A pebble underfoot
A persistent sensation that you are walking on a pebble or a fold in your sock.
Foot & Ankle Educational Resources
Morton's Neuroma
Learn why a compressed nerve in the forefoot can cause burning pain, tingling, or the feeling of walking on a pebble.
Understanding Forefoot Pain
What is a neuroma?
Small nerves in the foot converge and pass beneath a strong ligament that helps hold the metatarsal heads together. Repetitive stress, trauma, narrow shoes, or foot deformity can trap a nerve beneath this ligament.
Over time, the irritated nerve can develop painful scar tissue. Morton's neuroma most commonly affects the space between the third and fourth toes.
Signs & Symptoms01 02 03
How Morton's neuroma can feel
Ball-of-foot pain
Focused pain and tenderness along the ball of the foot, often worsened by activity or shoes.
Radiating symptoms
Pain, numbness, tingling, or burning that travels from the forefoot into the toes.
Treatment Options
Start by reducing pressure on the nerve
Non-operative care is the first line of treatment. If symptoms continue despite these measures, an evaluation can help confirm the diagnosis and determine whether surgery may be appropriate.
Non-operative care
- Place a metatarsal pad behind the tender area, closer to the heel, to offload the nerve.
- Choose cushioned, supportive shoes with a wide toe box and rocker-bottom sole.
- Apply a topical anti-inflammatory medication, such as Voltaren gel, when medically appropriate.
When surgery is considered
If non-operative care does not provide enough relief, surgical removal of the neuroma may be beneficial. An MRI is often recommended to define the anatomy and help confirm the diagnosis.
The procedure releases the ligament between the metatarsal heads and removes the painful neuroma.
Surgery & Recovery
What patients can expect
85%successful outcome
10%no improvement
5%more symptoms
Early recovery
- Weight-bearing as tolerated immediately in a stiff post-operative shoe
- Stitches are generally removed at two weeks
- Transition to a supportive shoe after stitch removal
Return to activity
- Avoid impact activities for six weeks while soft tissues heal
- Patients are typically back to full activity after three months
- Individual recovery may vary based on health and activity goals
Important: Surgical outcomes and recovery timelines are general estimates. Dr. Jamieson will discuss your individual diagnosis, risks, and expected recovery.
Find relief from forefoot nerve pain
Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Jamieson to confirm the cause of your symptoms and discuss a treatment plan.
Call (720) 516-9445Contact Us