Morton’s neuroma: when it feels like a pebble in your shoe
Pain, burning or numbness in the forefoot, mainly between the third and fourth toes.
Morton’s neuroma causes the sensation of a pebble in your shoe even though there is nothing there - irritation or thickening of a nerve between the metatarsal bones, usually between the third and fourth toes.
Many people describe the sensation of a fold in their sock or a small stone inside the shoe, even though there is nothing there. Sometimes the pain comes with burning, numbness or electric sensations in the forefoot, particularly while walking or standing for a long time. One of the possible causes is Morton’s neuroma. This is a complaint that causes a lot of confusion at first - because people check the shoe, find it empty, and keep feeling that something is “in there”.
What is Morton’s neuroma?
This is an irritation or thickening of a nerve running between the metatarsal bones of the foot, usually between the third and fourth toes. Load on the area - particularly from shoes that are too narrow or a high heel that compresses the forefoot - can cause pain and various nerve sensations.
Try gently massaging the forefoot and spreading the toes apart a few times a day - it helps give the nerve a little more room and temporarily eases the pressure, while you progress with the full treatment.
How does it usually feel?
- Burning in the forefoot.
- Numbness between the toes.
- The sensation of a stone inside the shoe.
- Pain that worsens with walking.
- Relief after taking the shoe off.
How can physiotherapy help?
Treatment includes adjusting loads, exercises to improve foot function, guidance on suitable footwear (shoes that are wider in the toe area, not narrow and pointed) and sometimes the use of aids to reduce pressure on the nerve.
Frequently asked questions
Not always. In many cases conservative treatment can be started and significant relief achieved before other options are considered.
Sometimes yes, and sometimes it is a significant change. A shoe that is wider in the toe area can reduce the pressure considerably - this is one of the simplest changes with the greatest effect.
When the pain or numbness recurs, worsens or interferes with walking - there’s no need to wait until it becomes unbearable.
What’s worth remembering?
Early assessment, suitable footwear and an appropriate treatment plan can help reduce the pain and make returning to activity more comfortable.
- Shoes that are too narrow or a high heel compressing the forefoot are a major source of load on the nerve.
- It’s identified by burning or numbness between the toes that worsens with walking and eases when the shoe is taken off.
- Gentle massage and spreading the toes apart a few times a day can give the nerve room and bring temporary relief.
Not sure if this is your situation? I’d be happy to give you a professional assessment and build a treatment plan that fits you.
Book a consultation callYou might also be interested in:
Pain somewhere else?
Return to the interactive body map and pick an area
←