Morton’s neuroma is a common nerve entrapment which results in pain at the ball of the foot, with or without a radiation into the toes. Often patients describe feeling as though they have a stone in their shoe. The pain occurs more commonly when wearing enclosed footwear, but can occur barefooted also in severe cases.
In acute cases, the nerve between the toes can become locally inflamed from injury or inflammation such as bursitis. This can be resolved with non-surgical treatments such as cortisone injections, custom-made orthotics and footwear changes. In more chronic cases, the nerve becomes locally thickened and damaged from being chronically inflamed and generally responds poorly to non-surgical treatment.
Patients who experience ongoing pain from Morton’s neuroma may consider surgical treatment as an option. The procedure is performed on a day surgery basis under twilight sedation or general anaesthesia and is quite routine. The damaged nerve is excised, and patients are encouraged to limit time on their feet for several weeks after the procedure to allow wound healing to take place and inflammation to resolve. Results of morton’s neuroma surgery are routinely satisfying and the recurrence rate is low overall.
Please note:
This website is intended for general information purposes only. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. For more information, follow the link to make an appointment to see our specialist podiatric surgeons Dr Andrew Knox, Dr Burke Hugo & Dr Jamie Weaver.