Facts About Surgery for Morton's Neuroma
Morton's neuroma usually starts as a minor annoyance. You feel like you're stepping on a pebble if you step on your foot in a certain way. It may feel like there's a fullness or pressure in the ball of your foot. As the condition progresses, however, you may experience more serious pain when walking and even notice numbness and tingling in your toes. Not all cases of Morton's neuroma require surgery, but many do. Here are some questions you may have if surgery has been recommended for you.
What treatments can you try before surgery?
Prior to recommending surgery, your podiatrist will likely have you try wearing orthotics, switching out your footwear, and icing your foot on a regular basis. They may also try giving your a cortisone injection in the ball of your foot in order to alleviate the inflammation and symptoms resulting from that inflammation. If these methods give you relief, then you may be able to delay surgery for a while. However, if you've tried all of these methods and are still bothered by Morton's neuroma, then surgery probably is your best choice.
What happens during surgery?
Morton's neuroma is caused by a benign, inflamed growth in and around a nerve in the ball of your foot. To surgically treat it, your foot specialist will remove the affected nerve tissue. Sometimes, they may also make a small incision in a ligament associated with this part of the foot. This can release the tension in the area, giving you relief from the tugging and fullness that's common with Morton's neuroma.
What is recovery from Morton's neuroma surgery like?
You will likely be sent home the same day as this surgery. It's not a very long or complex procedure, and it is often performed in an ambulatory care center rather than in a hospital. When you return home, you'll have to wear a boot to protect your foot for a few weeks. You'll have a bandage that you or a loved one will need to change periodically. Your surgeon will generally have you return for a checkup, and if you're healing properly, they tell you that you can slowly start walking on your foot again. Full healing takes a few months, and every patient is a bit different.
Now that you know more about foot surgery for Morton's neuroma, you should feel more confident if your doctor recommends this procedure for you.