Forefoot Pain
Understanding and Treating Pain in the Forefoot
The London Podiatry Centre is internationally recognised for its expertise in diagnosing and treating forefoot pain. As one of the world’s most advanced centres for Morton’s neuroma, we offer a full spectrum of treatments — including cryosurgery, radiofrequency therapy, and open surgery, when required. In many cases, however, conservative care can be highly effective.
Our approach is built around precise diagnostics, using gait analysis, ultrasound, and detailed biomechanical assessment to identify not just the condition, but the root cause. This allows us to tailor treatment and achieve long-lasting results.
We manage a wide range of forefoot conditions including:
Morton’s neuroma
Plantar plate tears
Capsulitis and bursitis
Stress fractures, often linked to mechanical overload
Great toe joint overload, a leading cause of forefoot discomfort
Our treatments may include custom orthoses, footwear optimisation, and rehabilitation programs — all designed to correct faulty mechanics and relieve pressure on sensitive structures. Surgical options are available for more severe cases, delivered by our Consultant Podiatric Surgeon in our on-site operating facility.
By targeting the underlying cause, not just the symptoms, we ensure the most effective and lasting outcome for forefoot pain.
Forefoot Pain Treatment
Forefoot pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek help at The London Podiatry Centre — and it is an area in which we hold particular international expertise. Patients travel from across the UK, Europe, and worldwide to access treatments that are simply not widely available elsewhere.
A Highly Specialist Centre for Forefoot Pain
Many cases of forefoot pain arise from abnormal loading patterns that place excessive strain on the delicate structures of the forefoot. At The London Podiatry Centre, we combine advanced biomechanical assessment and computerised gait analysis to identify the underlying mechanical causes, allowing us to design highly individualised treatment plans.
Because of the extensive experience and technology available at our centre, we are often able to resolve complex forefoot pain that has not responded to standard treatments elsewhere.
Morton's Neuroma — A Key Cause of Forefoot Pain
One of the most frequent causes of forefoot pain is Morton's neuroma, a condition we are internationally recognised for treating. Morton's neuroma is caused by compression or irritation of the nerves between the toes, leading to burning pain, numbness, or tingling in the forefoot.
The London Podiatry Centre offers the full range of modern Morton's neuroma treatments, including:
- Cryosurgery (Cryoablation)
- Radiofrequency Ablation
- Open surgical excision where necessary
These treatments allow many patients to return to full activity without ongoing pain or dysfunction.
Plantar Plate Injury — Another Major Cause of Forefoot Pain
Almost as common as Morton's neuroma is plantar plate pathology. The plantar plate is a strong ligament-like structure that supports the toe joints. It can become inflamed, thickened, partially torn, or completely ruptured, often causing pain in the ball of the foot beneath the toes.
While some plantar plate injuries may require surgical repair, many cases at The London Podiatry Centre are successfully managed with:
Targeted rehabilitation
Custom orthotic devices
Biomechanical correction
Specialist conservative therapies
International Referrals for Complex Forefoot Pain
Because of the Centre’s highly specialised expertise in forefoot pain, we regularly see patients referred from across Europe and beyond. Our unique combination of advanced diagnostics, innovative treatments, and decades of experience has made The London Podiatry Centre one of the few centres outside of the United States offering the full range of cryosurgery and advanced neuroma care.
Comprehensive Forefoot Pain Conditions Treated
We manage the full range of forefoot disorders, including:
- Morton's neuroma
- Plantar plate injury
- Capsulitis and synovitis
- Metatarsalgia (general forefoot overload)
- Freiberg’s disease (osteochondrosis of the metatarsal head)
- Stress fractures of the metatarsals
- Sesamoiditis
- Fat pad atrophy
- Joint arthritis of the forefoot
Why Choose The London Podiatry Centre for Forefoot Pain?
- Internationally recognised expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of forefoot pain
- Full integration of biomechanical gait analysis and computerised assessment to identify root causes
- Complete range of non-surgical and surgical options including cryosurgery, radiofrequency, and open surgery
- Patients travel from across Europe and worldwide to access our specialist care
- Over 30 years of clinical and surgical experience
Whatever the cause of your forefoot pain, The London Podiatry Centre offers a personalised solution using world-class diagnostics and specialist treatments designed to restore comfort, function, and quality of life.
Please contact the Centre for expert advice or to arrange a consultation.
Forefoot Pain Conditions
Below are answers to common questions about forefoot pain, including its causes, diagnostic methods, and the treatment options available at the Centre.
A condition where the nerve becomes impinged and thickened. If the nerve has not enlarged too much, then non-surgical treatment can be effective. In cases where the nerve is large, injection therapy or surgery may be required.
This is probably the most common cause for forefoot pain. Here the metatarsal heads have become over loaded due to foot instability and excessive pressure. Non-surgical treatment is generally effective unless the condition has become very chronic or the tissues have torn. Our Centre uses various corrective surgical techniques to repair the tissues.
These are often seen at the centre and must be diagnosed and managed quickly to avoid a "complete fracture" which can have far more serious consequences. The problem is generally caused by metatarsal overload which can be managed with specialised orthoses (shoe inserts) and shoe change. We would carefully consider and treatment other risk factors such as poor training technique, abnormal bone density and equipment / shoe issues.
Here the metatarsal head begins to break down due to compromised circulation, often following a stubbing injury. The Centre offers various treatments ranging from orthoses to a range of advanced surgical techniques.
Treatments
Some of the surgical techniques offered at our Centre to manage forefoot pain include:
Please see our specialist page on cryosurgery which we particularly use for a condition called Morton's neuroma. We do however use this for other types of nerve condition of the forefoot.
This is a technique which involves the application of heat via a fine needle. It can be used to destroy discrete areas of abnormal tissue in the foot. It is particularly effective in breaking down bursitis which is a common condition in the forefoot. Bursitis occurs when a small bag of fluid that forms inside the body (a bursa) becomes inflamed.
A technique used to treat over sensitive nerves which can cause forefoot pain. it is particularly low risk procedure. There is minimal pain associated with this procedure and patient can return to their usual activity almost immediately.
This is a technique that uses high pressure water and or anaesthetic to break down scar tissue in the foot. It is often used successfully at our Centre to treat a range of forefoot conditions
In some cases a small incision can be made to release bound down tissue or tight tendons to manage forefoot pain. Our Centre specialises in minimally invasive techniques
In some cases open surgery is required to repair tissues so as to allow for recovery and normal foot function. Our Centre uses a diverse range of open techniques to manage many types of forefoot condition. In some cases direct repair of the torn tissue is required. Where forefoot arthritis is present, the arthritic bone is removed to allow for recovery. When the arthritis is too advanced we may perform an interposition arthroplasty which involves using a patients own tissue to create a natural "spacer" for the joint so that it can function more normally. This is a technique that has been refined and developed at our Centre and this can be very successful for great toe joint pain.
