By the KMW Podiatry team. Last reviewed November 2026.
Do you get a burning pain in the ball of your foot, tingling into two toes, or a feeling like you are standing on a pebble or a folded sock? These are common descriptions of Morton’s neuroma. This guide explains what it is, what tends to make it worse and the management options a podiatrist may discuss.
What is Morton’s neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma is a thickening of the tissue around one of the small nerves that run between the long bones of the forefoot (the metatarsals) to the toes. It most often affects the space between the third and fourth toes, and sometimes between the second and third. Despite the name, it is not a tumour. It is thought to develop when the nerve is repeatedly compressed or irritated.
Common symptoms
- burning, sharp or shooting pain in the ball of the foot
- tingling or numbness spreading into two neighbouring toes
- a feeling of a lump, pebble or bunched-up sock under the foot
- pain that is worse in tight or high-heeled shoes, or with activity
- relief when you take your shoe off and rub the foot
Symptoms often come and go at first, and may become more frequent over time.
What can contribute?
- Footwear: narrow toe boxes squeeze the forefoot bones together, and high heels push more weight onto the ball of the foot.
- Activities: running, court sports, dancing and other activities that load the forefoot repeatedly.
- Foot shape and mechanics: bunions, hammer toes, flat feet or high arches can change how pressure is spread across the forefoot.
- Long periods on your feet, especially on hard surfaces.
Is it a neuroma or something else?
Pain in the ball of the foot has several possible causes, including metatarsalgia, joint irritation, a stress fracture, bursitis or nerve problems elsewhere. Because management differs, a proper assessment helps. A podiatrist will usually ask about your symptoms, press between the toes and may perform specific tests. Sometimes an ultrasound or other imaging is requested through your GP to confirm the diagnosis.
What can you do at home?
- Wear wider shoes. Shoes with a roomy, deep toe box reduce squeezing across the forefoot.
- Lower your heels. Keep high heels for short occasions.
- Loosen laces across the forefoot, or try a lacing pattern that reduces pressure there.
- Take breaks from standing and from high-impact activity during flare-ups.
- Ice and massage. Gently massaging the area or using a wrapped ice pack may ease symptoms.
Our shoe fitting advice page has more general tips.
Management options a podiatrist may discuss
Management usually starts with conservative care. Options may include:
Footwear changes
Advice on shoe shape, width, heel height and lacing is often the first step.
Padding and offloading
A metatarsal pad placed just behind the ball of the foot can help spread the forefoot bones and reduce pressure on the nerve. Your podiatrist will position it carefully, as placement matters.
Orthoses
Insoles or orthoses with a metatarsal dome or other modifications may help redistribute pressure for some people.
Activity modification
Reducing or modifying activities that aggravate the foot, then returning gradually.
Referral for other treatment
If symptoms continue despite conservative care, your podiatrist may refer you to your GP or a specialist to discuss other options, such as injections or, in some cases, surgery. Results vary, and your doctor will explain the potential benefits and risks.
Some clinics also offer dry needling for forefoot pain. Research on dry needling for Morton’s neuroma is limited, so if it is offered, ask about the evidence and how it fits with other treatment. You can read about the approach on our neuroma treatment page.
When to see a health professional
Book an assessment if pain in the ball of your foot lasts more than a couple of weeks, keeps coming back, or affects your work, exercise or sleep. People with diabetes or reduced feeling in their feet should have any new forefoot pain or numbness checked promptly. For general information on looking after your feet and finding a podiatrist, see healthdirect’s foot care guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can Morton’s neuroma go away on its own?
Symptoms can settle with footwear changes and reducing pressure on the forefoot, especially when they are caught early. Some people continue to have symptoms and need further management.
Do I need surgery for Morton’s neuroma?
Many people are managed without surgery. Surgery may be considered by a specialist if symptoms continue despite conservative care.
What shoes are good for Morton’s neuroma?
Shoes with a wide, deep toe box, a low heel and a cushioned, supportive sole are generally more comfortable. Avoid narrow, pointed or high-heeled shoes during flare-ups.
Is Morton’s neuroma the same as metatarsalgia?
No. Metatarsalgia is a general term for pain in the ball of the foot. Morton’s neuroma is one specific cause, involving a nerve between the toes.
Book an assessment
KMW Podiatry assesses forefoot pain at clinics across Adelaide and Gawler. Book an appointment online or call 1800 962 113.
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Please see your GP or podiatrist about your own situation. KMW Podiatry’s podiatrists are registered with the Podiatry Board of Australia through Ahpra.