What is it?

Morton’s Neuroma is a swollen nerve in the 3rd to 4th inter-metatarsal space which develops in the ball of the foot. This causes shooting pains and a sense of burning up into the toes. 

What causes it?

Often pinching and pressure from the joints in the ‘ball’ of the foot lead to thickening of the nerve. Tighter closed in shoes increase the problem. Patients often feel the urge to remove their shoe and massage the foot to relieve the pain. Numbness can develop over time along with a feeling of ‘rumpled up socks’ under the toes. 

What is the treatment?

Wider shoes are recommended as a first line course of action in conjunction with steroid injections to reduce inflammation. Surgery involves removing the swollen portion of the nerve. This surgery can take approximately 4-6 weeks to recover from. Please note that you will be asked to cease smoking for 6 weeks prior to surgery and 8 weeks post surgery in order to aid the healing process.