Surgery for Morton's neuroma removes the irritated, enlarged nerve that causes burning pain and numbness in the ball of the foot. It is offered when footwear changes and injections have not settled the symptoms, and gives reliable, lasting relief.
When is morton's neuroma surgery considered?
Surgery is considered when a confirmed neuroma continues to cause burning, electric or pebble-in-shoe pain despite wider footwear, metatarsal padding and image-guided injection treatment.
Can I avoid surgery?
What happens during the procedure
The neuroma is approached through a small incision, usually on top of the foot
The thickened, irritated nerve segment is released and removed
The wound is closed and dressed
You go home in a protective shoe with instructions for elevation and wound care
Recovery timeline
- First 2 weeks — keep the wound dry and limit swelling
- 2–4 weeks — walking increases in a roomy shoe as comfort allows
- 6–8 weeks — many patients return to sport or longer walks
- Several months — scar sensitivity and swelling continue to settle
Risks & complications
Risks include infection, painful scarring, persistent forefoot pain, stump neuroma and a permanent numb patch between the toes. For many patients, numbness is preferable to the pre-operative burning pain.
Costs & insurance
Self-pay consultations are £250 (new) and £175 (follow-up). The procedure price is confirmed after your consultation. We are recognised by all the main insurers including Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality, Aviva and Cigna.
Questions & answers
A patch of numbness in the web space is expected when the nerve is removed. It is usually well tolerated.
No. Many neuromas settle with footwear changes, padding and injections, especially when treated early.
Clinical examination is often clear, and ultrasound can confirm the neuroma and guide injections.
Recurrence is uncommon but possible, especially if a stump neuroma or another forefoot problem develops.
