Morton's neuroma

Some of the symptoms of Morton's neuroma may include:

• tingling sensation in your toes that worsens over time
• eventually, this may lead to a burning or shooting pain in the ball of your foot
• pain in your toes and foot when walking and/or running

Your consultant will discuss your symptoms with you to help make a diagnosis. Specific things they may look for include:

• if you experience pain when they press between the third and fourth toes
• a strange clicking feeling between the bones of your foot, an X-ray will be able to rule out other injuries that relate to broken bones
• ultrasound images of soft foot and toe tissues can help to identify neuromas

Your consultant will discuss your treatment options with you and help to determine the best approach.

Non-surgical treatments

• orthotic devices such as soft pads to place in your footwear
• painkillers or steroid injections to ease severe discomfort

In some special cases, your consultant may recommend surgery. To access the nerve, your surgeon will make a small incision at the top or bottom of your foot. This is carried out under local or general anaesthetic. They can then remove tissue parts to increase space around the nerve. Alternatively, they may remove the nerve completely. This will create permanent numbness around your toes.

More about surgery for Morton's neuroma