If you’ve ever felt like you’re walking on a pebble or experienced a sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot, you may be dealing with a condition called Morton’s neuroma. While it may sound serious, Morton’s neuroma is a fairly common and treatable foot issue. One of the most effective and non-invasive ways to manage this condition is through the use of custom foot orthotics. In this blog, we’ll explore what Morton’s neuroma is, what causes it, and how foot orthotics can provide lasting relief.

What Is Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects the nerves between the toes, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. It involves the thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves that lead to your toes. This thickening can cause a sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot, as well as tingling, numbness, or a sensation like there’s something inside your shoe or a fold in your sock.

While Morton’s neuroma isn’t a tumor, as the term “neuroma” might suggest, it is a nerve irritation that can significantly impact your ability to walk, run, or stand comfortably.

What Causes Morton’s Neuroma?

Several factors can contribute to the development of Morton’s neuroma:

  • Footwear: High heels and tight, narrow shoes can squeeze the toes and place excessive pressure on the ball of the foot.

  • Biomechanical issues: Flat feet, high arches, and overpronation can alter the way weight is distributed across the foot, increasing pressure on the nerves.

  • Repetitive stress: Activities like running, jumping, or prolonged standing can irritate the nerves over time.

  • Foot deformities: Conditions such as bunions or hammertoes can increase your risk.

Understanding the underlying cause of your symptoms is the first step in choosing the most effective treatment method. That’s where foot orthotics come into play.

How Are Foot Orthotics Used to Treat Morton’s Neuroma?

Foot orthotics are custom-designed insoles that are placed inside your shoes to correct foot alignment and reduce stress on certain areas of the foot. For Morton’s neuroma, orthotics are specifically designed to relieve pressure on the affected nerve and restore proper biomechanics during walking and standing.

Here’s how they work:

1. Redistributing Pressure Away from the Nerve

Morton’s neuroma is typically caused by excessive pressure between the metatarsal heads (the long bones in your forefoot). Custom orthotics can include metatarsal pads or domes that lift and separate these bones. This offloads pressure from the irritated nerve, allowing it to heal and reducing pain.

2. Correcting Abnormal Foot Mechanics

People with flat feet or high arches are more likely to develop Morton’s neuroma due to the uneven pressure placed on the forefoot. Custom orthotics help to correct the alignment of your feet, distributing weight more evenly and preventing the nerve from being pinched during walking.

3. Reducing Impact and Friction

Orthotics can also include shock-absorbing materials to minimize the stress placed on your foot during activities like walking or running. This reduces repetitive trauma to the forefoot and prevents further irritation of the nerve.

Custom vs. Over-the-Counter Orthotics

While you can buy over-the-counter (OTC) shoe inserts at most drugstores, they aren’t designed with your specific foot structure or gait pattern in mind. OTC inserts may provide temporary relief, but they lack the precision needed to treat Morton’s neuroma effectively.

Custom orthotics, on the other hand, are made based on a thorough assessment of your foot’s biomechanics, posture, and pressure points. These orthotics are tailored to your unique foot structure and activity level, making them much more effective in addressing the root cause of your pain.

Signs You May Benefit from Orthotics

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, custom orthotics might be the right solution for you:

  • Persistent pain in the ball of the foot

  • Numbness or tingling in the toes

  • Pain that worsens with walking or wearing tight shoes

  • A sensation of standing on a pebble or fold in your sock

  • Discomfort that doesn’t improve with rest or shoe changes

A foot specialist, such as a chiropractor, podiatrist, or orthotic expert, can assess your condition and determine whether custom orthotics will help.

Complementary Treatments to Use with Orthotics

Foot orthotics are highly effective on their own, but for the best results, they are often combined with other conservative treatments:

  • Wearing supportive shoes: Look for shoes with a wide toe box, good arch support, and cushioning under the ball of the foot.

  • Reducing aggravating activities: Limit running or jumping activities that place stress on the forefoot.

  • Applying ice: Ice therapy can help reduce inflammation and pain in the early stages.

  • Stretching and strengthening exercises: These can help correct muscle imbalances and improve your foot’s biomechanics.

  • Manual therapy: A chiropractor or physiotherapist can perform soft tissue techniques to relieve tension around the nerve.

When to See a Specialist

If you’ve tried rest, footwear changes, and over-the-counter inserts with little to no relief, it’s time to consult a healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to avoiding more invasive procedures like corticosteroid injections or surgery.

A healthcare professional can perform a physical exam, review your gait, and determine whether custom orthotics are suitable for your condition. With proper care, most people with Morton’s neuroma see significant improvement without surgery.

Long-Term Benefits of Using Orthotics

Beyond treating Morton’s neuroma, custom foot orthotics offer many long-term benefits, including:

  • Improved posture and balance

  • Reduced strain on knees, hips, and lower back

  • Better shock absorption during walking and running

  • Prevention of future foot and ankle issues

They also enhance your comfort, mobility, and quality of life, especially if you spend a lot of time on your feet.

Morton’s neuroma can be painful, frustrating, and limiting—but it doesn’t have to be. Custom foot orthotics provide a proven, non-invasive way to relieve symptoms, correct underlying foot mechanics, and get you back on your feet comfortably.

If you’re struggling with foot pain, tingling, or that annoying “pebble in the shoe” sensation, don’t ignore the signs. Talk to your chiropractor or foot care specialist about whether foot orthotics are right for you. With the right support, your feet can feel better than ever.

Ready to Take the First Step Toward Relief?
Our clinic specializes in diagnosing and treating Morton’s neuroma with custom orthotic solutions tailored to your needs. Book your appointment today and walk with comfort again.

Article by: Dr. Farokh Zavosh

Burrard Chiropractic and Foot Orthotics – Vancouver Chiropractor