What is Morton’s neuroma and how can it be treated


Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition affecting the foot, specifically the nerve tissue between the metatarsal bones. It commonly occurs between the third and fourth toes. This condition involves the thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to the toes, often due to irritation or compression.

Symptoms of Morton’s neuroma include sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot, tingling, or numbness in the toes. Some people describe the sensation as feeling like a pebble is stuck in their shoe. The pain typically worsens with activities that put pressure on the foot, such as walking or wearing tight shoes.


Causes of Morton's neuroma


Morton’s neuroma stems from an irritated nerve between your metatarsals, most often between the third and fourth toes. Some causes include wearing tight, pointed, or high-heeled shoes that compress the toes, engaging in high-impact athletic activities that put pressure on the feet, and having other foot conditions such as flat feet, high arches, bunions, or hammer toes.


How to relieve the pain yourself


There are a number of things that you can do to ease pain at home. If symptoms persist, then it is advisable to visit either a GP or a foot specialist.


  • Keep your foot elevated

  • Hold ice to your foot for short intervals throughout the day

  • Lose weight if you are overweight, to reduce load on your foot

  • Take mild painkillers

  • Avoid high intensity activity such as running

  • Avoid uncomfortable footwear

  • Buy and wear insoles


Treatments for Morton’s neuroma


If symptoms persist, a foot specialist will likely recommend non-surgical treatments as a first line of action. This is because non-surgical treatments are the least disruptive to quality of life, and do not require a long recovery time such as with surgical treatments. Non surgical treatments may include specially made insoles to target the region around the metatarsals, radiofrequency ablation to reduce pain felt from the nerve, or steroid injections into the foot.


Surgery may be considered when non-surgical treatments fail to provide relief. The most common surgical procedure is a neurectomy, where the affected nerve tissue is removed. Other surgical options include decompression surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve and cryogenic surgery to freeze and destroy the nerve tissue. Surgery is typically reserved for severe cases with persistent symptoms. Patients are advised to consult with healthcare professionals to determine the best course of action for their specific situation.


Dr. Francesc Malagelada is a leading consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon based in London. He treats foot and ankle disorders, using non-surgical and surgical treatments that best suit each patient and their lifestyle.

When appropriate, he performs arthroscopy (keyhole) or minimally-invasive surgery using the latest techniques. Some benefits of these are that they can provide faster recovery and almost unnoticeable scars. Dr Malagelada’s research into the field of minimally-invasive surgery resulted in a PhD with a ‘cum laude’ distinction.

Do you believe you have Morton’s neuroma? Click here to request an appointment now.