When Is a Cortisone Injection Recommended for Morton's Neuroma?

A clinician may discuss it after confirming that the pain is coming from an irritated nerve between the toes, rather than another foot problem. The decision depends on the location and pattern of pain, examination findings, your health history, and how symptoms affect walking or daily activity.

Morton's neuroma involves irritation and thickening around a nerve in the forefoot, often causing burning or electric pain, tingling, or the feeling of a pebble under the foot. A cortisone injection places an anti-inflammatory medicine near the affected space. It may calm local inflammation and reduce pain, but it does not remove the mechanical pressure that can irritate the nerve.

Relief can be temporary or incomplete, and some people do not benefit. A healthcare professional will explain the expected effect, possible discomfort, skin or soft-tissue changes, infection risk, and other considerations before treatment. An injection is usually part of a broader plan rather than a substitute for roomier footwear and pressure reduction.

Arrange an assessment if forefoot pain keeps returning, limits walking, or does not settle after changing to shoes with a wide toe box and low heel. Tell the clinician about diabetes, blood-thinning medicines, allergies, skin problems, previous injections, and any current infection.

After an injection, follow the clinician's instructions about activity and footwear. Keep track of pain, tingling, walking tolerance, and any redness or swelling. Do not use worsening symptoms as a reason to repeat an injection without review; persistent pain may call for a different diagnosis or another treatment approach, such as physiotherapy, an in-shoe metatarsal pad, or specialist review.

Seek prompt medical advice if the foot becomes increasingly red, hot, swollen, or tender, especially after an injection, or if you develop fever or drainage. Seek urgent help for sudden severe pain, a pale or blue foot, new inability to bear weight, or rapidly worsening numbness or weakness.

Book a follow-up when pain remains limiting, returns soon after treatment, or spreads beyond the usual area between the toes. These changes can indicate that the nerve needs reassessment or that another condition is contributing to the symptoms.

Ask: How confident are you that the pain is Morton's neuroma? What alternatives should I try first? Where would the injection be placed, and what improvement should I monitor? What activity and footwear instructions apply afterward? What symptoms should prompt an urgent call?