Morton Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma is nerve pain between the toes often triggered by tight shoes, treated with pressure relief and custom care at KL Foot Specialist Podiatry.

What Is Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition involving the plantar digital nerve, typically found between the third and fourth toes. It develops when this nerve becomes compressed and irritated—most often due to footwear or faulty biomechanics—resulting in a thickened, swollen nerve sheath. The condition produces a sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot and can radiate into the toes.

Morton’s neuroma is a nerve condition, not a tumour

Tight shoes and high heels are the leading causes

Often described as “walking on a marble or pebble”

Causes & Risk Factors

Morton’s neuroma is often the result of chronic pressure, friction, or trauma on the nerve between the metatarsal bones in the foot. Common causes and contributing factors include:

  • Footwear

  • High heels that increase forefoot pressure

  • Tight or narrow shoes that squeeze the toes

  • Poorly cushioned or unsupportive shoes

  • Activity & Foot Function

  • High-impact sports (running, court sports, jumping)

  • Biomechanical issues such as overpronation or flat feet

  • Forefoot overload and improper gait mechanics

  • Additional Risk Factors

  • Age (40+) due to thinning fat pads

  • Occupations involving prolonged standing

  • Foot conditions like bunions, tailor’s bunions, or bursitis

Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma symptoms often begin gradually but may worsen over time if left untreated. You may notice:

  • Sharp or burning pain in the ball of the foot

  • Tingling, numbness, or pins and needles in the toes

  • A clicking or snapping sensation between the toes

  • A “marble under the foot” feeling

  • Pain that worsens with tight shoes or barefoot walking

  • Local tenderness when pressing on the affected area

Diagnosis at KL Foot Specialist Podiatry

Diagnosing Morton’s neuroma involves a detailed clinical assessment and discussion of your symptoms and footwear history. Our experienced podiatrists will:

  • Palpate the area to assess for pain and swelling

  • Perform the Mulder’s Click Test (compressing the forefoot to elicit symptoms)

  • Conduct gait analysis and assess foot biomechanics

  • Refer for ultrasound imaging to confirm nerve thickening or rule out other causes

Morton’s Neuroma Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of your condition. Our primary goal is to offload the nerve, reduce pain, and prevent progression.

  • Conservative Treatments

  • Footwear Advice: Supportive shoes with wide toe boxes and good cushioning

  • Custom Foot Orthotics: Designed to offload pressure and separate the metatarsal bones to reduce nerve irritation

  • DolorClast® Shockwave Therapy: Stimulates healing, improves circulation, and reduces pain in stubborn cases

  • DolorClast® High Power Laser: Non-invasive pain and inflammation relief for nerve-related foot conditions

  • Strapping or Padding: Provides temporary relief and offloading

  • RICE protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation during flare-ups

  • Medical Interventions (If Needed)

If conservative treatment fails to relieve symptoms, we may refer you for:

  • Corticosteroid Injections: Temporarily reduce inflammation and pain

  • Surgical Excision: Removal of the neuroma is a last resort and generally considered only after other treatments have been exhausted

What Happens If I Ignore Morton’s Neuroma?

Without proper treatment, Morton’s neuroma can worsen and become chronic, leading to:

  • Persistent pain in everyday activities

  • Nerve damage or long-term numbness

  • Altered walking patterns, leading to secondary injuries (e.g. hip, knee, or back pain)

  • Need for surgical intervention

Early diagnosis and treatment = better long-term outcomes.

Preventing Morton’s Neuroma

You can reduce your risk of developing or recurring Morton’s neuroma by:

  • Choosing wide-fitting, supportive shoes with low heels

  • Avoiding prolonged use of high heels or tight shoes

  • Using orthotics if you have flat feet or other biomechanical issues

  • Stretching and strengthening the muscles of your feet regularly

  • Gradually increasing the intensity of sports or physical activities

Get Relief at KL Foot Specialist Podiatry

Our podiatrists are trained in diagnosing and treating Morton’s neuroma with precision and care. Whether you’re dealing with sharp forefoot pain or want to prevent the condition from progressing, we’re here to help.

Call now or book online to schedule your comprehensive foot assessment.

Located in Kuala Lumpur – Trusted podiatric care for pain-free movement.