Morton's neuroma
The main symptoms of Morton's neuroma include:
- a shooting, stabbing or burning pain between your 3rd and 4th toes
- feeling like a pebble or lump is stuck under your foot
Some people may also have tingling or numbness in their foot.
The symptoms may be worse when you move your foot or wear tight or high-heeled shoes. It often gets worse over time.
There are things you can try yourself to ease the pain if you have Morton's neuroma. A GP would usually suggest trying these things first.
Do
rest and raise your foot when you can
take ibuprofen or paracetamol
wear wide, comfortable shoes with a low heel and soft sole
use soft insoles or pads you put in your shoes
try to lose weight if you're overweight
avoid or reduce impact activities such as running and jumping
Don't
do not wear tight, pointy shoes, high heels, or shoes with thin soles
- the best painkiller to take
- soft pads or insoles for your shoes – ask for metatarsal pads
See a GP if:
- pain in your foot is severe or stopping you doing your normal activities
- the pain is getting worse or keeps coming back
- the pain has not improved after treating it yourself for 2 weeks
- you have any tingling, weakness or numbness in your foot
- you're getting pain after a recent foot injury, or foot or ankle surgery
If you see a GP because you have symptoms of Morton's neuroma, they can:
- look at your foot to see if it's Morton's neuroma
- refer you to a foot specialist if they think you need further treatment
Treatment from a foot specialist
Treatments from a foot specialist, such as a podiatrist or foot and ankle surgeon, may include:
- specially made soft pads or insoles – to take pressure off the painful area of your foot
- steroid or alcohol injections, or foot surgery – if you have very severe symptoms or other treatments are not working
Referral to a podiatrist on the NHS may not be available to everyone and waiting times can be long.
You can pay to see a podiatrist privately.
Self-refer for treatment
If you think you have Morton's neuroma, you might be able to refer yourself directly to services for help with your condition without seeing a GP.
To find out if there are any services in your area:
- ask the receptionist staff at your GP surgery
- check your GP surgery's website
- contact your local integrated care board (ICB) – find your local ICB
- search online for NHS treatment for Morton's neuroma near you
Morton's neuroma is caused by an irritated or damaged nerve between the toe bones.
It's often linked to:
