Morton’s Neuroma
(4 discussions)
1) I had an MRI done which shows two Morton’s Neuromas.
I had bunion surgery 4-5 years ago and have had neuroma trouble ever since. Is this a typical problem following bunion surgery?2) I am presently having it treated with cortizone.
Are cortizone shots harmful in the short or long term?3) I have read conservative treatment usually does not work and surgery is necessary to remove the problem.
However, the two surgery techniques, dorsal and plantar, both seem to have their own long term problems. Which of these techniquest would you usually recommend and is there anything else you can tell me?
4 comments
Vivian Abrams DPM
In my experience, it is not unusual for a patient who has bunions to also have a neuroma. Ehr weight distribution is shifted by the bunion deformity and theis results in pressure on the nerves causing the swelling we refer to as a neuroma. Cortisone is a useful medication, but no one can be sure if it will help or not. I will not put more than 3 shots in one location. The side effects off too many can include atrophy (thinning of the skin).As far as the location of the incision, I have done them either way, depending on the individual situation. Surgery is an art and each doctor approaches a procedure based on what they have learned and integrates that with what they know about their patient.
janet hanley
Over the years I have had two surgeries for my neuroma. Orthotics took care of the problem but 15 years ago I was vane and wanted to wear high heels so I had the surgery. It went very well. However, some twelve years later it re-occured and I had surgery again, this time going in from the ball of the foot which took a longer recovery time but was very succesful. I should add that I hike a lot so I abuse my poor feet and I certainly have had no problems from the surgery.
James Mancini
I am a runner and have been suffering from Mortons Neuroma. My POD has given me cortisone treatments with limited sucess. Besides surgery, there is a treatment where alcohol is injected into the nerve. This is done on seven day intervals for 4 to 6 weeks. This is intended to reduce the swelling. Have you heard of this treatment and has it been sucessful?? I am in training for the Boston Marathon in April and this neuroma is preventing me from training. I am still experimenting with orthotics but it seems to be a hit and miss. Placement seems critical. Any other suggestions???
Vivian Abrams DPM
I have sclerosed some neuromas with varying success. The literature states the success rate is higher than what my results were, but I did not really have a statistically significant population. When I started doing this procedure, it was difficult to obtain the alcohol. We had to mix up the solution oursef and it did not really last indefinitely. If no response is noted after the 3rd injection, it is not likely to work.