What steroid is used to treat Morton's neuroma?

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Last updated: March 24, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Research

Triamcinolone is the steroid of choice for treating Morton's neuroma, as evidenced by the most recent and highest quality study 1. When treating Morton's neuroma, the goal is to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

  • The treatment typically involves injecting a corticosteroid, such as triamcinolone, into the affected intermetatarsal space.
  • A local anesthetic, like lidocaine (1-2%), is often mixed with the steroid to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
  • The injection is usually performed by a podiatrist, orthopedic surgeon, or interventional radiologist using anatomical landmarks or ultrasound guidance for accurate placement.
  • Patients typically receive 1-3 injections spaced 4-6 weeks apart, depending on symptom response. Key considerations for treatment include:
  • Conservative measures, such as proper footwear and activity modification, should be tried before considering steroid injections.
  • Repeated injections should be limited due to potential side effects, including fat pad atrophy, skin depigmentation, and tendon weakening.
  • If symptoms persist after 2-3 injections, alternative treatments like alcohol sclerosing injections or surgical intervention may be considered, as supported by studies 2, 3, 4. It's essential to weigh the benefits and risks of each treatment option, prioritizing the patient's quality of life and minimizing potential complications, as highlighted in the literature 5.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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