Neuromas

A neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue in the foot that can cause pain, tingling or a burning sensation — most commonly between the third and fourth toes, where it is known as a Morton's neuroma. While it isn't a tumour, the irritated nerve can make walking, exercising and even standing genuinely uncomfortable.

At Blueprint Podiatry in Tuggerah, our podiatry team regularly helps patients across the Central Coast understand what's driving their forefoot pain and put a clear management plan in place.

What is a neuroma?

A neuroma develops when the tissue surrounding a nerve in the ball of the foot becomes irritated and thickened. As the nerve is compressed — often between the long bones of the foot (the metatarsals) — it can become inflamed and sensitive. Over time this can lead to ongoing discomfort if the underlying pressure isn't addressed.

What causes a neuroma?

The exact cause isn't always clear, but neuromas are commonly linked to repetitive stress or irritation of the nerve. Contributing factors may include:

• Tight, narrow or high-heeled footwear that squeezes the forefoot
• Foot structure and biomechanics that load the ball of the foot unevenly
• High-impact activities such as running
• Excessive pressure across the metatarsal region

What are the symptoms?

People often describe:

• A burning, sharp or shooting pain in the ball of the foot
• Tingling or numbness in the toes
• The feeling of "a pebble in the shoe" or a sock bunched up underfoot
• Pain that eases when shoes are removed and the foot is massaged

How does Blueprint Podiatry assess and treat a neuroma?

We begin with a thorough assessment to confirm the diagnosis and, importantly, to identify why the nerve is being irritated. Because every podiatrist on our team is also a certified running coach, we pay close attention to your gait, footwear and how your foot loads during movement — not just where it hurts.

Conservative care is usually the first step, and the evidence supports a range of non-surgical options for Morton's neuroma [1]. Your plan may include:

• Footwear advice to reduce forefoot pressure and widen the toe box
• Custom orthotics — at Blueprint Podiatry these are 3D scanned in a weightbearing position and 3D printed in-house, with patient-matched left and right devices to help offload the affected area
• Padding or taping to settle symptoms
• Foot mobilisation therapy and exercises to improve foot mechanics
• Shockwave therapy or dry needling, where clinically appropriate

Where symptoms persist, we may discuss further options such as corticosteroid injection or referral for additional management.

Can a neuroma be cured?

A neuroma may not always disappear completely, but symptoms can often be managed effectively to reduce pain and restore comfortable movement. By addressing the underlying causes with a personalised plan, many people experience meaningful, lasting relief.

When should I seek help?

If you have ongoing pain, tingling or numbness in the ball of your foot — especially if it's affecting your walking, running or daily activities — it's worth having it assessed early, before habits and compensations set in.

Related services

• Customised Orthotics
• Biomechanical Assessment
• Foot Mobilisation Therapy (FMT)