If every step feels like there is a pebble tucked beneath the front of your foot, the problem may be coming from an irritated nerve rather than your shoe. Morton’s neuroma can cause burning, tingling, numbness, and a marble-like sensation near the toes. At Bone & Joint Specialists, our foot and ankle care includes evaluation and treatment for neuromas across Northwest Indiana. Dr. James Hong, DPM, is board-certified in Foot and Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery and actively trains and supervises podiatric residents.
What Does Morton’s Neuroma Feel Like?
Morton’s neuroma most often develops between the third and fourth toes, where tissue around a nerve becomes irritated or thickened. Symptoms may include:
- Burning discomfort beneath the toes
- Tingling or numbness that spreads into nearby toes
- A feeling that something is stuck inside your shoe
- Soreness that becomes more noticeable while walking
Tight or narrow shoes can increase pressure in this area, and high heels may push more weight toward the front of the foot. Activities that repeatedly load the forefoot can also make symptoms more noticeable.
How Is It Different From Other Foot Pain?
Where the discomfort occurs can help narrow down the possibilities. Plantar fasciitis is more commonly associated with pain along the bottom of the heel. Bunions usually cause a visible bump and tenderness around the big toe joint.
Morton’s neuroma tends to produce burning, tingling, or numbness closer to the toes. Those differences can be helpful, but symptoms alone cannot confirm the diagnosis.
When Should You Have It Checked?
Have your foot examined if the sensation keeps returning, numbness becomes frequent, or the discomfort begins changing how you walk, exercise, or choose shoes. Diagnosis usually starts with a discussion of your symptoms and a physical examination of the foot. If another condition could be contributing, additional imaging such as an MRI may be used to evaluate soft tissue or rule out another source of pain.
How Is Morton’s Neuroma Treated?
Surgery is not usually the starting point. Our team may recommend wider footwear, orthotics, or corticosteroid injections to reduce pressure and inflammation around the irritated nerve. Dr. Hong’s treatment philosophy also emphasizes conservative care first, with surgery reserved for cases that do not improve with nonsurgical measures.
Get Help for Persistent Forefoot Symptoms
Burning, numbness, or repeated discomfort near the toes can make everyday walking surprisingly frustrating. Contact us at Bone & Joint Specialists if these symptoms are interfering with your normal activities. We see patients in Merrillville, Highland, and Hobart, IN. Call 219-795-3360 to arrange an appointment with our foot and ankle team.
