Morton’s Neuroma

A Morton’s neuroma is inflammation on a nerve in your foot. More specifically, it’s an enlargement in the interdigital nerves between the metatarsal bones that connect your foot to your third and fourth toes (your middle toes closest to your pinkie toe). Some healthcare providers refer to Morton’s neuromas as intermetatarsal neuromas or interdigital neuromas.

If you have a Morton’s neuroma, the affected nerve is thickened and swollen. This can make it painful or hard to walk. You’ll usually feel pain on the ball of your foot, between your toes. It might feel like there’s a stone in your shoe or you’re stepping on a marble.

Visit a healthcare provider as soon as you notice any new pain or swelling in your feet. Getting treatment for Morton’s neuroma is important. The neuroma can become larger and cause permanent nerve damage if it’s not treated.

Is Morton’s neuroma a tumor?

The “neuroma” in Morton’s neuroma is slightly misleading. Neuromas are noncancerous (benign) tumors that form on nerves throughout the body. They grow extra nerve tissue alongside your healthy regular nerve.

A Morton’s neuroma isn’t new tissue growing on a nerve on your foot. It’s not really a tumor. Instead, your existing nerve tissue swells and thickens. Morton’s neuromas aren’t a symptom of cancer. They also don’t cause cancer.