Morton's neuroma

Overview

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of your foot, most commonly the area between your third and fourth toes. Morton's neuroma may feel as if you are standing on a pebble in your shoe or on a fold in your sock.

Morton's neuroma involves a thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes. This can cause a sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot. Your toes also may sting, burn or feel numb.

High-heeled shoes have been linked to the development of Morton's neuroma. Many people experience relief by switching to lower heeled shoes with wider toe boxes. Sometimes corticosteroid injections or surgery may be necessary.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for Morton's neuroma

• Experience. Morton's neuroma is a common foot problem, and Mayo doctors have extensive experience in treating it.
• Expertise. Mayo Clinic doctors who have expertise in disorders of the bones and connective tissue (orthopedic surgeons) treat people who have Morton's neuroma.
• Variety of treatments. Mayo's foot and ankle specialists usually recommend conservative treatments first, turning to surgery only if more-conservative treatments aren't helpful.
• Team approach. Integrated teams include doctors and other professionals dedicated to creating an individual treatment plan to help each person get relief from the pain of Morton's neuroma.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for orthopedics by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., are ranked high performing for orthopedics by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic also ranks among the Best Children's Hospitals for orthopedics.

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