Print DiagnosisDuring the exam, your healthcare professional will ask questions about your symptoms, general health, medical history and typical activities. Your health professional also will examine your foot by: Applying pressure at points along the ball of your foot to locate the site of pain. Squeezing the ball of the foot and feeling for a click between metatarsal bones. Testing the range of motion of the toes. Looking for other signs of irregularity in the foot that may contribute to pain. Imaging testsSome imaging tests may be used if your healthcare professional would like to confirm a diagnosis of Morton neuroma or rule out another cause of pain. These may include: X-rays. An X-ray of your foot while standing can reveal a bone fracture or other bone irregularity in the foot. Ultrasound. An ultrasound may be used to confirm a diagnosis of Morton neuroma or spot irregularities in soft tissues in joints. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI may also be used to view soft tissues. This imaging may be used to rule out other conditions or when symptoms are not typical. Care at Mayo Clinic Our caring team of Mayo Clinic experts can help you with your Morton neuroma-related health concerns Start Here More InformationMorton neuroma care at Mayo ClinicMRIUltrasoundX-rayShow more related information TreatmentThe first line of treatment is usually to avoid activities that worsen symptoms and change footwear. ShoesChanges to shoes that can improve symptoms include the following: Avoid high-heeled shoes. Wear shoes with wide toe boxes that don't crowd the balls of the feet. Use a ready-made or custom-made shoe insert with padding that cushions and supports the forefoot. CorticosteroidsA corticosteroid may be injected into the nerve to treat pain. The injection is usually guided with an ultrasound device. The corticosteroid may be combined with a local anesthetic that temporarily numbs the area. This is usually a single injection. SurgeryIf other treatments don't work, your healthcare professional may recommend surgery. Surgical removal of the damaged, enlarged portion of the nerve is called a neurectomy. This is the most common procedure for treating Morton neuroma. The surgery is usually successful, but there may be permanent numbness in the affected toes. Other procedures that haven't been studied extensively may be used. These include procedures that: Disable the affected nerve without removing it. Create more space for the nerve in the forefoot by cutting tissues that connect bones. More InformationMorton neuroma care at Mayo ClinicCortisone shots Request an appointment Lifestyle and home remediesTo help relieve the pain of Morton neuroma and allow the nerve to heal, consider the following self-care tips: Take anti-inflammatory medicines. Nonprescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve), may relieve pain. Try ice massage. Regular ice massage may help reduce pain. Freeze a water-filled paper or foam cup and roll the cold cup over the painful site. Change your footwear. Have your feet measured at a shoe store to make sure you are buying shoes of the correct size and width. Avoid high heels or tight shoes. Choose shoes with wide toe boxes. Take a break. For a few weeks, reduce activities such as running, jumping, climbing or dancing that subject the balls of your feet to high impact. Preparing for your appointmentYou'll likely see your primary healthcare professional first. You may be referred to a doctor or surgeon who specializes in foot conditions. What you can doBefore your appointment, you may want to write a list of answers to the following questions: When did your symptoms begin? Did your symptoms begin gradually or suddenly? What type of footwear do you wear for work and recreation? Do you participate in sports? If so, what types in particular? What medicines and supplements do you take regularly? What to expect from your doctorYour healthcare professional may ask some of the following questions: How would you describe the pain? Do you feel any tingling or numbness in your foot or toes? Is the pain worse when wearing certain shoes? Do certain activities worsen the pain? Does anything lessen the pain? What home remedies have you tried? Are you experiencing any other pain in your body? By Mayo Clinic Staff Morton neuroma care at Mayo Clinic Request an appointment Symptoms & causesDoctors & departments July 11, 2025 Print Show references Cooper MT. Common painful foot and ankle conditions: A review. JAMA. 2023; doi:10.1001/jama.2023.23906. Ferri FF. Morton neuroma. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2025. Elsevier; 2025. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Jan. 13, 2025. Fields KB, et al. Forefoot pain in adults: Evaluation, diagnosis, and select management of common causes. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Jan. 13, 2025. Morton's neuroma. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/mortons-neuroma. Accessed Jan. 13, 2025. Azar FM, et al. Neurogenic disorders. In: Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 14th ed. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Jan. 13, 2025. Choi JY, et al. Operative treatment options for Morton's neuroma other than neurectomy — A systematic review. Foot and Ankle Surgery. 2022; doi:10.1016/j.fas.2021.10.011. Nimmagadda R. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. Nov. 1, 2024. Medical review (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Jan. 26, 2025. Related Morton neuroma Associated Procedures Cortisone shots MRI Ultrasound X-ray Show more associated procedures Products & Services A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic Morton neuromaSymptoms&causesDiagnosis&treatmentDoctors&departmentsCare atMayoClinic Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. NEW: Mayo Clinic Guide to Better Sleep Listen to Health Matters Podcast Mayo Clinic on Incontinence The Essential Diabetes Book FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book CON-20164395 Diseases & Conditions Morton neuroma