The Pros and Cons of Neuroma Surgery

28 Sep, 2024

The Pros and Cons of Neuroma Surgery

Have you ever felt like there’s a pebble stuck in your shoe, but nothing is there when you check? Or maybe you’re walking along when a sharp burning pain suddenly shoots through the ball of your foot. If this sounds familiar, then you might be dealing with Morton’s neuroma: a painful foot condition that can make even the simplest activities feel uncomfortable.

In this brief article brought to you by Mid Penn Foot & Ankle Specialists, we explore Morton’s neuroma and the treatment options. We’ll also share some thoughts on neuroma surgery. If you’d rather consult with a licensed foot doctor, then call Mid Penn Foot & Ankle Specialists to schedule a face-to-face meeting.

What exactly Is Morton’s neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma is a condition that affects the nerves in the ball of your foot. Specifically, it’s a compressive neuropathy of the interdigital nerve, which runs between your toes. This nerve becomes compressed and irritated due to pressure from surrounding tissues. Over time, this irritation causes the nerve to thicken and lead to discomfort and pain that can make walking difficult.

Although the condition can affect anyone, it’s most commonly seen in people who wear tight, narrow shoes (hello, high heels!) or engage in repetitive activities that put extra pressure on the balls of their feet – such as running or jumping.

ARE YOU READY TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT?

We are committed to providing personalized, compassionate care for everyone who walks through our doors. If you’re ready to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, give us a call or visit one of our locations today.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Treatment options for Morton’s neuroma

The good news is that many cases of Morton’s neuroma can be managed with conservative treatments. Here are some of the more common non-surgical treatments:

Changing Shoes: Often, the first step in treating Morton’s neuroma is switching to footwear that gives your toes more room to spread out.
Orthotics and Pads: Custom orthotic inserts or metatarsal pads can help reduce pressure on the affected nerve by shifting the weight off the ball of your foot.
Medications and Injections: Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can help manage pain and swelling.
Physical Therapy: Foot care and exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles in your feet may help alleviate pressure on the nerve.

For many people, these treatments are enough to relieve symptoms. But what if you’ve tried everything, and the pain just won’t go away?

When is surgery necessary?

While most cases of Morton’s neuroma improve with conservative treatments, your podiatrist in Dillsburg may suggest that surgery is needed to provide long-lasting relief, especially when the pain becomes severe and doesn’t respond to non-invasive methods. Neuroma surgery involves removing part of the affected nerve to relieve the compression.

The pros and cons of neuroma surgery

As with any surgery, there are both advantages and potential drawbacks to consider. For many people, surgery offers significant relief. After recovery, walking and daily activities become much easier and more comfortable. Being able to walk without pain can make a huge difference in your daily life, especially if you’ve had to avoid certain activities.

However, one of the main side effects of nerve removal surgery is permanent numbness between the toes. There are also other risks including infection, scarring, and the possibility that the pain could return.

Consult with a licensed professional

If you have questions or concerns for a licensed foot specialist, then call Mid Penn Foot & Ankle Specialists to schedule an appointment for as soon as possible. We are also happy to arrange a walk-in if you can come into our clinic early in the morning.