Morton's Neuroma Specialists in Brisbane

Here at The Feet People, we’re experienced in helping people manage their Morton's neuroma so they can get back to moving comfortably. A Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that most commonly affects the ball of the foot, usually between the third and fourth toes, where the digital nerve leading to the toes becomes irritated and thickened - leaving many with a burning pain.

This thickening of the affected nerve tissue of the neuroma occurs when the nerve is repeatedly compressed or irritated. Over time, this compression can lead to pain, inflammation, and the development of scar tissue around the nerve. While a Morton’s neuroma is a benign condition, it can worsen if left untreated, making early care important.

What is a Morton’s Neuroma

A Morton’s neuroma is a condition involving the interdigital nerve that runs between the metatarsal bones in the forefoot. Repeated compression causes the affected nerve to thicken, leading to irritation of the nerves leading to the toes, particularly the third and fourth toes.

This is why many people describe pain in the ball of the foot, often feeling like they’re standing on a pebble or that there’s something bunched up under their foot. Although the exact cause isn’t always clear, ongoing pressure between the toe bones plays a central role in developing Morton’s neuroma.

Common causes and symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma

Understanding symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma

The symptoms of Morton’s neuroma often begin gradually and can worsen if the condition is left untreated. Common symptoms include:

• Burning pain or sharp pain in the ball of the foot
  
• Pain in the ball that radiates into the affected toes, especially the fourth toes
  
• Tingling or numbness in the toes
  
• Swelling at the neuroma between the toes
  
• A feeling of walking on a lump, ball, or folded sock
  
• Increased discomfort when wearing shoes, particularly when wearing high heels
  

Many people notice symptoms at their toes improve when shoes are removed, but without care, pain can start to interfere with usual activities. This is a sign you will benefit from a formal diagnosis.

Brisbane clinic locations & opening hours

We provide Morton’s Neuroma treatment to relieve pain and optimise comfort at both of our convenient Brisbane locations - in the CBD and Newmarket. Find clinic details and opening hours below:

How we diagnose, assess and treat Morton’s Neuroma

For a Morton's neuroma diagnosis, we start by listening carefully to your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. A thorough physical examination allows us to identify tenderness, nerve irritation, and pressure points through the foot and ankle region.

If needed, imaging such as X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging may be used to support diagnosis and rule out other causes of forefoot pain. Our approach to Morton’s neuroma treatment focuses on reducing compression of the affected nerve, calming inflammation, and addressing what’s driving the pressure in your foot.

Morton’s Neuroma treatment options we provide

Most people respond well to conservative treatment, and this is always our starting point. Your personalised treatment plan may include:

• Footwear advice, including lower heels, flatter shoes and generally comfortable footwear

• Custom orthotics with a metatarsal dome to relieve pressure on the nerve and help reduce swelling

• Padding or offloading techniques to reduce pressure across the ball of the foot

• Shoe inserts, including over the counter options when appropriate

• Activity modification to reduce irritation of the neuroma

• Strategies to reduce inflammation and reduce pain

• The RICE protocol - rest, ice, compression & elevation

• Strengthening and stretching exercises in conjunction with foot mobilisation techniques

• Foot and ankle strapping

• Shockwave therapy to accelerate the healing process

• Dry needling of surrounding soft tissues structures

In some cases, a corticosteroid injection may be recommended to settle inflammation and help relieve pain.

Prevention strategies for Morton’s Neuroma

Preventing a Morton’s neuroma focuses on reducing excess pressure on the nerves leading to the toes and protecting the ball of the foot from repeated irritation. While not all cases are preventable, making small changes early can significantly lower your risk.

We often recommend:

• Choosing comfortable footwear with a wide toe box to reduce compression of the toes
  
• Avoiding prolonged use of heels or high heeled shoes, which increase pressure through the forefoot
  
• Using shoe inserts (orthotics) with a metatarsal dome to redistribute load away from the affected area
  
• Managing training volume and limiting high impact athletic activities when symptoms first appear
  
• Stretching the foot and foot ankle complex to reduce forefoot load and tension
  

For people at higher risk or with recurring symptoms, early podiatry assessment allows us to create a tailored treatment plan that focuses on prevention, not just symptom relief.

Morton’s Neuroma Surgery (Surgical Treatment)

If symptoms persist despite a well-managed period of conservative treatment, surgical treatment may be considered. Surgery aims to remove or release the irritated nerve tissue.

Procedures may include traditional surgery or options such as radiofrequency ablation or radio frequency ablation, depending on the case. Surgery is generally reserved for those who continue to experience pain that limits daily function.

Managing Morton’s Neuroma Long-Term

Managing Morton’s neuroma is about reducing pressure on the nerve and preventing recurrence. With appropriate care, most patients are able to return to normal activities with minimal discomfort. Early intervention and the right effective treatment can significantly improve outcomes and help you stay active without ongoing pain.

Why do we recommend early treatment of Morton’s Neuroma?

When left untreated, nerve compression can worsen, leading to increasing pain, persistent numbness, and more complex nerve changes. Early care gives the nerve the best chance to settle and often avoids the need for surgery later.

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