Podiatry
Morton's Neuroma
Thickening and irritation of a nerve between the toes, causing burning, numbness, and a feeling like stepping on a pebble.
Morton's neuroma, also known as an interdigital neuroma, is an enlargement and irritation of one of the nerves that supplies your toes. It typically affects the nerve running between the metatarsal bones of the 2nd to 4th toes. Because the nerve becomes swollen, you may notice altered sensations in the foot, such as burning, numbness, tingling, or a feeling like you're stepping on a pebble.
Despite its name, Morton's neuroma isn't a cancerous tumour or an abnormal new growth — rather, it's a thickening of existing nerve tissue in response to inflammation and irritation. It's thought to occur from repetitive mechanical trauma and pressure caused by high-impact activity and tight footwear. It's a very common presentation of forefoot pain, with research estimating that around one in three people will develop one in their lifetime.
Risk factors
- A high-arched foot structure
- Habitual wearing of high heels or tight-fitting sports shoes such as climbing shoes
- Flexible joints in the foot
- Minimal fat padding in the forefoot
- High-impact sports involving running and jumping
- Tight-fitting shoes
- Work that requires being on your feet all day
Common symptoms
- Burning or pins-and-needles sensations in the sole of the forefoot
- Pain in the ball of the foot that increases with walking or wearing enclosed footwear
- Weakness in the foot, sometimes with muscle wasting in severe cases
Assessment & treatment
Treatment
Morton's neuroma can usually be managed with footwear changes and treatments that decompress the structures around the nerve, allowing it to settle and reduce in size. Options may include:
Treatment may include:
- Anti-inflammatories
- Shockwave therapy or dry needling
- Changing to wider-fitting footwear
- Orthotics to redistribute pressure away from the site of injury
- Running technique adjustments
- Cortisone injections
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Rarely, surgical excision if conservative management doesn't resolve symptoms
How Simba Health treats Morton's Neuroma
Our podiatry clinicians assess the cause of your symptoms and build a personalised, evidence-based plan to treat Morton's Neuroma. With no GP referral required and initial appointments from $109, you can start care quickly at a clinic near you.
Podiatry near you
Frequently asked questions
No. You can book podiatry directly at Simba Health with no GP referral, so you can start treatment for Morton's Neuroma without delay. Initial appointments start from $109. A referral may still help if you're claiming under a care plan.
Morton's Neuroma is treated under our podiatry service, with initial consultations from $109 and lower follow-up fees. We keep our pricing transparent so you know what to expect before your appointment.
Our podiatry clinicians assess the underlying cause of your symptoms, then build a personalised, evidence-based treatment plan for Morton's Neuroma. Many people start to notice improvement once the right plan is underway.
Not sure this is right for you?
Call us and we'll help you find the right service and clinician for your needs.
(02) 9188 0544