Morton’s Neuroma: Forefoot Nerve Pain and First Aid Awareness in Canada

What Is Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma is a condition that causes nerve-related pain in the forefoot, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. It develops when a nerve that runs between the metatarsal bones becomes compressed or irritated, leading to pain and altered sensation in the toes.

Although the term includes “neuroma,” the condition is not usually a true tumour. It more often involves nerve thickening or swelling caused by repeated pressure.

First Aid and Workplace Relevance in Canada

Morton’s neuroma is relevant in Canadian workplaces and daily life, especially for people who spend long hours standing, walking on hard surfaces, or wearing tight or unsupportive footwear. It is also common in sports and activities that involve pivoting or loading the ball of the foot, such as tennis, golf, and fitness training.

First aid awareness helps individuals recognize early nerve-compression symptoms and reduce aggravating factors before pain becomes persistent.

A Simple, Realistic Scenario

A retail worker notices a burning, tingling sensation between two toes after long shifts on hard flooring. The pain worsens when walking quickly or wearing narrow shoes. Remembering first aid education, they rest the foot, switch footwear, and reduce forefoot pressure while arranging further assessment when symptoms persist.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms of Morton’s neuroma often come on gradually and may include:

Forefoot pain between the third and fourth toes
Pins-and-needles or burning sensation
Numbness affecting adjacent sides of two toes
Pain that worsens with weight-bearing
Discomfort when the forefoot is squeezed

Many people describe the feeling as if they are standing on a pebble or crease in their sock.

How Morton’s Neuroma Develops

The nerves that supply the toes pass between the metatarsal bones. When these bones are repeatedly compressed—often due to foot mechanics, footwear, or activity demands—the nerve can become irritated.

Contributing factors may include:

Weak or collapsed foot arches
Tight or narrow footwear
Repetitive forefoot loading
Activities involving frequent pivoting on the ball of the foot
Scar tissue forming around the nerve

The condition most commonly affects the space between the third and fourth metatarsals.

First Aid and Early Management

From a first aid perspective, early care focuses on reducing pressure on the nerve.

General first aid measures may include:

Resting from activities that aggravate forefoot pain
Reducing time spent on the ball of the foot
Wearing wider, supportive footwear
Using forefoot padding to redistribute pressure

Addressing symptoms early can help prevent progression.

Management and Supportive Care

Management often centres on activity modification and pressure relief.

Common supportive strategies may include:

Forefoot or metatarsal padding to spread the bones
Supportive footwear choices
Temporary reduction in training or workload
Exercises aimed at supporting foot mechanics

In some cases, additional supports may be recommended to help correct how the foot bears weight and reduce nerve compression.

When Medical Assessment Is Important

Medical assessment may be considered if:

Pain persists despite rest and footwear changes
Symptoms interfere with walking or work duties
Numbness or burning sensations worsen over time

Healthcare providers may assess foot mechanics and discuss further management options if needed.

Prevention and Workplace Foot Health Tips

Helpful prevention strategies include:

Wearing well-fitting, supportive shoes
Avoiding prolonged pressure on the forefoot
Varying tasks to reduce repetitive foot strain
Strengthening and supporting the foot arch
Reporting ongoing foot pain early

Small footwear and activity changes can make a meaningful difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Morton’s neuroma a tumour?
Usually no. It is most often nerve thickening from repeated compression.

Why does the pain occur between two toes?
The affected nerve supplies sensation to both toes on either side of the compressed space.

Does squeezing the foot make symptoms worse?
Yes. Compression can temporarily increase nerve irritation.

Can footwear cause Morton’s neuroma?
Tight or narrow shoes can contribute by increasing pressure on the nerve.

How does first aid training help with foot conditions?
First aid education promotes early symptom recognition and pressure-reduction strategies.

Educational Note

This article is intended for general public education and workplace first aid awareness in Canada. It does not replace medical assessment, diagnosis, or individualized treatment for foot or nerve conditions.