Morton's Neuroma or Something Else?

A review published in Clinical Podiatric Medicine and Surgery (PubMed, 2026) highlights the difficulty of distinguishing Morton's neuroma from plantar plate degeneration and tear using imaging. Crucially, it notes that plantar plate damage — even without a full tear — can produce a "pseudoneuroma" with nerve-like symptoms that are often clinically indistinguishable from a true webspace neuroma.

Our take: Morton’s neuroma and plantar plate injuries can sometimes be confused, but they are not the same condition and our Centre has the skill set and technology to distinguish them !

At the London Podiatry Centre, we specialise in Morton’s neuroma, so the diagnostic challenges discussed in this article are ones we recognise and assess for very carefully. In many cases, there are clear differences between Morton’s neuroma, which is a bursa neuroma complex involving irritated nerve-related tissue between the metatarsals, and a plantar plate injury, which is damage to the stabilising soft tissue beneath the toe joint.

The greater challenge is when both conditions exist together. This is not unusual. The same excessive pressure through the forefoot that contributes to a Morton’s neuroma can also overload the plantar plate. When the plantar plate is damaged or torn, fluid can move into the space between the toes, and this can sometimes mimic the symptoms or appearance of a neuroma.

This is where careful assessment matters. High-resolution ultrasound allows us to examine the soft tissues in detail and distinguish between a neuroma, a plantar plate injury, bursitis, or a combination of problems. In some cases, diagnostic injections may also be used to help confirm which structure is causing the pain.

Patients can be reassured that, at the London Podiatry Centre, our extensive experience in assessing and treating Morton’s neuroma means we are well placed to identify the true cause of forefoot pain and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

About the author
Mr Ron McCulloch — Consultant Podiatric Surgeon, Centre Director, and specialist in clinical biomechanics, gait analysis and Morton's neuroma.

Source: PubMed · https://londonpodiatry.com/en/specialities/mortons-neuroma/