Do you ever feel like there’s a pebble stuck in your shoe, but when you check… nothing’s there? That burning, tingling, or numb sensation in the ball of your foot may be a neuroma. This painful condition can turn everyday walking into a frustrating experience — but the good news is that effective treatment options are available to help you find relief.
What Is Morton’s Neuroma?
A neuroma is a thickening of tissue around a nerve, usually between the third and fourth toes. When this nerve becomes compressed or irritated, it can create sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot. Many patients describe the sensation as if they are standing on a rock or wrinkle in their sock that just won’t go away.
Neuromas often develop due to tight or narrow shoes, high heels, flat feet, or abnormal foot mechanics. Over time, the nerve becomes irritated and inflamed, causing discomfort that worsens with activity or pressure.
Symptoms to Watch For
Common signs of a neuroma include:
- Burning or tingling in the ball of the foot
- Numbness that spreads to the toes
- Pain that worsens with walking, running, or wearing tight shoes
- The persistent feeling of a lump or pebble under the foot
If untreated, a neuroma can lead to permanent nerve damage, making early intervention critical to the best possible long-term outcome.
Conservative Neuroma Treatment Options
Most cases of neuroma foot pain can be managed with non-surgical treatments, especially if addressed early.
- Alternative Shoe Gear & Orthotics – Switching to shoes with a wider toe box reduces pressure, while custom inserts can improve overall foot alignment, and relieve strain on the affected nerve.
- Medications & Steroid Injections – Anti-inflammatory medications may reduce swelling, while corticosteroid injections can provide a more targeted response to the diseased nerve.
Surgical Neuroma Treatment
When conservative options no longer provide relief, surgery may be considered.
- Neuroma Excision – This procedure removes the thickened nerve tissue to stop pain. While effective, it may leave a small area of numbness in the toes.
- Nerve Decompression – In some particular situations, the surgeon may elect to instead release the surrounding ligamentous strctures to relieve pressure without removing the nerve.
Recovery Timeline – Most patients can walk in a protective shoe within days after surgery, though complete healing may take several weeks. Full return to activity usually happens within a few months, and long-term pain relief is expected for most patients.
Step Into Relief
A neuroma in the foot doesn’t have to control your life. With the right diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan, you can get back to walking, exercising, and living without the constant pebble-like pain.
Our team at AFC Tennessee specializes in neuroma diagnosis and treatment, offering everything from custom orthotics and conservative care to aggressive surgical options. Don’t wait for your pain to worsen, schedule you online appointment today CLICK HEREand take the first step toward lasting relief!
–Ethan Hyde, DPM
About the Author: Dr. Ethan Hyde is a board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon with AFC Tennessee experienced in treating foot and ankle conditions. He specializes in minimally invasive surgical techniques and comprehensive diabetic foot care.
Experiencing burning, tingling, or sharp pain in your foot? Learn what a neuroma is, common symptoms to watch for, and how podiatric care can help relieve nerve pain and get you back on your feet comfortably.