Morton’s Neuroma: Why That ‘Marble in Your Foot’ Is More Than Just Annoying

Have you ever felt like there’s a small marble or pebble stuck in your shoe, but when you check—there’s nothing there?

You’re not imagining things.

This strange and often painful sensation is a common sign of a condition called Morton’s Neuroma. And while it might seem like a mild annoyance at first, leaving it untreated can lead to long-term foot pain and nerve damage.

At Coventry Foot Doctor, we’ve seen countless patients who’ve lived with this issue far longer than they should, often because they didn’t realise how serious it could become. In this post, we’ll explain what Morton’s Neuroma is, why it happens, and what you can do to find lasting relief.

What Is Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s Neuroma is a thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes, usually between the 3rd and 4th toes. As the nerve becomes compressed or irritated, it swells—creating that infamous "marble" feeling or sensation of walking on a fold in your sock.

Over time, the pain may spread, become sharper, and even cause tingling, numbness, or burning in the toes.

Common Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma:

• A feeling like there's something in your shoe or under the ball of your foot

• Sharp, burning pain between the toes

• Tingling or numbness in the toes

• Pain that worsens with activity or wearing tight shoes

It’s worth noting that symptoms often start gradually, and people sometimes ignore them until they interfere with walking or daily life.

What Causes Morton’s Neuroma?

The condition is usually caused by repetitive pressure or irritation on the nerve. Some common culprits include:

• Tight or narrow shoes, especially high heels or pointed toe boxes

• High-impact sports (like running, squash, or tennis)

• Foot deformities like bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet

• Poor foot biomechanics or gait issues

Think of it this way: when your forefoot is under constant pressure, the nerve gets squashed, leading to inflammation and thickening over time.

Why It’s More Than Just Annoying

Left untreated, Morton’s Neuroma can progress from discomfort to chronic pain. The nerve irritation can become permanent, and in some cases, lead to scarring (fibrosis), requiring surgery to remove the damaged nerve.

Ignoring the symptoms can also affect your overall gait and posture, potentially leading to issues in the ankles, knees, hips, or back.

That’s why it’s so important to take this seemingly “small” issue seriously.

Diagnosis: What to Expect

At our clinic, we begin with a thorough clinical assessment, including:

• Detailed history of symptoms and footwear habits

• Palpation of the affected area

• Gait analysis to spot mechanical contributors

• Imaging (ultrasound or MRI) if necessary

A precise diagnosis is key to choosing the most effective treatment.

Treatment Options: From Conservative to Advanced

The good news? Surgery is rarely the first step. Many patients find relief through non-invasive methods, especially if they act early.

✅ Conservative Treatments:

• Footwear modifications (wider toe box, avoiding high heels)

• Custom orthotics to offload pressure from the nerve

• Padding and taping techniques

• Activity modification

• Anti-inflammatory medications

✅ Advanced Therapies We Offer:

• Shockwave therapy – to reduce inflammation and stimulate healing

• Steroid or alcohol injections – to reduce nerve swelling

• MLS laser therapy – a cutting-edge, non-invasive treatment that promotes nerve healing and pain reduction

In rare cases where conservative treatments fail, surgical decompression or removal of the neuroma may be considered—but our focus is always on minimally invasive, functional recovery.

Final Thoughts: Listen to Your Feet

That strange marble sensation might seem minor, but Morton’s Neuroma is your body’s way of waving a red flag. By catching it early and getting the right treatment, you can avoid long-term complications and get back to doing what you love—without foot pain slowing you down.

If you’re experiencing symptoms, don’t wait for it to get worse. Book an assessment at Coventry Foot Doctor, where we combine modern diagnostics, biomechanical expertise, and holistic treatment options to keep your feet strong, pain-free, and mobile.