What Is Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma is a painful nerve condition that usually affects the ball of the foot, often between the third and fourth toes. Patients may feel burning, tingling, numbness, sharp pain, or the sensation of walking on a pebble inside the shoe.
The pain may come and go at first, especially when wearing tight shoes, high heels, or shoes with a narrow toe box. Over time, symptoms can become more frequent and interfere with walking, exercise, work, or daily comfort.
What Causes Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma is commonly related to irritation or compression of a nerve in the forefoot. This can happen when the metatarsal bones place repeated pressure on the nerve, or when footwear squeezes the front of the foot.
Contributing factors may include narrow shoes, high-impact activity, forefoot pressure, bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, high arches, or abnormal foot mechanics. The issue is often not just the nerve itself, but the pressure pattern that keeps irritating it.
How Dr. Williams Evaluates Forefoot Nerve Pain
At Foot & Ankle Specialists in West Jordan, Dr. Trevor R. Williams evaluates Morton’s neuroma by reviewing symptoms, checking the painful area, examining foot structure, assessing footwear, and determining whether the pain is truly nerve-related.
Because forefoot pain can also come from capsulitis, arthritis, stress injuries, calluses, tendon problems, or joint inflammation, a careful diagnosis is important before starting treatment.
Treatment Options for Morton’s Neuroma
Treatment may begin with wider shoes, forefoot padding, activity modification, anti-inflammatory care, custom orthotics, and strategies to reduce pressure on the nerve. The goal is to create more space in the forefoot and reduce repeated irritation.
If symptoms continue, additional treatments may be considered depending on severity and response to conservative care. Patients with long-standing or severe neuroma pain may need a more advanced treatment discussion.
Why Early Treatment Helps
Morton’s neuroma can become more difficult to manage when nerve irritation continues for a long time. Early care can help reduce pressure, improve comfort, and prevent the condition from interfering with normal movement.
Why Choose Foot & Ankle Specialists?
Dr. Williams focuses on identifying the true source of forefoot pain, not just masking the symptoms. His approach combines foot structure evaluation, footwear guidance, orthotic support when needed, and clear treatment planning for patients in West Jordan and the greater Salt Lake area.