Diagnosis

During the exam, your doctor will press on your foot to feel for a mass or tender spot. There may also be a feeling of "clicking" between the bones of your foot.

Imaging tests

Some imaging tests are more useful than others in the diagnosis of Morton's neuroma:

• X-rays. Your doctor is likely to order X-rays of your foot to rule out other causes of your pain — such as a stress fracture.
• Ultrasound. This technology uses sound waves to create real-time images of internal structures. Ultrasound is particularly good at revealing soft tissue abnormalities, such as neuromas.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Using radio waves and a strong magnetic field, an MRI also is good at visualizing soft tissues. But it's an expensive test and often indicates neuromas in people who have no symptoms.