What to expect from a cortisone injection for Morton's neuroma

The clinician examines the spaces between the toes and cleans the skin before guiding a needle toward the irritated nerve area. Local numbing medicine may be included. You may feel brief pressure, stinging, or a spreading sensation in the ball of the foot. Corticosteroid medicine is meant to reduce local inflammation; it does not remove the thickened nerve tissue or change footwear-related pressure by itself. Improvement may be gradual, and some people have persistent symptoms.

Before the appointment, mention diabetes, blood-thinning medicine, allergies, infection, or earlier injection reactions. Wear or bring footwear that does not squeeze the forefoot. Follow instructions about driving, walking, and exercise after treatment. Rest the foot from impact activity for the advised period, then return to comfortable movement gradually. Roomier shoes, a supportive insert, and activity changes may help reduce pressure while you assess the response. Keep the injection site clean and follow the clinician's dressing advice.

Seek prompt medical advice if the foot becomes increasingly red, hot, swollen, or painful, or if drainage or fever develops. Urgent help is needed for breathing difficulty, facial swelling, collapse, or another rapidly developing allergic reaction. New weakness, persistent spreading numbness, or inability to walk should also be assessed.

Ask where the medicine will be placed, how long numbness may last, which shoes and activities are suitable afterward, and what will be tried if burning or forefoot pain continues.