Morton’s neuroma surgery
At OS Clinic, our consultant foot and ankle specialists assess and treat Morton’s neuroma with a careful, personalised approach. If persistent nerve pain in the ball of your foot is affecting how you walk or exercise, our team will take time to understand your symptoms and guide you through your options.
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Morton’s neuroma surgery at a glance
- Day case foot surgery performed by a consultant orthopaedic surgeon
- Removes the thickened nerve or releases pressure around it
- Usually takes around 30 minutes to perform
- Local or general anaesthetic, depending on your case
- Most patients walk in a protective shoe shortly after surgery
- Gradual return to normal footwear over the following weeks
What is Morton’s neuroma surgery?
Morton’s neuroma is a condition where one of the small nerves between the toes becomes irritated and thickened. This usually happens between the third and fourth toes and develops gradually as the nerve is repeatedly compressed (squeezed) by the surrounding tissues in the forefoot.
Symptoms that may suggest Morton’s neuroma include:
- Discomfort or numbness between the toes
- Pain in the ball of the foot, often described as feeling like a stone under the foot
- Pain that worsens when walking or wearing tight shoes
- Burning or shooting pain that may travel along the foot
- Symptoms that sometimes ease when you remove your shoes or walk barefoot
Surgery aims to reduce this pressure so the nerve is no longer being irritated when you walk.
Depending on your symptoms and examination findings, your consultant may recommend releasing the tight structures around the nerve to create more space or removing the affected section of nerve.
Is Morton’s neuroma surgery right for me?
Morton’s neuroma surgery is usually considered when your symptoms continue despite non-surgical treatments such as footwear changes, orthotics (like custom shoe inserts) or injections.
Your consultant will examine your foot carefully and explain whether surgery is likely to improve your symptoms before recommending the procedure.
Morton’s neuroma surgery
For patients with ongoing nerve pain in the ball of the foot, Morton’s neuroma surgery can provide lasting pain relief when non-surgical treatments have not helped. The procedure aims to reduce the nerve pain in the ball of the foot and make walking more comfortable again.
Many people find that everyday activities become easier once the nerve irritation has settled. Some also find they can wear a wider range of footwear without the sharp or burning pain they previously experienced.
Before surgery, you’ll attend a pre-assessment appointment. This allows the clinical team to check your general health, review your medical history and make sure you’re ready for anaesthesia and surgery. You’ll also have the chance to ask questions and talk through the plan for your procedure and recovery.
If you smoke, your consultant may advise stopping before surgery. Smoking can slow healing and increase the risk of complications, so reducing or stopping beforehand can support your recovery.
Morton’s neuroma surgery is usually performed as a day case procedure, so you can normally return home the same day. It’s often carried out under general anaesthetic, with local anaesthetic placed around the foot to help keep you comfortable after the operation.
Your surgeon makes a small incision on the top of the foot, between the affected toes. Depending on the cause of the nerve irritation, the procedure may involve releasing the tight structures around the nerve to create more space or removing the thickened section of nerve that is causing the pain. If the nerve is removed, the area between the toes will remain permanently numb.
After Morton’s neuroma surgery, your foot will be bandaged and placed in a protective orthopaedic shoe. This helps support the area while it begins to heal. Most patients go home the same day and are shown how to walk safely in the post-operative shoe.
In the first week, it helps to rest your foot and keep it elevated when possible, as this can reduce swelling and discomfort. You’ll be encouraged to walk short distances, but avoiding unnecessary time on your feet early on can make the initial recovery more comfortable.
The dressings are usually removed around two weeks after surgery. Many people are able to return to work at this stage, depending on the type of work they do. Your consultant will guide you on when it’s safe to return to normal footwear.
Low-impact exercise can often begin again after a few weeks, with activity gradually increasing as your foot settles. Most patients return to their usual sporting activity at around six weeks. Some mild swelling can persist for several months, which is a normal part of the healing process.
Morton's neuroma surgery
Choosing surgery for foot pain can feel like a big step. At OS Clinic, we aim to make the process clear, supportive and carefully tailored to you. Your consultant will assess your symptoms in detail and discuss whether Morton’s neuroma surgery is the right option for your situation.
When you choose us, you’ll receive:
- Access to consultant orthopaedic surgeons specialising in foot and ankle conditions
- Careful assessment to confirm if surgery is the right step
- Imaging and treatment coordinated through one team
- Clear guidance on recovery and return to activity
- Appointments arranged at times that fit around your work and daily life
- Ongoing support from consultation through to follow-up care
From your first appointment through to recovery, our team will make sure you understand each step and feel confident in your treatment plan.
If pain from Morton’s neuroma is affecting how you walk or stay active, our foot and ankle specialists can help you understand your options. Book a consultation at OS Clinic to discuss your symptoms and whether Morton’s neuroma surgery could offer you relief.
