Burning pain in the ball of your foot can make walking, working, or exercising uncomfortable. At Physicians Footcare™, our podiatrists evaluate Morton’s neuroma and other causes of forefoot pain at offices across South Carolina and Georgia.
Patients also have access to a broad range of foot and ankle services, including custom orthotics and surgery when conservative care is not enough.
What Is Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma involves irritation and thickening around a nerve that travels toward the toes. It most often develops between the third and fourth toes. Despite its name, it is not a cancerous tumor.
Symptoms may include:
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Sharp, burning, or aching pain in the ball of the foot
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Tingling or numbness that extends into the toes
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The feeling that a pebble or fold is inside your shoe
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Pain that worsens in narrow shoes or during activity
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Temporary relief after removing the shoe or resting
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High heels and narrow shoes can increase pressure on the forefoot. Running, court sports, skiing, climbing, and other activities that repeatedly load the ball of the foot may also irritate the nerve.
Bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, and other structural concerns can change how pressure moves through the foot.
How Is Morton’s Neuroma Diagnosed?
A podiatrist will ask where the pain occurs, what brings it on, and how long it has been present. During the examination, the doctor may press on the forefoot, assess toe motion, and try to reproduce your symptoms.
Several problems can cause pain in the same area. Imaging may be recommended to rule out a stress fracture, arthritis, joint inflammation, or another condition. The type of testing depends on your symptoms and examination findings.
A clear diagnosis helps your podiatrist recommend treatment based on the source of the pain rather than its location alone.
Morton’s Neuroma Treatment Options
Many patients begin with nonsurgical care. Recommendations may include:
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Shoes with a wider toe box and lower heel
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Activity changes that reduce forefoot pressure
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Metatarsal padding or taping
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Medication when medically appropriate
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Custom orthotics that redistribute pressure
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Corticosteroid injections in selected cases
Treatment depends on symptom severity, how long the problem has been present, foot structure, health history, and your response to earlier care.
When Is Surgery Considered?
Foot surgery may be discussed when pain continues despite a reasonable trial of nonsurgical treatment. Depending on the case, the procedure may create more space around the nerve or remove the affected portion of nerve tissue.
Recovery varies with the procedure, your health, and the physical demands of your daily routine. Your podiatrist will explain weight-bearing restrictions, incision care, footwear, and the expected return to activity.
Numbness in the involved toes can occur after removal of the nerve, so the potential benefits and limitations should be reviewed carefully before proceeding.
Why Choose Physicians Footcare for Morton’s Neuroma Treatment in South Carolina & Georgia?
Physicians Footcare combines podiatric evaluation with access to conservative and surgical treatment options. The team includes podiatrists and certified pedorthists who can assist with footwear, custom inserts, and pressure-relieving devices when these are part of your care plan.
With offices across South Carolina and Georgia, patients can seek care near home and return for follow-up as needed. Diagnostic testing may also be used when appropriate to distinguish Morton’s neuroma from bone, joint, or alignment problems that can cause similar discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions About Morton’s Neuroma
Symptoms sometimes improve after changing shoes or reducing the activity that irritates the nerve. Persistent or recurring pain should be evaluated because continued pressure may make the condition harder to manage.
People often describe burning or shooting pain beneath the forefoot, tingling or numbness in the toes, or the sensation of standing on a pebble or wrinkled sock.
Yes. Stress fractures, arthritis, joint inflammation, tendon problems, and other nerve conditions can cause pain in a similar area. An examination and imaging when appropriate can help clarify the cause.
Custom orthotics may reduce pressure on the irritated nerve by changing how weight is distributed across the forefoot. Their usefulness depends on your foot structure, gait, and symptoms.
An injection may reduce inflammation and pain, but results vary. Some patients experience meaningful relief, while others continue to have symptoms and need a different approach.
Surgery may be considered when pain limits daily activity and nonsurgical treatment has not brought enough relief. Your podiatrist will review the procedure, recovery, possible numbness, and other risks.
Find Relief From Forefoot Nerve Pain
Ongoing burning, tingling, or pain in the ball of the foot deserves a clear diagnosis. Contact us to request an appointment with Physicians Footcare in South Carolina or Georgia, or visit our office directory for the phone number of the location nearest you.