Morton’s Neuroma presents as pain at the ball of your foot due to the thickening of the tissue around a nerve fibre
Are you at risk?
Wearing tight, narrow, or high-heeled footwear that places excessive pressure on the forefoot.
Repetitive high-impact activities such as running, jumping, or court sports.
Foot structures that increase pressure on the forefoot, including flat feet, high arches, bunions, or hammertoes.
Occupations or lifestyles that involve prolonged standing or walking.
Previous foot injuries or trauma to the forefoot.
Being female, as Morton's neuroma is diagnosed more frequently in women, partly due to footwear choices.
Symptoms
People with a Morton's neuroma may experience:
A burning or sharp pain in the ball of the foot.
Tingling or numbness in the toes.
The sensation of standing on a pebble, marble, or a fold in the sock.
Symptoms that worsen when wearing tight shoes and improve when footwear is removed.
treatment
Treatment for Morton's neuroma depends on the severity of symptoms and how long the condition has been present. In many cases, conservative treatment can provide significant relief and may help prevent the condition from progressing.
Conservative management may be as simple as modifying footwear to reduce pressure on the affected nerve. Shoes with a wider toe box, lower heel height, and adequate cushioning can often help relieve symptoms. Orthoses may also be recommended to improve foot function and redistribute pressure away from the irritated nerve.
If symptoms persist, your doctor may recommend injection therapy, such as a corticosteroid injection, to help reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.
For more persistent cases, procedures such as ethanol (alcohol) ablation or radiofrequency ablation may be considered. These treatments aim to reduce pain by targeting the affected nerve and can be highly effective for suitable patients.
When conservative and minimally invasive treatments have not provided adequate relief, surgical intervention may be recommended. Surgery is generally considered a last resort and may involve removing the affected nerve or relieving pressure around it.
A thorough assessment is important to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on your symptoms, foot structure, lifestyle, and individual needs.