Why is this procedure done?
Mortons neuroma is a condition in which a nerve and tissue around the nerve in the foot are swollen and painful. It most often affects the nerves between the third and fourth toes. ‚
Cutting the nerve causing the pain is done by surgery. ‚
What will the results be?
Pain relief ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history and do an exam.
- You may be asked to get an x-ray of your foot.
- Tell your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the doctor will give you a drug called anesthesia. This surgery can be done with general anesthesia where you are put to sleep or with a local anesthetic where the foot is put to sleep. Either way, you will stay pain free during the surgery.
- The staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs.
- The doctor will make a cut in between the two toes.
- The doctor will find the swollen nerve and cut it in half and remove it.
- Your doctor will close your cut with stitches or staples and cover it with heavy bandages.
- The procedure takes about 1 hour.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to a Recovery Room after the surgery. The staff will monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate.
- Your doctor will tell you when you may go home.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take your drugs as ordered by the doctor.
- Keep the wound clean and dry for a few days. Clean and change your bandage as ordered by your doctor. Wash your hands before and after doing so.
- Prop a pillow under your foot when you are resting.
- Use crutches or other walking devices to help you walk around while your foot is healing. Your doctor will tell you how to use the device.
- Ask your doctor when it is safe to take a bath or shower.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- If you have stitches or staples, you will need to have them taken out. Your doctor will often want to do this in 1 to 2 weeks.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Wear comfortable, supportive shoes. Avoid wearing high heels and tight shoes.
- Avoid activities that cause foot pain, such as standing for long periods of time.
- If you are a runner, run on softer surfaces such as a track instead of concrete.
- Keep a healthy weight. Being overweight may put extra stress on your feet.
What problems could happen?
- Numbness where the nerve was removed
- Infection
- Bleeding
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the cut site; cut site opens up.
- Pain does not go away with the drugs for pain
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00158 ‚
American Podiatric Medical Association ‚
http://www.apma.org/learn/FootHealth.cfm?ItemNumber=987 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚