Expert Assessment & Treatment for Morton's Neuroma in Worthing
If you’re experiencing a sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot, tingling in your toes, or the sensation of standing on a pebble, you may have Morton’s neuroma.
At Sussex Total Foot Care, we provide expert diagnosis and treatment for Morton’s neuroma. Our experienced podiatrists will identify the cause of your symptoms and develop a personalised treatment plan to relieve pain, reduce pressure on the affected nerve, and help you return to comfortable walking and everyday activities.
What Is Morton's Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition affecting one of the nerves that runs between the toes. The nerve becomes irritated and thickened, most commonly between the third and fourth toes, leading to pain, burning, tingling, or numbness in the forefoot.
Although the term neuroma suggests a tumour, Morton’s neuroma is not cancerous. It is a thickening of the tissue surrounding the nerve caused by repeated irritation or compression.
What Causes Morton's Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma develops when excessive pressure or irritation affects the nerves in the forefoot.
Common contributing factors include:
- Tight or narrow footwear
- High-heeled shoes
- Repetitive impact from running or sport
- Flat feet
- High arches
- Abnormal foot biomechanics
- Bunions
- Toe deformities
- Activities involving prolonged standing or walking
Reducing the pressure on the affected nerve is often a key part of successful treatment.
Symptoms of Morton's Neuroma
Symptoms can vary in severity but commonly include:
- Burning pain in the ball of the foot
- Sharp or shooting pain into the toes
- Tingling or pins and needles
- Numbness in the toes
- The sensation of standing on a pebble or a folded sock
- Pain that worsens in tight shoes
- Relief when shoes are removed or the foot is massaged
Symptoms often come and go initially but may become more persistent if left untreated.
How We Diagnose Morton's Neuroma
At Sussex Total Foot Care, we perform a thorough assessment to determine whether your symptoms are caused by Morton’s neuroma or another forefoot condition.
Your appointment includes:
- A discussion of your symptoms and medical history
- Examination of the forefoot
- Assessment of nerve irritation
- Biomechanical assessment
- Gait (walking) analysis
- Footwear assessment
If necessary, we may recommend ultrasound or MRI scanning to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other causes of forefoot pain.
Morton's Neuroma Treatments
Treatment aims to reduce pressure on the affected nerve, relieve pain, and improve foot function.
Your personalised treatment plan may include:
Footwear Advice
Choosing shoes with a wider toe box, good cushioning, and lower heels can significantly reduce pressure on the affected nerve.
Orthotic Insoles
Custom or prefabricated orthoses may help redistribute pressure away from the painful area and improve foot mechanics.
Padding and Offloading
Specialist padding can reduce pressure beneath the forefoot and improve comfort during walking.
Activity Modification
Temporarily reducing activities that aggravate your symptoms may allow the irritated nerve to settle while treatment takes effect.
Exercise and Rehabilitation
Where appropriate, exercises may be recommended to improve foot function and address contributing biomechanical factors.
Referral for Further Treatment
If symptoms persist despite conservative care, we can discuss referral for additional treatment options, which may include imaging-guided injections or surgical consultation when clinically appropriate.
Why Choose Sussex Total Foot Care?
Patients across Worthing and West Sussex choose Sussex Total Foot Care because we provide:
- HCPC-registered podiatrists
- Thorough clinical assessments
- Evidence-based treatment plans
- Expert biomechanical assessment
- Personalised orthotic therapy where appropriate
- Friendly, patient-centred care
- Practical advice to help prevent recurrence
Our goal is to relieve your symptoms while addressing the underlying factors contributing to your condition.
Preventing Morton's Neuroma
Although not every case can be prevented, you can reduce your risk by:
- Wearing shoes with a wide toe box
- Avoiding prolonged use of high heels
- Replacing worn footwear regularly
- Managing foot biomechanics
- Treating bunions or other forefoot problems early
- Seeking assessment when symptoms first appear
Early treatment often prevents symptoms from becoming more severe.
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
Arrange an appointment if:
- You have persistent pain in the ball of your foot
- Your toes feel numb or tingly
- Walking has become uncomfortable
- Symptoms worsen when wearing shoes
- Home treatments have not relieved your pain
- Your symptoms are affecting work, exercise, or daily activities
Early diagnosis can help prevent ongoing nerve irritation and improve treatment outcomes.
Morton's Neuroma FAQs
Can Morton's neuroma be treated without surgery?
Yes, in many cases. Orthotics, padding, footwear changes and activity advice help a large number of people avoid surgery.
What shoes should I wear?
Shoes with a wide toe box, a low heel and good cushioning reduce pressure on the nerve. We will give you tailored footwear advice.
Will it get worse if I ignore it?
Left untreated, the irritation can persist and become harder to settle, so it is worth being assessed early.
Book an Assessment in Worthing
Arrange your appointment online through our booking system or contact the clinic.