Musculoskeletal
Medicines for Morton's neuroma
A thickening of tissue around a nerve between the toes, causing pain, burning or a feeling of a pebble in the shoe — often eased by footwear changes, with other treatments if needed.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Morton's neuroma?
Morton's neuroma is a painful condition affecting the ball of the foot, most often between the third and fourth toes. It is caused by thickening and irritation of the tissue around one of the nerves that run to the toes, thought to result from pressure or irritation.
- How it is treated: Treatment usually begins with simple measures that relieve pressure on the nerve, which help many people: wearing wide, flat, cushioned shoes with a roomy toe area, avoiding high heels and tight footwear, and using padding or foot supports (orthotics) to spread the pressure.
- Self-care: Wearing wide, flat, cushioned shoes with a roomy toe box, avoiding high heels and tight footwear, using metatarsal pads or orthotics, resting the foot, and maintaining a healthy weight all reduce pressure on the nerve.
- When to seek help: See a GP or podiatrist for persistent pain, burning or numbness in the ball of the foot, or a feeling of a pebble underfoot, especially if footwear changes have not helped.
What it is
Morton's neuroma is a painful condition affecting the ball of the foot, most often between the third and fourth toes. It is caused by thickening and irritation of the tissue around one of the nerves that run to the toes, thought to result from pressure or irritation. Typical symptoms are pain, burning or tingling in the ball of the foot and toes, numbness, and a distinctive feeling of standing on a pebble or having a bunched-up sock. Symptoms are often worse in tight or high-heeled shoes and with activity, and better when resting and rubbing the foot. It is more common in women, linked to footwear. It is diagnosed by examination, sometimes with an ultrasound scan.
How it is treated
Treatment usually begins with simple measures that relieve pressure on the nerve, which help many people: wearing wide, flat, cushioned shoes with a roomy toe area, avoiding high heels and tight footwear, and using padding or foot supports (orthotics) to spread the pressure. Simple pain relief helps flare-ups, and losing excess weight reduces load on the foot. If symptoms persist, steroid injections around the nerve can give relief, and in stubborn cases a procedure or small operation to treat the nerve may be considered. Care is often guided by a podiatrist, with an orthopaedic opinion for persistent cases.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Morton's neuroma
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Wearing wide, flat, cushioned shoes with a roomy toe box, avoiding high heels and tight footwear, using metatarsal pads or orthotics, resting the foot, and maintaining a healthy weight all reduce pressure on the nerve.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP or podiatrist for persistent pain, burning or numbness in the ball of the foot, or a feeling of a pebble underfoot, especially if footwear changes have not helped.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Morton's neuroma: frequently asked questions
What does Morton's neuroma feel like?
Often a burning or sharp pain in the ball of the foot and toes, numbness, and a feeling of standing on a pebble or a bunched-up sock — usually worse in tight or high-heeled shoes.
How is Morton's neuroma treated?
Usually with roomy, cushioned, flat footwear, padding or orthotics, and pain relief. If these do not help, steroid injections or, in stubborn cases, a small procedure may be considered.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Morton's neuroma
- Royal College of Podiatry guidance
Related conditions
Browse by body system
Building a patient-information or formulary resource?
We create evidence-led, dose-free clinical references and decision aids for teams.