Morton's neuroma

Credit: Multimedia Team - nhs.uk The main symptoms of Morton's neuroma include: a shooting, stabbing or burning pain between your 3rd and 4th toes feeling like a pebble or lump is stuck under your foot Some people may also have tingling or numbness in their foot. The symptoms may be worse when you move your foot or wear tight or high-heeled shoes. It often gets worse over time.

There are things you can try yourself to ease the pain if you have Morton's neuroma. A GP would usually suggest trying these things first. Do rest and raise your foot when you can take ibuprofen or paracetamol wear wide, comfortable shoes with a low heel and soft sole use soft insoles or pads you put in your shoes try to lose weight if you're overweight avoid or reduce impact activities such as running and jumping Don’t do not wear tight, pointy shoes, high heels, or shoes with thin soles You can ask a pharmacist about: the best painkiller to take soft pads or insoles for your shoes – ask for metatarsal pads Find a pharmacy

If you see a GP because you have symptoms of Morton's neuroma, they can: look at your foot to see if it's Morton's neuroma refer you to a foot specialist if they think you need further treatment Treatment from a foot specialist Treatments from a foot specialist, such as a podiatrist or foot and ankle surgeon, may include: specially made soft pads or insoles – to take pressure off the painful area of your foot steroid or alcohol injections, or foot surgery – if you have very severe symptoms or other treatments are not working Referral to a podiatrist on the NHS may not be available to everyone and waiting times can be long. You can pay to see a podiatrist privately. Find a podiatrist

Morton's neuroma is caused by an irritated or damaged nerve between the toe bones. It's often linked to: wearing tight, pointy or high-heeled shoes doing a lot of running, or other sports or activities that place pressure on the feet having other foot problems – such as flat feet , high arches, bunions or hammer toes