Numb Toes and Burning Feet? It Could Be Morton’s Neuroma

Have you ever felt like there was a pebble in your shoe or your sock was bunched up under your toes—only to take off your shoe and find nothing there? If so, you might be experiencing a condition called Morton’s neuroma. This foot problem can be frustrating and painful, but the good news is that it is treatable.

Morton’s neuroma is also sometimes referred to as interdigital neuroma, interdigital neuritis, plantar neuroma, Morton metatarsalgia, intermetatarsal neuroma, or forefoot neuroma (1,2). These all refer to the same condition. In simple terms, it involves irritation or compression of the nerves in the foot, usually between the third and fourth toes (3).

Doctor’s don’t know the exact cause of Morton’s neuroma, but it is believed to be related to thickening or inflammation of the nerve in the foot. The nerve may also be squeezed by surrounding thickened tissue. This most commonly occurs between the third and fourth toes, though it can affect other areas of the foot as well (3). Morton’s neuroma tends to be more common in women than in men and usually affects people between the ages of 30 and 60 (1).

Several factors can increase the risk of developing a neuroma. Wearing tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes that squeeze the toes can lead to nerve irritation. Other risk factors include being overweight and having other foot deformities such as bunion or hammertoe. Additionally, walking and/or standing for long periods of time can contribute to the development of a neuroma (2).

With the causes and risk factors in mind, it is important to recognize the symptoms that may point to a Morton’s neuroma. As previously mentioned, someone with a neuroma may feel as if something is inside their shoe. Some people describe feeling like a sock is bunched up or there is a pebble in their shoe (3). Others may experience burning, tingling, numbness, or sharp pain in the toes. The pain may radiate from the ball of the foot to the toes, especially during high-impact physical activity such as running, walking, or playing sports (2).

If these symptoms persist or become more severe, it is important to see a doctor. To diagnose Morton’s neuroma, the doctor will begin by asking about symptoms and medical history. They may ask when the pain started, whether it appeared suddenly or gradually, and what seems to make it better or worse (4). During the physical exam, the doctor may press on and move the foot to try to reproduce the pain. One sign of a neuroma is a “Mulder’s click,” which is a clicking sensation felt between the toes when the front of the foot is squeezed (1). To rule out other causes of foot pain, the doctor might order an X-ray. If more detailed imaging is needed, an ultrasound or MRI can provide a clearer picture of the soft tissues in the foot (4).

Following diagnosis, several treatment options are available depending on the severity of the symptoms. In many cases, nonsurgical methods can provide significant relief. These include wearing shoes with a wider toe box to reduce pressure to the foot, using pads or custom orthotics to support the arch and cushion the nerve, applying ice to reduce swelling, and taking anti-inflammatory medications. In some cases, steroid or alcohol injections can be used to reduce nerve irritation (3,5). If these treatments do not improve the pain, surgery may be warranted. Surgical options involve either removing the affected part of the nerve or releasing tissue around the nerve to relieve pressure. Although surgery is usually a last resort, it is often successful, with many studies showing that 80 to 95 percent of patients report significant improvement in their symptoms afterward (1).

Morton’s neuroma can be a painful and frustrating condition, but it is treatable.

It is important to recognize the symptoms early and seek medical attention. With the right treatment, most people are able to return to their usual activities without discomfort.

References:

1.     Morton’s neuroma. OrthoInfo. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Updated October 2021. Accessed July 6, 2025. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/mortons-neuroma

2.     Morton’s neuroma. Penn Medicine. Accessed July 6, 2025. https://www.pennmedicine.org/conditions/mortons-neuroma

3.     Morton’s neuroma (intermetatarsal neuroma). FootHealthFacts. American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Accessed July 6, 2025. https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/morton-s-neuroma-(intermetatarsal-neuroma)

4.     Morton’s neuroma: diagnosis and treatment. Mayo Clinic. Accessed July 6, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mortons-neuroma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351939

5.     Morton’s neuroma. NHS. Updated March 16, 2023. Accessed July 6, 2025. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mortons-neuroma/

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