If your treating Health Professional is confident that you have a Morton’s Neuroma (you’ll need an ultrasound or MRI for this) AND that your pain is caused by it, you can be referred directly for the procedure.
Radiofrequency ablation
A safe, effective and minimally invasive treatment for Morton’s neuroma.
Experience matters
The first clinic in New Zealand to offer radiofrequency ablation of Morton’s Neuroma.
Welcome to The Morton’s Neuroma Clinic
Morton’s Neuroma is a thickening and scarring involving a nerve in the forefoot. It typically causes pain on the balls of the feet, and often shooting pain in the toes. It may feel as though you are walking with a pebble in your sock.
We are proud to be one of the few clinics in New Zealand offering a relatively new, minimally invasive, long term treatment for Morton’s Neuromas – Thermal Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA).
- The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic using ultrasound guidance
- Rapid recovery and return to normal activity
- It’s safe – the risk of complications is minimal
- Results in long term pain relief
And as long as certain clinical criteria are met, you can be referred directly for the procedure by your treating health professional, without the need for a consultation prior.
Here is the process:
1
Step 1
2
Step 2
If you haven’t had an ultrasound or MRI, or it is not certain that a Morton’s Neuroma is the cause of your pain, an initial consultation with Dr Bell will be required. This will include a diagnostic ultrasound scan. Consultation fee for this is $500.
3
Step 3
Your procedure is then scheduled, and takes around an hour.
Find out more
For patients
Find out more about Morton’s Neuromas, the referral process and radiofrequency ablation.
For referrers
As long as certain criteria are met, you can refer directly for the procedure. Alternatively, we also offer a full consultation service, with diagnostic ultrasound.
Why not come to Christchurch for treatment?
We treat patients from across New Zealand.
Meet Our Morton's Neuroma Specialists
Dr Iain Bell
MB ChB (dist), MHealSc (Pain)(dist), DRACOG, DipMSM (dist), DipSportsMed, CCPU, FNZCMM
Dr Iain Bell
MB ChB (dist), MHealSc (Pain)(dist), DRACOG, DipMSM (dist), DipSportsMed, CCPU, FNZCMM
Iain graduated from Otago University in 1990. Over the years he completed further post graduate qualifications in Sports and Musculoskeletal Medicine (also with Distinction), working in a range of rehabilitation, pain management and musculoskeletal medicine settings, before successfully completing Specialist training as a Musculoskeletal Medicine Physician.
Dr Jason Chin
MBChB, PGDipMSM (dist), FRNZCGP, FNZCMM
Dr Jason Chin
MBChB, PGDipMSM (dist), FRNZCGP, FNZCMM
Jason was born and raised in Wellington, before completing his medical degree at University of Otago, and later his Specialist Fellowship in Musculoskeletal Medicine. Jason is currently overseas, planning to return in 2026.
Iain graduated from Otago University in 1990 (with Distinction). Over the years he completed further post graduate qualifications in Sports and Musculoskeletal Medicine (also with Distinction), working in a range of rehabilitation, pain management and musculoskeletal medicine settings, before successfully completing Specialist training as a Musculoskeletal Medicine Physician.
He most recently completed a Masters in Health Science endorsed in pain and pain management, also awarded with distinction. He has an academic appointment as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Otago.
Iain has worked as Clinical Lead for the DHB Community Musculoskeletal Medicine Service, and is now in full time Private Practice.
He travels regularly to Australia where he tutors Doctors and allied Health Professionals from around the world in point of care ultrasound, and runs regular courses in New Zealand (www.mskultrasound.co.nz).
He is one of a handful of Doctors in New Zealand holding the Certificate in Clinician Performed Ultrasound (through the Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine). This is only awarded to clinicians who demonstrate a commitment to ongoing training and competence in Ultrasound.
Clinical interests include interventions in pain management, point of care ultrasound, and acute and chronic musculoskeletal problems in adults, particularly spinal pain.