Morton's Neuroma | Align Custom Fit Footwear & Footcare

Morton's Neuroma Mississauga

You might not know the name for it, but if you’ve felt a sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot, like you’re stepping on a small rock that isn’t there, there’s a real reason for it. It could be something called Morton’s Neuroma, and it’s more common than people realize. The discomfort might come and go at first, maybe only after long walks, a day in tight shoes, or certain workouts. But over time, it can get harder to ignore. The good news is you don’t have to live with it. When Morton’s Neuroma is identified and treated properly, relief is not only possible, but likely. At our Mississauga foot clinic, we help people understand the source of their foot pain and take clear, manageable steps toward feeling better.

What Is Morton's Neuroma?

Morton's Neuroma is when a small nerve in the ball of the foot, usually between your toes, becomes thickened from excessive pressure. Picture that nerve squeezed between two bones. It can get irritated, swollen, and painful. This thickened nerve often causes burning pain or numbness and can make walking feel like there's a pebble under your foot.

Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s Neuroma doesn’t always start loud. It can build gradually, which is why many people overlook it in the early stages. Paying attention to these signs early can make a big difference in how quickly you find relief.

Here are some of the most common symptoms:

Sharp or burning pain under your toes or in the ball of the foot
Tingling or numbness in your toes
A strange "pebble in your shoe" feeling, even when shoes are off
Recurrent callousing under the ball of the foot
Constant tenderness in the forefoot, also known as metatarsalgia
Foot discomfort that worsens with tight shoes, narrow shoes, or wearing high heels
Pain that spreads into your arch, ankle, or even knees if you compensate your walking pattern, especially during sports or long walks

If you're noticing a mix of these symptoms, especially the ones that come and go with certain shoes or activities, it’s a good time to have your foot evaluated.

Causes of Morton's Neuroma

Morton’s Neuroma is most often a congenital condition that exists in 18% to 28% of people. It usually develops due to a mix of structural and lifestyle factors, but here are several things that can trigger the condition:

Foot deformities like bunions, high arches, or flat feet, that change how weight is distributed
Narrow shoes or high heels that push your toes together
Tight shoes or excessive pressure from sports or certain activities
Anatomy quirks, some people naturally have a shorter first metatarsal or flexible feet that misalign under load
Can rarely develop after bunion surgery

How Morton's Neuroma Is Treated at Our Clinic

We believe in a gentle, flexible treatment plan, customized to your level of pain and the severity of your neuroma:

Footwear advice: We help you find shoes that support your arch and toes, avoiding narrow shoes and excessive pressure.
Custom orthotics: These supports are for realignment and cushioning to off-load the thickened nerve.
Padding and splints: Shoe inserts or toe spacers ease pressure right where you feel that burning pain.
Movement therapy: Foot and calf exercises improve strength for stable, pain-free walks.
Image-guided injections: Targeted shots help calm inflammation around the nerve.
Shockwave or nerve therapy: Non-surgical options to soothe the thickened nerve.
Minimally invasive treatments: Ultrasound-guided ablation helps reduce nerve irritation without surgery.
Surgery: If needed, a minor procedure can free the nerve, but only after all other effective treatments have been tried first.

This layered plan is all about relief, without rushing into anything invasive.

Benefits of Morton's Neuroma Treatment

When treated early and properly, Morton’s Neuroma can often be managed without surgery. The right treatment doesn’t just ease the pain, it supports the whole foot in a way that prevents it from coming back.

Here’s what you might experience:

Custom supports, padding & shoe changes: many feel less pain in four to six weeks
Injections or sound wave treatments: often calming relief within one to four weeks
Minimally invasive nerve procedures: faster results, less downtime
Surgery (last resort): full benefits usually arrive around three to four months later, though some numbness may remain

Who Should Seek Help for Morton's Neuroma Treatment

Morton’s Neuroma treatment works best for people who:

Feel burning pain or sharp discomfort in the ball of the foot
Notice numbness or tingling in their toes
Feel like they’re walking on something under their foot
Have tried shoe changes or padding with little result

Most adults, whether they have high arches, flat feet, or foot deformities, find relief with a tailored treatment program. We’ll also look into other conditions like bunions or arch issues to make sure everything is covered.

What You’ll Gain from Morton's Neuroma Treatment

Treatment focuses on bringing relief so you can get back to living the way you want. Our clients often tell us they didn’t realize how much the discomfort was limiting their activity until it was gone.

A Morton's Neuroma treatment routine often results in:

Calmer nerve pain and less burning
Softer sensation in your toes and ball of the foot
Better gait, so your ankles, knees, and hips don’t have to take extra load
More comfort in daily life and even in sports
Lower risk of needing surgery
Easier shoe choices and more enjoyable walks

What to Expect After Morton's Neuroma Treatment

Most people are relieved to learn that most treatment options come with little to no downtime. You can often walk out of the clinic and continue your day with fewer restrictions than you might expect. If a procedure is needed, the recovery is structured and well-supported.

No downtime for shoe adjustments, custom orthotics, or movement work, get relief right away
Quick return to normal life after injections or shockwave therapy
Structured healing if a procedure is needed: a protective shoe first, then gradual weight-bearing, and full activity by around three months

What the Cost of Morton's Neuroma Treatment Covers

In-clinic visits for diagnosis and foot care
3D scans and customized orthotics
Padding and splints if needed
Non-surgical treatments and minor procedures (if required)
Surgical costs only when absolutely necessary

Your care plan is built just for you. From shoe tweaks to possible minor procedures, we’ll walk you through everything. Prices range from a few hundred dollars for orthotics and consultations to several thousand if additional treatments are needed.

Morton's Neuroma Frequently Asked Questions

What causes burning pain in Morton's Neuroma?

When a small nerve in the ball of the foot is pinched, it swells and reacts, causing burning pain and sometimes numbness.

Is Morton’s Neuroma the same as Morton’s syndrome?

Yes. “Morton’s Neuroma” is just the clearer term but refers to the same condition.

Can Morton’s Neuroma be treated without surgery?

Absolutely. Most cases improve with custom orthotics, better shoes, padding, movement therapy, or nerve-friendly treatments.

Will custom orthotics help my Morton’s Neuroma?

Yes, they shift pressure off the thickened nerve and help your foot land with better balance.

Can this pain cause trouble in my knees or hips?

Yes. When your foot hurts, your whole stance shifts. It can affect your ankles, knees, hips, and even your back.

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