You shake out your shoes and straighten your socks, but it still feels like there’s something stuck under your foot, digging in with every step. That discomfort may be a sign of a common foot condition called Morton’s neuroma.
At Ahwatukee Foot & Ankle Center, our providers specialize in diagnosing and treating the underlying causes of chronic foot pain. We offer a range of effective treatment options to help you find relief, from conservative care to surgery.
Are you tired of feeling like you have a pebble in your shoe? Here, we explain why it happens and help you understand when it’s time for professional evaluation.
Morton’s neuroma is an inflammation of the tissue surrounding the nerves that lead to your toes. This causes the area to thicken and swell, leading to discomfort in the forefoot when walking and that telltale “pebble in your shoe” sensation. You may also notice:
While the exact reason inflammation happens isn’t fully understood, tight footwear and activities that put pressure on the ball of the foot often play a role. Physical jobs, high-impact sports, and other foot conditions like flat feet, bunions, and hammertoe can increase your risk.
Experts estimate that approximately 30% of people will develop Morton’s neuroma in their lifetime.
You can’t repair a neuroma on your own, but you can take steps to reduce the inflammation and pressure aggravating the nerve. The goal of at-home care is to calm the area down and identify which factors — like specific shoes or activities — are making your pain worse.
Choose comfortable, well-fitting shoes with a flat heel and a wide toe box, which allow the bones of the foot to spread out naturally. Over-the-counter metatarsal pads can help shift pressure away from the sensitive area, while icing the ball of the foot reduces swelling after activity.
Avoid common triggers like high heels and tight shoes, and limit activities that involve running or jumping — particularly on hard surfaces. If the discomfort doesn’t go away after two weeks of rest and home care, it’s time for a professional evaluation.
When inflammation persists, professional care is necessary to prevent long-term complications, such as nerve damage and chronic foot pain. Our team uses a combination of physical evaluation and diagnostic imaging to confirm the presence of a neuroma and rule out other conditions.
Based on your symptoms and exam findings, treatment may include:
If conservative treatments don’t provide sufficient relief, we may consider surgery to remove the inflamed nerve or to release the pressure around it.
With the right treatment plan, most patients can return to comfortable, pain-free movement. Call today or book online to schedule an appointment with the experienced podiatrists at Ahwatukee Foot & Ankle Center in Phoenix or Maricopa, Arizona.
