Morton's neuroma surgery
What is a Morton's neuroma and why is surgery required some of the time?
Morton’s Neuroma is a painful condition affecting a nerve between the toes—most commonly between the 3rd and 4th toes. It occurs when the nerve becomes enlarged or irritated, leading to sharp pain, burning, tingling or the sensation of “walking on a pebble.”
When footwear changes, orthotics and injections no longer provide relief, surgery may be recommended to remove or decompress the painful nerve.
Morton’s Neuroma Treatment & Surgery | Liverpool
Surgery is usually a day-case procedure performed under local or general anaesthetic.
Two main surgical approaches:
1. Open Excision (most common)
- A small incision is made on the top or sole of the foot
- The enlarged nerve segment is removed
- The nerve endings are buried into soft tissue to reduce irritation
- Stitches are used to close the skin
This is the standard and widely successful approach, especially for persistent neuromas.
2. Decompression / Neurolysis
- Tight surrounding tissues (transverse intermetatarsal ligament) are released
- The nerve is preserved rather than removed
- Considered for early or smaller neuromas, or when nerve preservation is preferred
What to Expect on the Day
- Usually home the same day
- Foot is bandaged and protected in a post-operative shoe
- You may walk on your heel unless instructed otherwise
- Pain is usually manageable with simple painkillers
- Elevation is important for swelling reduction
Morton's neuroma consent information
Consent Form Mortons Neuroma Excision (docx)
DownloadPost Surgical Recovery
Immediate post operative period (0-2 weeks)
- A soft dressing or bandage will protect your wound.
- You will usually be allowed to walk in a post-op shoe.
- Elevation is key – aim for 80% rest with your foot elevated above heart level for the first 72 hours to control swelling.
- Expect:
- Mild pain, bruising and swelling – normal
- Tingling or numbness between toes (permanent if nerve removed)
- A “lumpy” feeling around the scar as tissues settle
2-6 weeks after surgery
- Gradually increase walking indoors first, then outdoors.
- Begin gentle foot mobility movements once stitches are removed (unless advised otherwise).
- Transition to loose, wide or soft shoes around 3–4 weeks depending on comfort.
- Avoid tight footwear, high heels, running, and impact activity.
- Light duties or desk-based work often resume from 2–4 weeks.
- Jobs involving prolonged standing or walking may take 6–8 weeks.
6-12 weeks after surgery
- Most patients return to normal shoes and daily activity more comfortably.
- Light exercise (cycling or swimming) can usually start from 6 weeks if the wound is healed.
- Gentle return to longer walks and low-impact exercise is encouraged gradually.
- Some residual swelling and sensitivity can remain, especially at the end of the day.
Longer term (3-6 months and beyond)
- Full recovery is well underway.
- Scar tissue softens and the foot feels more natural.
- Most patients return to:
- Golf, gym, casual hiking by 8–12 weeks
- Higher-impact sports by 3–6 months depending on comfort
- Final comfort levels may continue to improve for up to 6–12 months.
- Numbness in the webspace is permanent after nerve excision but is rarely troublesome.
- Rarely, a regrowth of the nerve end (stump neuroma) may cause persistent symptoms – this can usually be managed if it occurs.
Outcomes
Before Surgery
· Burning/tingling pain between toes common
· Feels like “walking on a pebble”
· Pain aggravated by tight shoes or prolonged walking
· Conservative measures often only temporary relief
After Surgery
· Major reduction in pain
· Improved walking comfort and tolerance
· Less pressure and irritation in footwear
· Tingling symptoms reduced (numbness expected if nerve excised)
· High rate of lasting symptom relief
· Most patients return to daily activities with greater ease
Registry data shows that patients report meaningful improvement beyond the threshold considered ‘clinically significant’, demonstrating robust benefit.
Long term success
· Most patients experience sustained pain relief long-term
· Permanent numbness between toes is normal after nerve excision and rarely problematic
· Recurrence or stump neuroma is uncommon, though possible
· Wearing well-fitted shoes with adequate forefoot space supports long-term comfort
· A small proportion may require further treatment if symptoms persist or return
Contact Us
Contact to arrange an appointment
Prof Mason has clinics at Spire Liverpool (weekly) and in Douglas, Isle of Man (every 3 months)
Cost -
Initial consultation - £250
Follow-up - £150
Prof Lyndon Mason
Spire Liverpool Hospital, 57 Greenbank Rd, Liverpool L18 1HQ, UK
Patient Liaison - Clare van de Waal Telephone - 07717580737 E-mail - CVDWclerical@outlook.com Website - <<https://liverpoolfootandankle.com/<<
Copyright © 2026 Prof Lyndon Mason - All Rights Reserved.