Morton’s Neuroma

A neuroma is a thickening of the tissue around a nerve. In the foot, the most common type is Morton’s neuroma, which forms between the toes, usually the third and fourth, and causes burning pain, tingling, or numbness in the ball of the foot. At Upperline Health, our podiatry team diagnoses and treats Morton’s neuroma and other foot neuromas, with the goal of relieving the nerve pressure causing your symptoms.

Many people describe the feeling as standing on a pebble or a bunched-up sock. With the right diagnosis, most neuromas can be managed without surgery, especially when they are treated early.

What Is a Neuroma?

A neuroma is a thickening of the tissue around a nerve, often caused by ongoing irritation or compression. In the foot, neuromas typically develop between the long bones of the toes, which is why this type is also called an intermetatarsal neuroma. The nerve becomes enlarged and sensitive, leading to pain and changes in sensation in the surrounding area.

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma is the most common foot neuroma. It forms between the third and fourth toes and is one of the most frequent causes of pain in the ball of the foot. Typical symptoms include:

•   Burning or sharp pain in the ball of the foot

•   Tingling or numbness in the toes

•   The feeling of standing on a pebble or a bunched-up sock

•   Pain that worsens with tight shoes or activity and eases when you remove the shoe and rub the foot

Because these symptoms can overlap with other foot problems, an accurate diagnosis matters before starting treatment.

What Causes a Neuroma?

Neuromas develop when a nerve is repeatedly irritated or compressed. Common contributing factors include:

•   Tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes that squeeze the forefoot

•   High-impact or repetitive activities like running

•   Foot structure and related conditions, such as bunions, hammertoes, and flat or high arches

•   A previous injury to the foot, which can lead to a traumatic neuroma

A Connected Approach to Neuroma Care

At Upperline Health, your neuroma care is part of one connected team. Our podiatry providers work alongside the doctors you already see, so your foot health is coordinated with the rest of your care rather than treated in isolation.

Through Upperline Plus, you also have an extra layer of support between visits, helping you stay on track with your plan and get answers when you need them. You do not have to manage this on your own.

Treatment Options for Neuromas

Most neuromas, including Morton’s neuroma, improve with conservative care, especially when treated early. Your provider will build a plan around your symptoms, which may include:

•   Footwear changes: wider, lower-heeled shoes with more room and cushioning in the forefoot.

•   Custom orthotics and metatarsal padding: inserts and pads that spread the bones apart and take pressure off the nerve.

•   Activity adjustments: easing high-impact activity while the nerve settles down.

•   Corticosteroid or other injections: to reduce inflammation and pain around the nerve.

•   Laser treatment for pain and inflammation: a non-invasive option that may help with nerve-related discomfort.

•   Surgery: when a neuroma does not respond to conservative care, a procedure to release or remove the affected nerve may be considered.

Your provider will start with the least invasive options that are likely to work and only move toward injections or surgery if your symptoms persist.

What to Expect From Your Care

Your provider will ask about your symptoms and footwear, examine your foot, and may gently squeeze the forefoot to reproduce the pain — a simple test that helps identify a neuroma. Imaging may be used to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes. From there, you will receive a clear explanation and a treatment plan that usually begins with conservative care.

Why Choose Upperline Health

Patients choose Upperline Health for foot and ankle care because it is focused, coordinated, and built around you. Our podiatry providers diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma and other foot neuromas regularly, and our connected care model means your foot health is considered alongside the rest of your health.

With locations across a growing network in 25 states, expert care is available close to home, with the added support of Upperline Plus between visits.

Meet Our Podiatry Providers

Your neuroma care is delivered by experienced podiatry providers who diagnose and treat foot and ankle conditions every day. Find a provider to learn more about our team, or explore our foot & ankle specialties.

Find Neuroma Care Near You

Upperline Health offers foot and ankle care at locations across a growing network in 25 states. Use our location finder to find a clinic near you and schedule a visit with a podiatry provider.

Schedule an Appointment

Have questions or are you ready to get started? Our care team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at a location near you, or contact us with any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions