What It Is
A Morton’s neuroma is perineural fibrosis - a benign thickening of the soft tissue around the common digital nerve, most often between the third and fourth metatarsal heads. It is not a tumor.
What It Feels Like
A burning, electric, or “pebble in the shoe” sensation in the ball of the foot, sometimes radiating into the toes. Symptoms often worsen with tight shoes, high heels, or prolonged walking, and improve with rest and removing the shoe.
Diagnosis
Clinical exam (Mulder’s click, palpation), often confirmed with ultrasound or MRI when the diagnosis is uncertain or surgical planning requires it.
Treatment
Wide, low-heeled shoes with a metatarsal pad redistribute pressure off the nerve. Custom orthotics with a metatarsal dome provide more durable relief. Corticosteroid or alcohol-sclerosing injections help selected patients. For neuromas that fail conservative care, surgical excision provides definitive, durable relief in the great majority of patients.