Morton’s neuroma treatment may include orthopedic insoles or orthotic devices, anti-inflammatory medicines, corticosteroid injections, or physical therapy. These options are used to reduce pain, inflammation, and pressure on the irritated nerve.
In many cases, decreasing pressure on the forefoot is enough to improve symptoms and help a person return to normal daily activities. The best approach depends on severity and duration of symptoms.
An orthopedic specialist usually oversees treatment for Morton’s neuroma and can create a step-by-step care plan. If symptoms are severe or do not improve with conservative approaches, surgery may be recommended.
Treatment options
Recommend treatments for Morton's neuroma may include:
1. Orthopedic insoles
An orthopedic specialist may recommend properly fitted insoles to improve foot support inside the shoe, which can reduce pain and discomfort from Morton’s neuroma.
Wearing comfortable, supportive shoes, such as well-cushioned sneakers or running shoes, may also help, especially when they match the person’s gait and foot mechanics.
High heels, flip-flops, and very flat sandals should be avoided, because they can increase forefoot pressure and make symptoms worse.
2. Orthotic devices
Orthotic devices such as a metatarsal pad or a neuroma pad may be recommended to reduce pressure on the neuroma and ease symptoms.
In some cases, a toe splint called a Budin splint or a toe sleeve may also be recommended to help relieve neuropathic-type pain.
3. Cold compresses
Applying a cold compress to the affected foot may help decrease inflammation and reduce pain from Morton’s neuroma.
To do this, place ice in an insulated bag or use a gel cold pack, wrap it in a clean, dry towel, and apply it to the painful area.
Apply for 15 to 20 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day.
4. Medications
Medicines for Morton’s neuroma may be recommended by an orthopedic specialist to help control symptoms such as pain and inflammation.
Common options include pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medicines such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen.
If neuropathic pain is a concern, a doctor may also prescribe medicines such as amitriptyline, gabapentin, or pregabalin to help reduce nerve-related pain.
5. Corticosteroid injection
In some cases, an orthopedic specialist may inject a corticosteroid directly into the precise area of pain, which can provide significant symptom relief for weeks or months.
However, this type of injection should not be given more than once a year.
If symptoms continue, physical therapy sessions may be recommended.
6. Physical therapy
Physical therapy for Morton’s neuroma can help relieve pain and inflammation, restore foot movement, and improve weight-bearing, supporting a return to normal daily activities.
It may also help reduce the size of the lump in the foot, relieve pain, and improve foot mechanics to reduce the chance of another neuroma forming.
A physical therapist may recommend strengthening or proprioceptive exercises, therapeutic ultrasound with an anti-inflammatory gel, mobilization of the metatarsals and toes, or deep transverse friction massage.
The physical therapist may also recommend global postural reeducation sessions to improve whole-body alignment, which may help correct changes in foot mechanics and foot anatomy.
7. Radiofrequency ablation
Radiofrequency ablation is a surgical-type treatment that may be considered for Morton’s neuroma.
In this procedure, the orthopedic specialist uses an electrical current to heat the affected nerve tissue, which destroys the targeted tissue.
Radiofrequency ablation helps prevent pain signals from being sent to the brain.
8. Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery is another surgical treatment option for Morton’s neuroma that involves applying very cold temperatures, between -50°C and -70°C, directly to the affected nerve.
This destroys part of the nerve, which prevents it from generating pain.
9. Neurectomy surgery
Neurectomy is one of the most commonly recommended surgical treatments for Morton’s neuroma when medications, injections, and physical therapy are not enough.
In this surgery, the orthopedic specialist removes the affected nerve.
It is done under local anesthesia and typically takes about 1 hour.
About 1 week later, the person is usually advised to return to physical therapy to support recovery and help reduce swelling and discomfort in the foot.
10. Acupuncture
Acupuncture sessions may be used as an alternative treatment option and may help relieve pain and discomfort when a person does not want or cannot have surgery.
Sessions are typically done once a week, with the acupuncturist placing small needles in the feet or along body meridians, as needed.
This is intended to rebalance the body’s energy, reduce tension and stress, and relieve discomfort.
Home remedies
Gently massaging the painful area of the foot may help relieve symptoms and complement the plan recommended by the orthopedic specialist.
Using a topical product with camphor or arnica can also be helpful when massaging the feet after a bath or shower and before bedtime.