Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition involving a thickened nerve in the ball of the foot—most commonly between the third and fourth toes. It’s not a true tumor, but rather a nerve irritation and swelling caused by repeated compression or stress in the forefoot.
Patients often describe it as feeling like they’re standing on a pebble or having a fold in their sock. It can cause sharp, burning pain or numbness in the toes.
Common Symptoms
- Burning or tingling pain in the forefoot
- Numbness in the toes (especially the 3rd and 4th)
- Feeling like you’re stepping on a pebble or marble
- Pain that worsens with tight shoes or extended standing
- Temporary relief when removing shoes or massaging the foot
Why Does Morton’s Neuroma Happen?
At Bayshore Podiatry Center, we approach Morton’s neuroma using the Tissue Stress Model. We ask: what tissue is under stress, and why can’t it handle it?
This condition typically results from:
- Narrow or high-heeled footwear compressing the forefoot
- High-impact activity or repetitive forefoot loading (e.g., running, HIIT)
- Biomechanical issues like forefoot instability or tight calves
- Loss of fat pad cushioning in the ball of the foot (common with aging)
How We Diagnose It
Our diagnostic process includes:
- Thorough physical exam and palpation of the forefoot
- Gait analysis and footwear review
- In-office ultrasound (if needed) to visualize nerve thickening
Morton’s Neuroma Treatment at Bayshore Podiatry
We personalize treatment based on symptom severity, lifestyle, and underlying mechanics:
✅ Conservative Offloading & Support:
- Wide toe box or rocker-bottom shoes
- Forefoot pads or metatarsal offloading devices
- Custom orthotics designed to reduce pressure at the neuroma site
✅ Tissue-Calming Therapies:
- Corticosteroid or alcohol sclerosing injections
- MLS laser therapy to reduce inflammation and nerve irritation
✅ Advanced Regenerative Options (when needed):
- Shockwave therapy for chronic neuroma cases
- Wharton’s Jelly injection for severe or recurrent inflammation
✅ Surgical Referral (rare):
- In recalcitrant cases where conservative and regenerative therapies fail, we may recommend surgical excision as a last resort
When to Seek Treatment
If pain in the ball of your foot persists longer than 2 weeks, or if you’re altering your gait to avoid discomfort, it’s time to be evaluated. Early care leads to better outcomes and often avoids invasive interventions.
Get Relief Without Losing Step
At Bayshore Podiatry Center, we identify the source of nerve irritation and reduce the stress at its root—so you can move freely again without burning, numbness, or disruption.
👉 Think you might have a neuroma? Book your evaluation today and let’s create a targeted plan to calm your symptoms and keep you active.
Bayshore Podiatry Center — South Tampa’s Leader in Nerve-Related Foot Pain Management