Musculoskeletal

Morton's Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition affecting the ball of the foot, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. It involves a thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to the toes. Morton's neuroma may feel as if you are standing on a pebble in your shoe or on a fold in your sock.

5

Symptoms

4

Causes

6

Treatments

3

Prevention

Condition Overview

Understand key symptoms, causes, diagnosis options, and treatment pathways for Morton's Neuroma. This overview is intended for patient awareness and should be followed by specialist consultation.

MusculoskeletalPrevalence Available

Need Help?

Our specialists can guide you through symptoms and treatment options.

Book Appointment

24/7 Emergency: +91 1800-MEDICARE

Symptoms

  • Burning pain in the ball of the foot
  • Pain that radiates to the toes
  • Feeling of standing on a pebble or fold in the sock
  • Numbness or tingling in the affected toes
  • Pain that worsens with walking or tight footwear and improves with rest

Causes

  • Nerve compression and irritation between the metatarsal heads
  • Tight or high-heeled footwear
  • High-impact activities
  • Foot deformities (bunions, hammertoes, flat feet)

Diagnosis

  • Physical examination (Mulder's click test)
  • Ultrasound (most useful)
  • MRI

Treatment

  • Wider shoes with low heels
  • Metatarsal pads or orthotics
  • NSAIDs
  • Corticosteroid injections
  • Alcohol sclerosing injections
  • Surgery (neuroma excision)

Risk Factors

  • Female sex
  • High-heeled or tight shoes
  • High-impact sports (running, aerobics)
  • Foot deformities

Prevention

  • Wear properly fitting wide shoes
  • Avoid high heels
  • Use metatarsal pads

Prevalence

Affects approximately 1 in 3 women and 1 in 10 men over their lifetime.