No. Despite the name, Morton’s neuroma is not a growth or a cancer. It is a thickening of the fibrous tissue that surrounds a normal nerve, caused by repeated compression between the metatarsal bones. The medical term for it is perineural fibrosis. Nothing needs to be removed for the condition to improve, which is why treatment starts by changing what compresses the nerve.

Not usually. Morton’s neuroma is diagnosed clinically, by where the pain sits, what it feels like and how the forefoot responds to compression tests. Imaging is used when the diagnosis is unclear, when more than one webspace is involved, or when a guided injection or surgery is being planned. If imaging is required, an Ultrasound is generally the first option.

Symptoms can settle on their own if the compression stops, for example if you change jobs or stop wearing narrow shoes. The thickened tissue around the nerve does not reverse, but a nerve that is no longer being squeezed can stop producing pain. Pain that has been present for months is less likely to resolve without changing footwear, load or forefoot pressure.

No. Most people are managed without surgery, using footwear changes, orthotic therapy, load adjustment or injection therapy. Surgery, which usually involves removing the affected section of nerve, is considered when pain persists after months of conservative treatment and injections. Removing the nerve may leave permanent numbness between the affected toes, so it is a decision made after other options have been tried.

Often yes, with changes. Running in a shoe with a wide, high toe box and less forefoot compression is the first adjustment. Reducing hill and speed work lowers the load through the ball of the foot, since both push the metatarsals together. If running reproduces the burning pain within the first few minutes, swap to low-impact training until the nerve settles.

Yes. If the original cause returns, so can the symptoms. Going back to narrow or high-heeled shoes, a sharp increase in walking or running volume, or letting orthotics and padding wear out are the usual triggers. Keeping the forefoot roomy and replacing devices when they flatten out reduces the chance of recurrence. Book a review if the burning or numbness starts again.