How Is Morton’s Neuroma Diagnosed?

How is Morton’s neuroma diagnosed?

Short answer: Diagnosis combines the symptom pattern, focused examination and, when useful, ultrasound or MRI. No single test should be interpreted in isolation.

Examination identifies the painful interspace, reproduces radiating symptoms and assesses metatarsal compression, a Mulder click, toe stability, callus and alternative pain sources. Local tenderness must be distinguished from adjacent joint pain.

A diagnostic local-anaesthetic injection can be informative when the pain source remains uncertain. A meaningful temporary response supports—but does not absolutely prove—the diagnosis.