What Are the Treatments for Mortons Neuroma?

A neuroma is a thickened nerve that causes pain when it is compressed between the bones. Morton's neuromas are found near the ball of the foot, between the third and fourth toes.

Altered Activity

• Minor Morton's neuromas can be treated by reducing activities that cause extra pressure to be placed on the affected area. For example, running and dancing cause repetitive pressure to be placed on the balls of the feet.

Ice and Anti-Inflammatory Medications

• After pressure-causing activities, ice and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines like aspirin and ibuprofen can decrease pain and irritation.

Corticosteroid Injections

• Corticosteroid injections reduce the inflammation in the area of the neuroma. However, side effects of steroids, such as weight gain and increasing blood pressure, limit how often this treatment may be used.

Alcohol Injections

• As of 2009, injections of diluted alcohol are a relatively new but promising treatment. The injection has been shown to reduce the size of the neuroma and pain levels.

Surgery

• Surgery removes both the nerve and the neuroma. Though it has a very high success rate, it is a last resort because removing the nerve can cause permanent numbness in the toes.