Understanding a Misunderstood Source of Forefoot Discomfort
Toe Tingling? Burning Pain? It Might Be More Than Fatigue.
If you feel a burning sensation, tingling, or sharp pain between your toes, and it worsens when you walk in tight shoes, you may be dealing with Morton’s neuroma. Many people mistake this condition for simple foot fatigue, but it’s actually a nerve irritation that needs proper care to prevent long‑term discomfort.
At Yeargain Foot & Ankle in Dallas, we diagnose and treat this condition and with excellent outcomes.
What Is Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma is a thickening of the nerve tissue (usually between the 3rd and 4th toes). It develops when the nerve is repeatedly irritated or compressed.
Think of it as a nerve being squeezed in a tight space – eventually it becomes inflamed, swollen, and painful.
Common Symptoms
Patients often describe the feeling as:
- Tingling or numbness in the toes
- Burning pain in the ball of the foot
- A sharp, electric-shock sensation
- Feeling like there’s a pebble in your shoe
- Pain that worsens with tight shoes or high heels
- Relief when removing shoes or massaging the foot
These symptoms can worsen over time if untreated.
What Causes Morton’s Neuroma?
Several factors can contribute:
1. Footwear
High heels, narrow-toed shoes, or tight dress shoes compress the nerves.
2. Foot Structure
More common in people with:
- High arches
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Flat feet (less common)
3. High-Impact Activity
Running or sports that involve repetitive forefoot impact.
4. Pressure from Deformities
Crowding of the toes or abnormal metatarsal alignment.
How We Diagnose It
At Yeargain Foot & Ankle, diagnosis typically includes:
- Physical exam
- Gait evaluation
- Ultrasound or imaging if needed
We also rule out other causes of forefoot pain (like metatarsalgia or stress fractures).
Effective Treatment Options
1. Footwear Modifications
A wider toe box and lower heel relieve pressure immediately.
2. Custom Orthotics
Orthotics help:
- Reduce pressure on the nerve
- Correct foot mechanics
- Prevent recurrence
3. Padding & Offloading
Metatarsal pads lift and separate the metatarsal bones, reducing nerve compression.
4. Anti-inflammatory Care
Ice, NSAIDs, and manual massage can help reduce symptoms.
5. Injections
Corticosteroid injections may reduce inflammation and provide relief.
Alcohol sclerosing injections can shrink the neuroma in certain cases.
6. Surgical Treatment
If conservative care fails, surgery may be recommended to remove the enlarged nerve or decompress the affected area. Most patients recover well and experience long-term relief.
When to Seek Help
Schedule an evaluation if you experience:
- Persistent tingling or numbness in toes
- Burning pain in the ball of the foot
- Sensations that worsen in tight shoes
- Pain that limits activity or daily comfort
Ignoring symptoms can allow the neuroma to grow, making treatment more complicated.
Find Relief from Morton’s Neuroma in Dallas
Whether your symptoms are new or have been bothering you for months, the team at Yeargain Foot & Ankle can help you get the correct diagnosis and a treatment plan tailored to your lifestyle.
Schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward long-lasting relief.
