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Morton's Neuroma Surgery, Treatment and Recovery

Posted by:

Johannes Sauer

Reviewed by:

Dr. Jennie Stanford

Updated at: March 16, 2025

Table of Contents

  1. What is Morton’s Neuroma Surgery?

  2. Two Types of Surgery

  3. Why is Morton’s Neuroma Surgery Necessary?

  4. How Long Does it Take to Recover from Morton’s Neuroma Surgery?

  5. Long-Term Impact of Morton’s Neuroma Surgery

  6. Rehab Strategies

  7. Lifestyle Improvements

  8. Accommodations Following Surgery

A Morton’s neuroma is an inflammatory condition wherein the interdigital nerves of the foot become enlarged. This causes localized swelling that can make it feel like you’re stepping on a small stone or marble when you walk.

Morton’s neuroma surgery is a treatment your doctor may suggest for this condition. Learn more about what this type of surgery entails.

What is Morton’s Neuroma Surgery?

Morton’s neuroma surgery can take either of two forms: nerve decompression or excision. The goal of the surgery is to treat the inflammation and pain of the condition so that walking is no longer painful.

Two Types of Surgery

  • Nerve decompression: In this procedure, no part of the nerve is removed. Instead, the space immediately surrounding the nerve is widened. That way, there is no longer so much pressure on the nerve. Some of the surrounding tissue is removed to create this space.
  • Neurectomy: This is what it is called when part of the nerve itself is removed, rather than just the tissue around it.

Why is Morton’s Neuroma Surgery Necessary?

This type of surgery is recommended for severe cases of Morton’s neuromas that are not responsive to other more conservative forms of treatment. A Morton’s neuroma can go away with treatment, but it can also come back.

How Long Does it Take to Recover from Morton’s Neuroma Surgery?

The majority of healing takes place within six weeks. After that, you should be able to return to most of your regular activities. Full healing may not occur until a year after the surgery, however.

Long-Term Impact of Morton’s Neuroma Surgery

The majority of patients are satisfied with surgery for Morton’s neuroma after a mean of 10.5 years. Some reservations, however, are common.

Numbness is a common permanent result of this type of surgery. This is expected if the nerve is deliberately cut, and your doctor will discuss it with you ahead of time.

While Morton’s neuroma surgery usually gets rid of pain, it is important to be aware that the cut end of a nerve can form a “stump neuroma,” which can lead to new pain. Discuss this risk thoroughly with your doctor.

Mar 16, 2025

Rehab Strategies

There are a number of types of rehab that your doctor may recommend for a Morton’s neuroma.

Physical therapy includes exercises that can help you to recover a normal gait as you are healing from the neuroma.

Occupational therapy can help you get back to performing work duties, or prepare you to take on different kinds of work.

Lifestyle Improvements

You may want to make some adjustments to your home while living with a Morton’s neuroma. Clear obstacles from walkways, add railings and other aids as needed, and generally make it easier to get around your home.

Another improvement you can make is to begin wearing therapeutic footwear (more on that below).

Accommodations Following Surgery

Following Morton’s neuroma surgery, you will need to wear a boot for the first few weeks. 

Once you are out of the boot, you should consider getting shoes that feature a wide, roomy toe box, a supportive design that enhances stability, and lightweight, fatigue-reducing materials.

Cadense shoes for foot drop meet these requirements, and also can make ideal shoes during the time you have Morton’s neuroma. So, you can wear them before and after the surgery. Many patients also continue wearing them even after healing since they are so comfortable and easy to walk in. 

These are good shoes for patients with a wide range of other foot conditions as well, and for older adults with foot problems in general.

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FAQ

Do you have to wear a boot after Morton’s Neuroma surgery?

Yes, you will need to wear a boot after Morton’s neuroma surgery. After a few weeks, the boot can come off. The exact amount of time it must be worn varies from patient to patient based on their individual surgery and recovery time.

What is an alternative to Morton’s Neuroma surgery?

More common and conservative treatments for Morton’s neuroma include changing to wider shoes, wearing shoe pads or orthotic devices, icing, and using corticosteroids and painkillers. In the majority of cases, your doctor will recommend these treatments before suggesting surgery.

Does Morton’s Neuroma count for disability benefits?

Morton’s neuroma certainly can be disabling, including over the long term. Whether or not you are approved for disability benefits, however, depends on your individual case. It can be hard to be approved for any kind of disability, so go into the process prepared to try multiple times if necessary.

Posted by: Johannes Sauer

Johannes is the CEO and Co-Founder of Cadense and passionate about helping people with walking difficulties. Johannes is the CEO and Co-Founder of Cadense and passionate about helping people with walking difficulties. He was immediately drawn to the mission of the company because his cousin lost his lower leg in a tragic motorcycle accident a few years ago and is experiencing walking difficulties ever since. Johannes brings over a decade of experience in working for consumer product companies to Cadense. He holds an MBA from the University of Graz in Austria. Johannes lives with his family in Santa Barbara, CA.

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Reviewed by: Dr. Jennie Stanford

Dr. Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM, is an obesity medicine physician and metabolic health expert, as well as a medical writer and educator. Dr. Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM, is an obesity medicine physician and metabolic health expert, as well as a medical writer and educator. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Dr. Stanford is board-certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine and the American Board of Family Medicine. She is passionately involved in medical education, dedicating her time to mentoring and advancing the field.

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