Morton's Neuroma Treatment Overview

When to see a healthcare provider

If symptoms like burning, tingling, and numbness in your toes or the ball of the foot don’t go away after a couple of weeks, you may want to see a healthcare provider. You can start with your primary care provider but you may be referred to an orthopedist or podiatrist.

Getting diagnosed

Your provider will diagnose you based on a physical exam. But the provider may want to do X-rays, ultrasound, or an MRI to confirm the diagnosis or check for a bone fracture.

What to expect from your doctor visit

• Your healthcare provider will likely recommend that first you try to treat it yourself by doing things like staying off your feet, taking OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve), and using orthotic inserts.
• Changing your footwear is also recommended because certain types of shoes, like high heels and shoes with a tight toe box, put extra pressure on your toes and the ball of your foot.
• You may be given steroid injections into the neuroma to reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling.
• If your symptoms do not improve, surgery may be needed. The surgeon will either remove the affected part of the nerve or release tissue around the nerve.

Types of Morton’s neuroma providers

• A primary care provider can treat mild to moderate symptoms.
• You may be referred to an orthopedic surgeon or podiatrist (foot specialist) if your symptoms are severe or don’t improve.

Treating Morton’s neuroma at home

If you have symptoms of Morton’s neuroma like burning, tingling, and numbness in the toes or the ball of your foot, you may be able to treat it at home.

The neuroma may go away when there is less pressure on the ball of your foot. To do this:

• Stop wearing high heels.
• Make sure shoes fit correctly and are not too tight. Shoes with a wider toe box can take pressure off the nerve.
• Put orthotic inserts in your shoes. There are orthotics you can buy over the counter that specifically treat Morton’s neuroma. You can also get custom orthotics from a podiatrist.
• Use metatarsal shoe pads (inserts), which you can buy at the drugstore, to relieve pressure on the ball of your foot.
• Try not to put pressure on the ball of your foot and limit walking when possible.
• Take a break from any sport or activity that may be making it worse.
• Apply an ice pack to your foot to reduce pain and swelling.
• Try taking OTC pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).