Morton’s neuroma

Morton’s neuroma is a painful thickening around a nerve in the ball of the foot, most often between the third and fourth toes. Repeated pressure can irritate the nerve and make everyday walking or footwear uncomfortable.

What is morton’s neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma is a painful thickening around a nerve in the ball of the foot, most often between the third and fourth toes. Repeated pressure can irritate the nerve and make everyday walking or footwear uncomfortable.

What causes it?

There may be more than one cause or contributing factor. These can include:

  • Repeated compression of a nerve between the metatarsal bones
  • Narrow or tight-fitting shoes
  • High heels
  • An injury or repeated strain through the ball of the foot

 

What are the symptoms?

Everyone experiences symptoms differently, but you may notice:

  • Burning or stabbing pain in the ball of the foot
  • Numbness or tingling that may spread into the toes
  • A feeling of a stone or marble beneath the foot
  • Pain that comes and goes and may ease after removing your shoe

 

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis can take more than one assessment because the symptoms can resemble other foot problems. Your consultant will examine the foot and may arrange an ultrasound scan.

We’ll explain any tests clearly and talk you through what the results mean for you.

 

How is it treated?

Treatment depends on the cause, the severity of your symptoms and the activities you want to return to. We’ll help you understand your options before you decide what happens next.

  • Wider, softer and more shock-absorbing shoes with a lower heel
  • Moulded insoles to reduce pressure
  • An ultrasound-guided steroid and local anaesthetic injection, where appropriate

Recovery goals after treatment for morton’s neuroma

Phase 1

Early recovery

Reduce pain and swelling Protect the affected area Keep moving safely as advised

Phase 2

As your symptoms improve

Restore comfortable movement Rebuild strength and control Return gradually to everyday tasks

Phase 3

Returning to full activity

Return to suitable exercise or sport Regain confidence in your movement Continue rehabilitation or monitoring as advised

Working with professionals and teams

Our consultants support professional athletes, sports teams and active individuals with the assessment and treatment of meniscus injuries. Working closely with physiotherapists, strength and conditioning specialists and the wider care team, they develop personalised treatment plans that support a safe return to sport or everyday activities.

 

The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or goals.

 

Working with professionals and teams

How to pay

We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.

Private medical insurance

Private medical insurance

If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.

Paying for yourself

Paying for yourself

You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.

 

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