Forefoot Pain & Morton's Neuroma
Burning, tingling, or a feeling like you are walking on a pebble beneath the ball of your foot. We isolate nerve, bone, and joint causes.
Hallmark Symptoms & Clinical Presentation
- • A burning sensation or sharp pain under the ball of the foot (metatarsal heads)
- • Numbness, tingling, or 'electric shocks' radiating into the third and fourth toes
- • The distinct sensation of a folded sock or pebble stuck inside your shoe
- • Pain aggravated by tight footwear or prolonged walking on hard tiles
Biomechanical Causes & Risk Factors
- Compression or irritation of the interdigital plant nerve (Morton's Neuroma)
- High forefoot pressure loading from collapsed transverse arch or claw toes
- Metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint synovitis or plantar plate tears
- High-heeled or narrow footwear compressing metatarsal bones together
Assessment Protocol at Eternal Podiatry:
We perform Mulder's click test, metatarsal head palpation, digital toe stability assessments, and dynamic forefoot pressure mapping.
Evidence-Based Treatment Pathways
- ✓ Custom Foot Orthotics with targeted metatarsal dome pads to splay bones and decompress nerves
- ✓ Footwear transition to wider toe boxes with zero-drop or rocker-sole profiles
- ✓ Deflective forefoot padding and pressure offloading insoles
- ✓ Referral for ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection if severe inflammation persists
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Metatarsalgia and Morton's Neuroma?
Metatarsalgia is an umbrella term for generalized joint/bone pain under the ball of the foot, while Morton's Neuroma specifically refers to a benign thickening and irritation of the nerve between the toes.
Will changing shoes help?
Yes, choosing footwear with a broad, anatomical toe box is one of the most immediate and effective ways to stop squeezing the irritated nerve.
Can custom orthotics relieve the pebble sensation?
Yes. An expertly positioned metatarsal dome gently lifts and separates the metatarsal bones, taking pressure off the nerve with every step.
Get Lasting Relief
Book a clinical assessment at Aveley Medical Centre or Brecken Health South Perth.
✓ HICAPS Available: Swipe private health card on-site.
✓ Medicare EPC: GP chronic disease referrals accepted.
✓ No Referral Required: Direct booking for private patients.