Manhattan Podiatry Group • Forefoot Nerve Symptoms & Care
Morton’s neuroma is a painful thickening of tissue around a nerve between the toes, most commonly in the space between the third and fourth toes. Pressure on the irritated nerve can cause burning pain, tingling, numbness, or the feeling of a pebble beneath the ball of the foot.
Symptoms often worsen in narrow shoes, high heels, or during prolonged walking. Repetitive forefoot pressure and foot mechanics may contribute, although symptoms can overlap with joint inflammation, stress injuries, or other causes of nerve pain.
At Manhattan Podiatry Group, Dr. Mark Sharobeem, DPM, examines the location of pain, toe sensation, footwear, and foot mechanics. Ultrasound or other imaging may be considered when the diagnosis is uncertain or symptoms persist.
Treatment begins with reducing pressure on the affected nerve. Wider footwear, metatarsal support, activity changes, or injections may help; persistent symptoms may warrant discussion of additional procedures.
Sharp or burning pain can spread from the ball of the foot into nearby toes. It may come and go, particularly when walking or wearing snug shoes.
The affected toes may feel numb, tingly, or unusually sensitive. Some patients describe a folded-sock or pebble-in-shoe sensation even when nothing is inside the shoe.
Narrow toe boxes and elevated heels can compress the forefoot. Symptoms may ease when shoes are removed or when pressure on the ball of the foot is reduced.
Evaluation includes a focused foot examination to locate tenderness, assess sensation, and consider other sources of forefoot pain. Imaging may help when findings are unclear.
Many patients start with wide toe-box footwear, lower heels, metatarsal pads, and orthotics where appropriate. These measures aim to reduce pressure on the irritated nerve.
If symptoms continue, a clinician may discuss corticosteroid injections or other interventions. Surgery or nerve-directed procedures are generally considered only after reviewing symptoms, response to care, and possible risks.
The goal is to relieve nerve irritation while preserving comfortable movement. Treatment depends on symptom severity, footwear, daily activity, and response to conservative care.
Persistent numbness, weakness, worsening pain, or symptoms that do not improve deserve clinical evaluation.
Many patients report burning or shooting pain in the ball of the foot, tingling in the toes, or the sensation of standing on a small pebble.
Yes. Shoes with a wide toe box and lower heel can reduce pressure on the forefoot. Metatarsal pads or orthotics may also help some patients.
Diagnosis often begins with symptoms and a physical examination. Ultrasound or MRI may be considered if the diagnosis is uncertain or another condition is suspected.
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Contact Manhattan Podiatry Group for evaluation of forefoot nerve pain with Dr. Mark Sharobeem, DPM.