Morton’s Neuroma

You know the feeling — like there’s a pebble in your shoe or that your sock is bunched up. That painful, burning, tingling feeling that you just want to go away.

A Morton’s neuroma is a common foot condition that happens when the nerve between the bones of your toes becomes swollen, thickened and inflamed. It can be uncomfortable and downright annoying.

You probably want to get back to walking, running and simply moving through your day pain-free. Who wouldn’t? We’re here to help. At Cleveland Clinic, we provide care for all kinds of foot and ankle conditions, including Morton’s neuroma. Our caring and compassionate specialists will help you get back to the things you love — without the pain.

Why Choose Cleveland Clinic for Morton's Neuroma Care?

Demonstrated expertise:

Our specialists have extensive training in diagnosing and treating a wide range of foot and ankle problems. Meet our team.

Trusted experts:

Cleveland Clinic specialists use the most advanced procedures and the latest techniques to care for your feet and ankles. Here, you’ll get the best and most current treatment available.

Collaborative care:

At Cleveland Clinic, you’ll be in good hands with our world-class team of podiatrists, foot and ankle surgeons, and rehabilitation caregivers. They’ll work as a team to ensure you get the best possible treatment and so you can get back to your life, without the pain.

National recognition:

Cleveland Clinic is a trusted healthcare leader. We're recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for our expertise and care.

Morton's Neuroma Diagnosis at Cleveland Clinic

If you’ve been living with a Morton’s neuroma, you’re probably eager to ease the pain and get back on your feet. You can be confident our trusted experts understand what you’re going through. They’ll ask questions, do a thorough exam and take the time to get to know you. At your appointment, your healthcare provider may:

Ask you to describe your symptoms.
Ask you about your medical history and any current medical conditions.
Take a close look at your feet to check for a mass between your toes.
Press on the spaces between your toe bones to determine the location of your foot pain.
Order an X-ray. This won’t show a neuroma, but it will help your provider understand if the pain you feel is from a neuroma or from another condition, like a stress fracture or arthritis. Your provider may also order an ultrasound or MRI.
Recommend an electromyography procedure to rule out nerve conditions other than Morton’s neuroma.

Providers Who Treat Morton's Neuroma

Locations

Our healthcare providers see patients at convenient locations throughout Northeast Ohio and Florida.

Morton's Neuroma Treatment at Cleveland Clinic

Finding the right treatment option can be like trying on shoes. You need to find something that fits you. We’ll go over treatment options with you and talk about the details for each one. The right treatment for you will depend on your personal experience with Morton’s neuroma. Your provider will likely suggest starting with a few methods to relieve your pain at home, like:

Using ice packs on your toes to reduce swelling.
Using an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen or getting a cortisone shot.
Wearing supportive, properly fitting shoes.
Wearing a custom shoe insert and shoe pad to take pressure off your nerve and off the ball of your foot.
Losing weight to take pressure off your foot.
Temporarily avoiding high-impact sports or exercise.

If these treatments don’t work, your healthcare provider may recommend surgery called a neurectomy. That’s a procedure that removes part of your nerve tissue. They may also talk with you about radiofrequency ablation, which uses an electric current to stop your nerves from sending pain signals.

Taking the Next Step

The pain that can go along with Morton’s neuroma can stop you from doing the things you enjoy. Our goal is to get this pain out of your way. We’ll work with you to help craft a treatment plan that fits you and helps relieve your pain.