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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffTreatment depends on the severity of your symptoms. Your doctor will likely recommend trying conservative approaches first.
Therapy
Arch supports and foot pads fit inside your shoe and help reduce pressure on the nerve. These can be purchased over the counter, or your doctor may prescribe a custom-made, individually designed shoe insert — molded to fit the exact contours of your foot.
Surgical and other procedures
- Injections. Some people are helped by the injection of steroids into the painful area.
- Cryogenic neuroablation. This minimally invasive procedure exposes the nerve to very cold temperatures, which interferes with the transmission of pain signals. Results are not permanent.
- Decompression surgery. In some cases, surgeons can relieve the pressure on the nerve by cutting nearby structures, such as the ligament that binds together some of the bones in the front of the foot.
- Removal of the nerve. Surgical removal of the growth may be necessary if other treatments fail to provide pain relief. Although surgery is usually successful, doctors often turn to surgery as a last resort, because the procedure removes both the neuroma and the nerve, which can leave permanent numbness in the affected toes.
- Thomas JL, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of forefoot disorders: Morton's intermetatarsal neuroma. Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery. 2009;48:251.
- Callahan LR, et al. Overview of running injuries in the lower extremity. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 4, 2010.
- Neuromas. American Podiatric Medical Association. http://www.apma.org/MainMenu/Foot-Health/Foot-Health-Brochures-category/Learn-About-Your-Feet/Neuromas.aspx. Accessed Aug. 4, 2010.
- Morton's neuroma. American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. http://www.footphysicians.com/footankleinfo/mortons-neuroma.htm. Accessed Aug. 5; 2010.
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