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    musculoskeletal

    Morton's Neuroma (forefoot pain)

    Also known as: morton neuroma, ball of foot pain, pebble in shoe sensation

    Morton's neuroma is a thickened nerve between the toes — burning pain and a pebble-in-the-shoe feeling, worse in tight footwear. Footwear change, orthotics and injections help most. Chinese medicine treats qi-constraint stasis, cold-damp and deficiency patterns alongside.

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    Lifestyle & Diet

    • •Wider, lower-heeled shoes with a metatarsal pad usually help first.
    • •Orthotics and injections are the next steps.
    • •Surgery is an option if conservative care fails.
    • •Avoid narrow-toed footwear during flare.

    When to reassess or seek care again

    See sources

    Review at 6 weeks: pain with footwear change, orthotic response.

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    Sources & Further Reading

    Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.

    1. Morton's neuroma — NHS
      NHS · 2024
    2. Foot pain — Healthdirect
      Healthdirect Australia · 2024
    3. Foot problems — MedlinePlus
      National Library of Medicine · 2024

    Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.