numbness into the toes?💥 This can be a sign of Morton's neuroma.
Morton’s neuroma is a very common foot condition we see in clinic, yet many people put up with it for months (or years) before getting it checked.
What is it?
Morton’s neuroma is a thickening of tissue around one of the small nerves between the metatarsal bones, most often between the 3rd and 4th, however a neuroma can occur between any of the metatarsals. There is often bursitis at the site of the neuroma so the condition is often called neuroma-bursal complex.
What does it feel like?
• Burning or shooting pain in the forefoot
• Tingling or numbness in the toes
• That odd feeling like you’re “walking on a pebble”
What causes it?
It’s usually linked to repeated pressure or irritation of the nerve. Common contributors include:
• Tight or narrow footwear
• High heels
• High-impact activity (running, court sports)
• Foot mechanics (how your foot moves and loads when walking)
What actually helps?
The good news is most cases can be managed without surgery when caught early.
We often suggest:
• Wider footwear to reduce compression (often a game-changer)
• Simple offloading or padding
• Biomechanical assessment and orthotics where appropriate
• Activity modification
For more persistent cases, injection therapy or onward referral may be considered 💉
What about surgery?
Surgery is typically a last resort, but it can be very effective for long-standing or severe cases that haven’t responded to conservative care.
Who should you see?
A podiatrist is usually the best first step. We assess your symptoms, confirm whether it’s likely a neuroma (or something else), and guide you through the most appropriate options. We sometimes use diagnostic ultrasound to help confirm the diagnosis. Rushden Podiatry also offers steroid injections for persistent cases.
Don’t ignore ongoing forefoot pain.
The earlier it’s assessed, the easier it is to manage.
📍 If you’re local and noticing these symptoms, our clinic in Rushden offers private assessments with no GP referral needed.
📞 Call to book an appointment on 01933 594444 or book online https://rushdenpodiatry.co.uk/booking/