Morton’s Neuroma: What Causes Burning Pain Between the Toes?

If you feel a sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot — or like you’re walking on a pebble that isn’t there — you may be dealing with Morton’s neuroma. This common foot condition affects the nerves between the toes and can become increasingly painful without treatment.

Early evaluation by a podiatrist can prevent worsening symptoms and help you return to comfortable walking.

What Is Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma is a thickening of tissue around one of the nerves leading to the toes. It most commonly develops between the third and fourth toes, where pressure and irritation are frequent.

Despite the name, it is not a true tumor. Instead, it is a nerve irritation caused by repeated compression.

Common Causes of Morton’s Neuroma

This condition often develops due to chronic pressure on the forefoot. Risk factors include:

Tight or narrow shoes
High heels
High-impact activities such as running
Foot deformities like bunions or hammertoes
Flat feet or high arches
Abnormal walking mechanics

Over time, constant pressure irritates the nerve, causing inflammation and pain.

Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma

Symptoms may include:

Burning pain in the ball of the foot
Tingling or numbness in the toes
A sensation of standing on a fold in your sock
Pain that worsens in tight shoes
Temporary relief when removing footwear or massaging the foot

Symptoms often start gradually and become more frequent if the underlying pressure is not addressed.

How Is Morton’s Neuroma Diagnosed?

A podiatrist will evaluate your symptoms, examine your foot structure, and apply pressure to identify nerve irritation. Imaging may be used to rule out stress fractures or other causes of forefoot pain.

Early diagnosis improves treatment outcomes and may prevent the need for more invasive procedures.

Treatment Options for Morton’s Neuroma

Most cases respond well to conservative treatment when caught early.

Footwear Changes

Switching to shoes with a wider toe box and lower heels reduces nerve compression.

Custom Orthotics

Orthotics help redistribute pressure away from the affected nerve and correct biomechanical imbalances.

Anti-Inflammatory Treatments

Medications or corticosteroid injections may reduce inflammation around the nerve.

Class IV Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is a non-invasive option that helps decrease inflammation, improve circulation, and support tissue healing. By reducing nerve irritation, laser therapy can help relieve pain and promote recovery.

Neurolysis for Severe Neuromas

For severe neuromas that continue to cause symptoms despite conservative treatment, the Gentle Foot and Ankle Care team may recommend a treatment called neurolysis.

During neurolysis, patients receive injections of ethanol combined with a local anesthetic once a week for seven consecutive weeks. The affected nerve tissue absorbs the ethanol over time, and the solution gradually destroys the abnormal bundle of irritated nerve tissue. This targeted treatment helps reduce pain while avoiding traditional surgery in many cases.

Surgical Treatment

If conservative care and neurolysis do not provide relief, surgical removal of the affected nerve tissue may be considered.

When to See a Podiatrist

You should schedule an evaluation if:

Forefoot pain persists despite changing shoes
Burning or tingling sensations increase
Pain interferes with walking or exercise

The sooner treatment begins, the more likely you can avoid chronic nerve damage and long-term discomfort.

Don’t Ignore Burning Foot Pain

Morton’s neuroma does not typically resolve on its own. Addressing pressure and inflammation early can prevent worsening symptoms and improve your quality of life.

At Gentle Foot and Ankle Care, we diagnose and treat Morton’s neuroma using conservative care, advanced therapies, and in-office procedures such as neurolysis. If you’re experiencing burning pain between your toes, schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward lasting relief.