Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
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+65 81535374 -
ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
#08-03 Singapore 428766 -
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 08:00am - 8:00pm -
Opening Hours
Sat: 08:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday (By prior appointment)
Morton's Neuroma
Morton’s Neuroma Surgery
Morton’s neuroma is an enlargement of a nerve in the foot, typically located between the third and fourth toes. Because the nerve sits in a confined space between the ligament above and the toes, it can become compressed during walking, which may lead to pain and discomfort.
Individuals with flat feet or those who frequently wear tight-fitting shoes may be at a higher risk of developing Morton’s neuroma. Wearing high heels can also aggravate the condition by increasing pressure on the forefoot.
Symptoms of Morton’s neuroma may include:
- Sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot, often radiating into the toes.
- Numbness or tingling between the affected toes.
- A feeling of a lump or something bunched up under the toes when walking.
- Discomfort aggravated by tight or high-heeled shoes.
- Pain that improves when removing shoes or massaging the foot.
Physiotherapy prior to Morton’s neuroma surgery
Surgery for Morton’s neuroma is typically reserved for the most severe cases. Before considering surgery, a non-surgical approach is usually attempted to relieve symptoms and reduce discomfort.
Before considering surgery, Ace Physio Sports will aim to relieve symptoms using interventions such as:
- Footwear modifications – wearing shoes with a wide toe box and avoiding high heels to reduce pressure on the forefoot.
- Orthotic devices – custom insoles or metatarsal pads to offload the affected area and provide support.
- Stretching exercises – targeting the calves, plantar fascia, and foot muscles to relieve tension.
- Manual therapy – soft tissue mobilization to reduce nerve compression and improve foot mechanics.
- Activity modification – reducing high-impact activities that exacerbate symptoms.
- Pain management techniques – including ice, anti-inflammatory medications, or gentle massage.
If conservative treatment is unsuccessful, surgery becomes the preferred option. The specific surgical technique used will depend on the size and location of the neuroma.
Common types of Morton’s neuroma surgery include:
- Neurectomy – surgical removal of the affected nerve segment.
- Decompression surgery – releasing the ligament above the nerve to relieve pressure.
- Endoscopic or minimally invasive techniques – using smaller incisions to reduce recovery time.
- Combination procedures – sometimes both decompression and partial neurectomy are performed together.
Surgical access to the affected nerve can be achieved either from the top of the foot (dorsal approach) or the bottom of the foot (plantar approach), depending on the surgeon’s preference and the location of the neuroma.
Physiotherapy is essential after Morton’s neuroma surgery, regardless of whether a dorsal or plantar approach is used, to restore function, reduce pain, and support a safe return to normal activity.
Symptoms after surgery
After surgery, it is normal to experience residual pain and swelling around the scar site.
Physiotherapy following surgery for a Morton’s neuroma
The physiotherapy programme will vary depending on the type of surgery performed. Our physiotherapists at Ace Physio Sports use their clinical expertise and judgment to develop a tailored rehabilitation plan specific to you and your procedure.
Our physiotherapists at Ace Physio Sports can begin working with you shortly after surgery to support healing. You will be taught strategies to promote scar recovery at home, including ice therapy (cryotherapy) and self-massage techniques. We also encourage keeping your foot elevated whenever possible and performing gentle range-of-motion exercises to improve circulation and aid the healing process.
Depending on the type of surgery performed, recovery may take anywhere from 5 days to 3 weeks.
Dorsal Surgery (Incision on Top of Foot) If your surgery was performed via a dorsal approach, you will typically be able to mobilise independently soon after the procedure. Our physiotherapists at Ace Physio Sports will advise if walking aids are needed and help build confidence on your feet. Ice therapy will be used to reduce pain and swelling. You will be given exercises to improve range of motion in your toes and ankle, along with strengthening exercises to ensure you feel strong and secure while walking.
Plantar Surgery (Incision on Bottom of Foot) If your surgery was performed via a plantar approach, you must avoid putting weight on your foot and use crutches for at least three weeks following the operation. During this period, our physiotherapists at Ace Physio Sports will provide seated exercises to maintain both strength and range of motion in your legs. Once you are able to bear weight, our physiotherapists will guide you through your first steps and help you build confidence walking on flat surfaces, slopes, and stairs. Rehabilitation will progress at your pace, with a focus on achieving your personal recovery goals.
Summary
Surgery for Morton’s neuroma is reserved for severe cases and aims to relieve compression of the affected nerve. At Ace Physio Sports, we can support you both before and after surgery. Following the procedure, a tailored physiotherapy programme will be implemented, with key goals to reduce pain, build strength, and enhance confidence on your feet. Together with your physiotherapist, you will develop a detailed, week-by-week rehabilitation plan, designed to meet your personal recovery goals.
Call Ace Physio Sports now at +65 81535374 for more information or to book an appointment. You can also visit acephysiosports.com to learn more about our services.
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Sun: On Appointment Basis
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