Morton's neuroma
Overview
Morton's neuroma is where there's a thickening of tissue around a nerve in your foot that's been irritated or damaged. The symptoms can often be eased with treatments you can try yourself.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of Morton's neuroma include: a shooting, stabbing or burning pain between your 3rd and 4th toesfeeling like a pebble or lump is stuck under your foot Some people may also have tingling or numbness in their foot. The symptoms may be worse when you move your foot or wear tight or high-heeled shoes. It often gets worse over time.
Causes
Morton's neuroma is caused by an irritated or damaged nerve between the toe bones. It's often linked to: wearing tight, pointy or high-heeled shoesdoing a lot of running, or other sports or activities that place pressure on the feethaving other foot problems – such asflat feet, high arches,bunionsor hammer toes
Treatment
If you see a GP because you have symptoms of Morton's neuroma, they can: look at your foot to see if it's Morton's neuromarefer you to a foot specialist if they think you need further treatment Treatments from a foot specialist, such as a podiatrist or foot and ankle surgeon, may include: specially made soft pads or insoles – to take pressure off the painful area of your footsteroid or alcohol injections, or foot surgery – if you have very severe symptoms or other treatments are not working Referral to a podiatrist on the NHS may not be available to everyone and waiting times can be long. You can pay to see a podiatrist privately. If you think you have Morton's neuroma, you might be able to refer yourself directly to services for help with your condition without seeing a GP. To find out if there are any services in your area: ask the receptionist staff at your GP surgerycheck your GP surgery's websitecontact your local integrated care board (ICB) –find your local ICBsearch online for NHS treatment for Morton's neuroma near you