Morton's Neuroma
Morton's neuroma is a thickening of the tissue around a nerve in the foot, most often the nerve between the third and fourth toes. Despite its name, it is not a true tumor.
What people may notice
People may describe sharp, shooting or burning pain in the ball of the foot, or the feeling of a pebble or lump under the foot.
- Numbness or tingling between the third and fourth toes
- Cramping in the toes
- Pain that is worse with tight or high-heeled shoes, or when walking or running
- Symptoms that may get worse over time
What may contribute
The exact cause is not known. Things linked with it include:
- Tight, pointed or high-heeled shoes
- Heavy running or another activity that puts repeated pressure on the ball of the foot
- Foot shape, such as flat feet or high arches
- Other foot problems, such as bunions or hammer toes
What an evaluation may look at
- Where the pain, numbness or tingling is felt, how it began and what makes it better or worse
- Gentle pressure on the forefoot and between the toes, to see whether it brings on symptoms
- How the foot is shaped and how you walk
- Your footwear, and recent changes in work, sport or daily activity
- Whether imaging or a medical assessment is needed, which a medical professional arranges
When to get medical care first
See the full safety checklist
Contact a medical professional if:
- Pain is severe or stops you doing normal activities
- Pain is getting worse or keeps coming back
- Pain or tingling in the foot or toes is constant
- You have tingling, weakness or numbness in the foot
- The pain began after a recent foot injury or foot or ankle surgery
- Self-care, such as wider, lower-heeled shoes, has not helped
Information on a website is not a diagnosis.
How Physical Therapy may fit
Physical Therapy is one of several nonsurgical options. A plan is based on the evaluation. Depending on the findings, it may include some, all or none of the following:
- Education about footwear and activity factors that may be putting pressure on the forefoot
- Guidance on padding, taping or shoe inserts, worked out with your medical professional when they are part of the plan
- A gradual plan for returning to the activities that matter to you
These approaches each have their own page:
Request an appointment
Send a request and we will contact you by the next business day. Submitting a request does not confirm an appointment; your appointment is confirmed only after the clinic responds.