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Burning or tingling between the toes (Morton’s neuroma)

Burning, tingling or a pebble feeling between your toes does not always mean a neuroma.

Burning, tingling or the feeling of a pebble between your toes can be distracting—and it does not always mean you have a neuroma.

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What is Morton’s neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma describes irritation and thickening around a nerve between the forefoot bones, commonly near the third and fourth toes. Similar symptoms can come from joints, a stress injury or other nerve problems, so the name should not be assumed from symptoms alone.

Does this sound like Morton’s neuroma?

Burning, shooting or electric pain into adjacent toes
Tingling or numbness, sometimes eased by removing the shoe
A “pebble”, fold-in-the-sock or clicking sensation
Symptoms aggravated by tight, pointed or high-heeled shoes and forefoot loading

Other conditions that can feel like Morton’s neuroma

Metatarsalgia: broader pressure or aching beneath the forefoot
Joint or plantar-plate problem: more local pain at a toe joint, sometimes with swelling or toe change
Stress injury: focal bony tenderness after activity or training change
Proximal nerve irritation: symptoms extending beyond a single forefoot space or associated with weakness

What should I do now about burning or tingling between the toes?

Choose shoes that do not squeeze the forefoot and pause activities that reliably provoke marked burning or numbness. Do not place a metatarsal pad directly under the painful nerve space; an assessment can help with position.

What could happen at a Morton’s neuroma appointment in Burwood?

What a Morton’s neuroma assessment can clarify

Exact symptom location, toe involvement, numbness and aggravating shoes or activities
Forefoot width, toe joints, tenderness and whether compression reproduces symptoms
Skin, circulation and neurological findings where relevant
Footwear fit and pressure pattern
Whether ultrasound, other imaging or referral would change the decision

Morton’s neuroma options after assessment

A wider toe box, lower heel or different sole where footwear is contributing
Temporary changes to aggravating activity
A correctly positioned pad, insole or footwear modification
Custom orthotics only if a specific mechanical aim is identified
Discussion with a GP or specialist about medication, injection or surgery when symptoms are severe or persist despite suitable conservative care

Common questions about Morton’s neuroma

Is Morton’s neuroma a tumour?

Despite the name, it is not a cancerous tumour. It involves irritated or thickened tissue around a nerve.

Does it always need an injection or surgery?

No. Footwear and pressure-management options are commonly considered first. An assessment can confirm whether the symptoms fit a neuroma and help you decide whether conservative care, further investigation or a specialist opinion is the sensible next step.

Can an ultrasound confirm it?

Imaging may support the diagnosis, but findings must be interpreted alongside your symptoms and examination. It is not necessary for every person.

Clinical information sources

These sources support the general information above. Individual assessment may lead to different advice.