Burning, electric pain in the ball of your foot has a name.

Morton's neuroma typically feels like burning, tingling, or sharp electric pain in the ball of the foot, often radiating into the toes. Many patients describe a sensation of walking on a marble or having a fold of fabric in the sock that won't go away. Symptoms typically worsen in tight shoes and ease when shoes come off.

The pain pattern is often distinctive enough that the diagnosis can be made through clinical examination alone. Mulder's click — a palpable click when compressing the metatarsals while pressing on the involved interspace — is a classic finding. Numbness in the toes on either side of the affected interspace also points toward neuroma rather than other forefoot pain causes.

No — Morton's neuroma typically doesn't resolve without treatment. The thickened nerve tissue and underlying compression require active intervention. The good news is that most cases respond well to conservative treatment, and surgical removal is rarely necessary.

Without treatment, the neuroma typically progresses over time — symptoms become more frequent, more intense, and harder to ignore. Earlier intervention produces dramatically better outcomes. Patients who address the condition in its early stages often resolve symptoms with footwear changes and custom orthotics alone, while those who wait years often need injections or surgical treatment.

Usually not. Most cases of Morton's neuroma respond well to conservative treatment, including footwear changes, custom orthotics with metatarsal pads, cortisone injections, and alcohol sclerosing injections. Surgery is reserved for cases that haven't responded to comprehensive conservative care.

When surgery is genuinely the right answer, surgical removal of the neuroma (neurectomy) is highly effective. Recovery typically involves 4 to 6 weeks before returning to most activities. Most patients experience significant lasting relief after surgery, though some develop a permanent area of numbness in the toes that's usually well-tolerated. Our surgical team evaluates honestly and doesn't recommend surgery until conservative options have been thoroughly exhausted.

The best shoes for Morton's neuroma have a wide toe box, low to moderate heel height, soft cushioning under the ball of the foot, and adequate volume to accommodate orthotics. Avoid narrow, pointed-toe shoes, high heels, and minimalist footwear that compress the metatarsals.

Wide toe boxes are critical because they reduce side-to-side compression of the metatarsals — the underlying mechanical issue driving neuroma pain. Many patients see significant improvement just from switching to better-fitting footwear. For active patients, athletic shoes designed for wider feet provide both performance and neuroma relief. Our team can recommend specific brands and styles during your evaluation.

Yes, most major insurance plans cover Morton's neuroma evaluation and treatment, including office visits, imaging, injections, and surgery when necessary. Table Mountain Foot & Ankle accepts most major insurance plans, Medicare, and workers' compensation.

Specific coverage varies by plan. Custom orthotics may be partially covered depending on your plan and diagnosis. Cortisone injections are typically covered. Surgery is generally covered when conservative care has been exhausted and the condition is significantly affecting daily life. Our front office team verifies your specific benefits before your appointment.