Morton’s neuroma causes burning, tingling, numbness, or the feeling of a pebble in your shoe — usually in the ball of the foot, between the third and fourth toes. It happens when the tissue around a nerve thickens, and it often worsens with tight shoes, high heels, or repetitive pressure.
At Premier Lower Limb Clinic in Jersey City, Dr. Ibrahim Elkattawy diagnoses neuromas accurately and relieves them with conservative care first, reserving minimally invasive options for cases that need more.
Book OnlineSymptoms of Morton’s Neuroma
You may have a neuroma if you notice:
- Burning or sharp pain in the ball of the foot
- A feeling that there’s a pebble or fold in your sock
- Numbness or tingling that radiates into the toes
- Pain that worsens in tight shoes or high heels and eases when you remove them
What Causes It
A neuroma develops when a nerve between the toes is irritated and compressed, causing the surrounding tissue to thicken. Narrow or high-heeled shoes, high-impact activity, and foot structures like bunions or flat feet can all increase the pressure on that nerve.
Some patients with foot mechanics issues benefit from custom orthotics to reduce nerve irritation and improve comfort.
Treatment Options
Most neuromas improve without surgery. Dr. Elkattawy may recommend:
- Custom orthotics and metatarsal pads to take pressure off the nerve
- Footwear changes to a wider, lower-heeled shoe
- Cortisone or other injections to reduce inflammation and pain
- Minimally invasive procedures when conservative care isn’t enough
We also provide treatment for related conditions such as heel pain and a full range of podiatry services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Morton’s neuroma feel like?
Most people describe burning or sharp pain in the ball of the foot, numbness in the toes, or the sensation of a lump or pebble under the foot.
Can it be treated without surgery?
Often, yes. Many patients get lasting relief from orthotics, footwear changes, and injections. Surgery is considered only when those don’t work.
Will it get worse if I ignore it?
It can. Continued pressure tends to enlarge the irritated tissue and increase pain, so earlier treatment is usually easier and more effective.
What kind of shoes should I wear?
Wider toe boxes and lower heels reduce pressure on the nerve. We’ll give you specific footwear guidance during your visit.
Do injections cure the neuroma?
Injections reduce inflammation and pain and can provide significant relief, often as part of a broader plan with orthotics and footwear changes.
How is it diagnosed?
Dr. Elkattawy diagnoses neuromas through a hands-on exam and, when needed, imaging — making sure your pain isn’t coming from another cause.
