Is It Morton's Neuroma? Why Your Foot Is Burning & Medically Approved Next Steps

A burning sensation in the ball of your foot can be uncomfortable, distracting, and sometimes alarming. If it feels like you're standing on a pebble, a fold in your sock, or a small electric shock between your toes, Morton's neuroma may be the cause.

But not all foot pain is Morton's neuroma. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and medically recommended next steps can help you decide what to do next — calmly and confidently.

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What Is Morton's Neuroma?

Morton's neuroma is a thickening of tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes. It most often affects the nerve between the third and fourth toes.

Despite the name, it is not a tumor and not cancer. Instead, it's a response to irritation, pressure, or injury to the nerve. Over time, repeated stress can cause the tissue around the nerve to thicken, leading to pain and burning sensations.

It is most common in adults, especially women, and often linked to footwear and foot structure.

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Common Symptoms of Morton's Neuroma

The symptoms of Morton's neuroma are usually specific and noticeable. You may experience:

• Burning pain in the ball of your foot
• Tingling or numbness in the toes
• A feeling like there's a pebble in your shoe
• Pain that worsens when walking or wearing tight shoes
• Relief when removing shoes or massaging the foot

The discomfort is often described as sharp, stabbing, or electric. Some people also report that the pain radiates into the toes.

Symptoms typically come on gradually and may worsen over time if not addressed.

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Why Is Your Foot Burning?

A burning sensation in the foot can happen for several reasons. Morton's neuroma is one common cause, but others include:

• Peripheral neuropathy (often related to diabetes)
• Metatarsalgia (general inflammation in the ball of the foot)
• Stress fractures
• Arthritis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome

What makes Morton's neuroma distinct is its location and trigger pattern. The pain is usually localized between the toes and worsens with pressure from tight or narrow shoes.

If your symptoms are mainly in one foot and centered between the third and fourth toes, Morton's neuroma becomes more likely.

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What Causes Morton's Neuroma?

Morton's neuroma develops due to repeated irritation or compression of the nerve. Contributing factors include:

• Wearing high heels
• Tight or narrow shoes
• High-impact sports (running, tennis)
• Foot deformities (bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, high arches)
• Repetitive stress on the forefoot

High heels and tight shoes are major contributors because they push the toes together and increase pressure on the ball of the foot.

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How Is Morton's Neuroma Diagnosed?

A healthcare provider usually diagnoses Morton's neuroma through:

• A detailed medical history
• Physical examination of the foot
• Pressing on the space between the toes to reproduce symptoms

Sometimes imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI are used to confirm the diagnosis, especially if symptoms are unclear or not improving.

If you're unsure whether your symptoms align with this condition, you can use a free AI-powered symptom checker for Morton's Neuroma to quickly assess your symptoms and understand what might be causing your foot pain before scheduling a doctor's appointment.

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Medically Approved Next Steps

The good news is that most cases of Morton's neuroma improve without surgery. Early treatment often leads to better outcomes.

1. Change Your Footwear

This is often the most important first step.

Choose shoes that:

• Have a wide toe box
• Offer good arch support
• Have low heels
• Provide cushioning in the ball of the foot

Avoid narrow, tight, or high-heeled shoes whenever possible.

2. Use Padding or Orthotics

Over-the-counter metatarsal pads can reduce pressure on the nerve. Custom orthotics prescribed by a podiatrist may also help redistribute weight and improve foot alignment.

3. Rest and Activity Modification

Reducing high-impact activities can allow inflammation to settle. You don't have to stop moving completely, but switching to low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling may help.

4. Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may reduce pain and inflammation. These should be used according to medical guidance, especially if you have other health conditions.

5. Corticosteroid Injections

If conservative measures don't help, a doctor may recommend a corticosteroid injection to reduce inflammation around the nerve. These injections can provide significant relief, though effects may vary.

6. Surgery (When Necessary)

Surgery is typically considered only after other treatments fail. The procedure may involve removing the thickened nerve tissue. While many people experience relief, surgery can sometimes result in permanent numbness in the affected toes.

Your doctor can help weigh the risks and benefits if it comes to that point.

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When Should You See a Doctor?

You should speak to a doctor if:

• Pain persists despite changing footwear
• Symptoms are worsening
• You have numbness that doesn't improve
• Walking becomes difficult
• You have diabetes or another condition affecting nerves

While Morton's neuroma itself is not life-threatening, some causes of burning foot pain — such as severe infections, blood clots, or advanced neuropathy — can be serious. If you experience:

• Sudden severe pain
• Swelling with redness and warmth
• Fever
• Loss of sensation
• Chest pain or shortness of breath

Seek urgent medical care immediately.

Always speak to a doctor about any symptoms that could be serious or life threatening.

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Can Morton's Neuroma Go Away on Its Own?

In early stages, symptoms may improve with simple changes like wearing better shoes and reducing pressure on the forefoot.

However, if irritation continues, the thickened tissue may persist and symptoms can become more frequent or intense. Early intervention gives you the best chance of avoiding invasive treatments.

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Preventing Morton's Neuroma

You can lower your risk by:

• Wearing properly fitted shoes
• Limiting high heels
• Using supportive insoles
• Replacing worn-out athletic shoes
• Strengthening foot muscles
• Managing foot deformities early

Prevention is often easier than treatment.

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The Bottom Line

If your foot feels like it's burning, tingling, or like there's something stuck under the ball of your foot, Morton's neuroma could be the cause. It's a common and treatable condition caused by nerve irritation — not cancer and not something to panic about.

The most important first steps are simple:

• Wear wider, supportive shoes
• Reduce pressure on the forefoot
• Consider padding or orthotics
• Monitor your symptoms

If you're still uncertain about your symptoms, Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker for Morton's Neuroma can help you understand whether your foot pain matches this condition and guide your next steps.

Most importantly, speak to a qualified healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan — especially if symptoms are severe, worsening, or accompanied by other concerning signs.

Foot pain is common, but you don't have to ignore it. With the right steps, relief is often possible.