Morton’s neuroma
Morton’s neuroma is a thickened, irritated nerve between the toes that can cause burning pain, tingling or a feeling of a lump underfoot. At Aligna Podiatry in Balwyn North we assess your lower limb biomechanics to find what is irritating the nerve, then treat it with high-power laser therapy, custom orthotics and targeted support to reduce pain and prevent it returning. Book a Morton’s neuroma assessment today.
What is a Morton’s neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma is a thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves that runs between your toes, usually between the third and fourth toes. As the nerve becomes irritated and compressed, it can cause burning pain, tingling or numbness in the ball of the foot and toes.
It tends to develop when the nerve is squeezed or irritated over time. Tight or narrow footwear, high heels, high-impact activity and the way your foot loads can all place extra pressure on the nerve. Many people describe it as feeling like they are walking on a pebble or that a sock is bunched up under the ball of the foot.
Because the symptoms can overlap with other forefoot problems, getting the right diagnosis is important so the treatment is aimed at the actual cause.
How it can feel:
- Burning or sharp pain in the ball of the foot
- Tingling or numbness in the toes
- A feeling of a lump or pebble underfoot
- Pain that is worse in tight shoes or during activity
- Relief when you take your shoe off and rub the foot
Signs, symptoms & when to see a podiatrist
Common signs:
- Burning or sharp pain between the toes or in the ball of the foot
- Tingling, numbness or a pins-and-needles feeling in the toes
- A sensation of a lump, pebble or bunched sock underfoot
- Pain that worsens in tight or narrow shoes
- Symptoms that ease when you remove your shoe and massage the area
See a podiatrist if:
- The pain has lasted more than a week or two
- You have burning, tingling or numbness in the toes
- It is affecting your walking, work or exercise
- The pain keeps returning in certain shoes or with activity
- Changing your footwear is not settling it
Morton’s neuroma tends to get worse if the nerve keeps being irritated, and the symptoms can overlap with other forefoot conditions. Getting it assessed early means you get the right diagnosis and treatment sooner, before the nerve becomes more sensitive.
How we treat Morton’s neuroma at Aligna
We start by confirming the diagnosis and finding what is irritating the nerve, then build a plan to settle the pain and take pressure off the area.
Step 1: Diagnose the cause
We assess your lower limb biomechanics, examine the forefoot and confirm that the nerve is the source of your pain. Getting the diagnosis right is what makes the treatment effective, because the symptoms can mimic other forefoot problems.
Step 2: Reduce pain and settle the nerve
We use high-power laser therapy to reduce inflammation around the irritated nerve and settle the pain from your very first visit.
Step 3: Offload and support
Where it is needed, we use metatarsal domes and footwear modification advice to reduce the pressure across the forefoot, reduce the nerve impingement and correct how your foot loads. This helps the nerve settle and stops the problem returning.
Our aim is to settle the nerve pain, take pressure off the forefoot and prevent it coming back.
Recovery & rehab
How long does it take?
Recovery depends on how irritated the nerve is and how early it is treated. Many people notice real relief within a few weeks of offloading the nerve and settling the pain, while more stubborn cases take longer and need a more structured plan.
Why the right approach matters
The key to lasting relief is taking pressure off the nerve and changing what was irritating it in the first place. Simply resting does not remove the cause, so the nerve often flares up again once you return to your usual shoes or activity.
How we help you stay pain-free:
- Custom orthotics to spread load and take pressure off the nerve
- Footwear advice to avoid squeezing the forefoot
- High-power laser therapy to settle nerve pain and inflammation
- A lower limb biomechanics review to address the underlying cause
- Guidance on activity and footwear to prevent it returning
If it is treated properly, most people settle their symptoms and get back to comfortable, pain-free walking. If a neuroma becomes severe or does not respond to treatment, we can guide you on when a referral for further options may be worth considering.
This page was prepared and reviewed by our podiatrists Dr Emilia Arif Stephen (POD0002562365) and Dr Justine Jose (POD0002903648). It is general information only and does not replace an individual assessment. Please book an appointment for a thorough assessment. Last reviewed: October 2026.
Summary
Our goal is simple: to settle your nerve pain, take pressure off the forefoot and keep you comfortable and active on your feet.
At Aligna Podiatry we don’t just treat the sore spot. We assess your lower limb biomechanics to find what is irritating the nerve, then address the root cause rather than just the symptom.
Your treatment plan is built around you, combining custom orthotics and footwear advice with high-power laser therapy where it is needed to settle pain and support you for the long term.
Whether your Morton’s neuroma causes the odd flare-up in tight shoes or has troubled you for months, we’re here to help you restore alignment and move better.
Book your appointment in Balwyn North
Struggling with chronic heel pain, tendon pain or another stubborn injury?
Our experienced team at Aligna Podiatry in Balwyn North takes a holistic, whole-body approach to treating the foot, ankle and knee. We combine high-power laser therapy, shockwave with hands-on care, cupping and rehab to reduce pain and restore alignment and movement. Contact our Balwyn North clinic today to book an assessment and find out which treatment is right for you.