Treatments
Neuroma Surgery
A neuroma, commonly known as Morton’s neuroma when it affects the foot, is a painful condition caused by the thickening of nerve tissue, often between the third and fourth toes. This can lead to sharp, burning pain, tingling, and numbness, making it difficult to walk or wear shoes comfortably. When conservative treatments fail to provide relief, neuroma surgery offers a permanent solution to remove the damaged nerve and alleviate symptoms.
At Sheehy Ankle & Foot Center, we are here to help you find lasting relief through precise, minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Neuroma surgery involves the removal or decompression of the affected nerve to relieve pain and discomfort caused by the neuroma. The most common type of neuroma in the foot is Morton’s neuroma, which occurs when the tissue surrounding the nerves that lead to the toes becomes thickened due to irritation or pressure.
The goal of the surgery is to either remove the neuroma or release the surrounding tissue to reduce nerve compression, allowing you to walk and move without pain.
- Eliminates chronic pain that interferes with daily activities.
- Restores mobility and allows you to walk or wear shoes comfortably again.
- More permanent solution when other treatments, such as orthotics or injections, haven’t worked.
Neuroma surgery is typically recommended when conservative treatments, such as custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and cortisone injections, fail to provide long-term relief.
If you’re experiencing persistent pain, numbness, or a sensation of having a pebble in your shoe, neuroma surgery may be the right option for you. Surgery is often the most effective solution for patients whose symptoms severely affect their mobility or quality of life.
- Sharp or burning pain in the ball of your foot, especially between the toes.
- Tingling or numbness in the toes.
- A sensation of something being stuck under your foot when walking.
- Pain that worsens with activity or wearing tight shoes.
At Sheehy Ankle & Foot Center, we offer two main types of neuroma surgery based on the severity of the condition and your specific needs.
- What It Involves: In this procedure, the surgeon releases the ligaments and tissues surrounding the affected nerve to relieve pressure and allow the nerve to heal. This approach is less invasive and preserves the nerve.
- Who It’s For: This is ideal for patients with early-stage neuromas where the nerve is compressed but not yet severely damaged.
- What It Involves: In a neurectomy, the surgeon removes the thickened, damaged nerve tissue, providing permanent relief from pain. After the removal, the ends of the nerve are cauterized to prevent regrowth.
- Who It’s For: This option is typically recommended for patients with more advanced neuromas who have not responded to other treatments and where the nerve damage is more severe.
At Sheehy Ankle & Foot Center, we are committed to providing personalized care throughout your surgical journey, from the initial consultation to post-operative recovery. Here’s what you can expect during the neuroma surgery process:
Step 1:
- Comprehensive Assessment: During your initial consultation, we’ll conduct a thorough examination of your foot and discuss your symptoms. Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or ultrasounds, may be used to confirm the presence of a neuroma.
- Personalized Treatment Plan: Based on the severity of your neuroma and your medical history, we’ll develop a customized surgical plan tailored to your needs.
Step 2:
- Minimally Invasive Procedure: Neuroma surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia or sedation. The surgery involves a small incision on the top or bottom of the foot to access the affected nerve.
- Nerve Treatment: Depending on the procedure, the surgeon will either decompress the nerve or remove the damaged portion. The incision is then closed with sutures, and the foot is bandaged.
Step 3:
- Short Recovery Time: Most patients can return home the same day as the surgery. You will be advised to rest your foot and keep weight off it for a few days.
- Post-surgical Care: We’ll provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for the surgical site, including keeping it clean, managing pain, and when to return for follow-up visits.
- Return to Activity: Most patients can resume normal activities within 3-6 weeks, though high-impact activities may take longer depending on your healing progress.
Proper aftercare is essential for ensuring a smooth recovery and successful outcome. Our team at Sheehy Ankle & Foot Center will guide you through every step of the recovery process, providing you with tips and support to help you heal quickly.
- Rest and Elevate Your Foot: Keeping weight off your foot for the first few days will help reduce swelling and speed up healing.
- Keep the Incision Clean and Dry: Follow your doctor’s instructions on cleaning and dressing the wound to prevent infection.
- Wear a Surgical Shoe: You may be given a protective shoe or boot to wear during the recovery period to help stabilize your foot.
- Physical Therapy: Depending on your recovery progress, we may recommend physical therapy to restore strength and flexibility to your foot.
At Sheehy Ankle & Foot Center, we are dedicated to helping our patients find relief from the pain and discomfort caused by neuromas. We use the latest surgical techniques to ensure a successful outcome and a quick recovery, allowing you to return to your daily life pain-free. If you’re experiencing symptoms of a neuroma and conservative treatments haven’t worked, neuroma surgery may be the solution you need.
Take the first step towards pain relief — schedule your neuroma surgery consultation today.
