What is Morton’s Neuroma?

A Morton’s neuroma is irritation and swelling of a small nerve between the bones at the front of the foot. It is usually felt between the 3rd and 4th toe and is often associated with poor foot biomechanics and wearing the wrong footwear.

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What is Morton’s neuroma, and how do we treat it?

A Morton’s neuroma is irritation and swelling of a small nerve between the bones at the front of the foot. It is usually felt between the 3rd and 4th toe and is often associated with poor foot biomechanics and wearing the wrong footwear. Morton’s neuroma can cause a lot of pain. Patients often describe the pain as feeling like there is a ‘stone in their shoe’.

There are different ways to treat Morton’s neuroma. This will often include correcting the biomechanics of the foot, reviewing footwear and addressing any muscle tightness and weakness. Here are a few top tips you can try yourself:

• Avoid wearing tight slip-on shoes especially if you have quite wide feet
• Leather lace-up shoes are normally more comfortable
• Ensure your shoes are not too small for you. Here is a quick test: there should be a thumb width from the end of the shoe to your big toe. If there is not, you need to go up a size! (In one study, up to 90% of people wore shoes too small for them)
• Stretch your calf muscles regularly
• Strengthen the intrinsic muscles of your foot. One of our expert physiotherapists will be able to provide you with a bespoke rehabilitation plan
• Use an off the shelf orthotic to support the arches of your feet or a ‘metatarsal pad’. These can be purchased from most pharmacists

If you come to see one of our highly specialised physiotherapists we will be able to confirm the correct diagnosis. This may involve a diagnostic ultrasound scan to differentiate between other problems which can present similarly to Morton’s neuroma, such as bursitis, plantar plate injuries and stress fractures of the foot. We will also examine your foot biomechanics, assess the way you walk and assess your muscle strength.