How Does
Foot Surgery Neuroma Procedures
What is Foot Surgery Neuroma?
-
Foot neuroma surgery is a simple procedure that treats an abnormally damaged nerve in the foot, caused either by trauma or by improper function of the foot. The damaged nerve is pinched and causes an inflammation of pain in the bones in the ball of the foot. There are two types of procedures generally performed to correct the damage. One procedure calls for incisions to reach the pinched nerves through the bottom of the foot. The other, called the dorsal procedure, calls for incisions made at the top of the foot. Surgeons prefer the dorsal procedure because it doesn't temporarily disable the patient, requiring him to use crutches. The skin of the bottom of the foot also takes a longer time to heal.
Foot Surgery Neuroma Procedure
-
The patient is given a local anesthesia or an intravenous anesthesia before the surgery is performed. Once the patient is under anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision in the top part of the foot where the neuroma is located nearest. This is generally between the second and third toes or between the third and fourth toes. The surgeon then reaches the neuroma between the long bones or metatarsals behind the toes. There, he corrects the neuroma by cutting and removing the pinched nerve.
Post-Operative Surgery
-
After the incision is closed, the patient's foot is bandaged with gauze. During the patient's recovery time, she is to keep the bandaged foot dry. This prevents infections from setting in. After 10 to 14 days, the surgeon removes the sutures. The patient will be provided specially-designed shoes that will allow her to walk on a limited basis. Three weeks after the procedure, the patient will be able to perform any and all activities on her foot.
eHow Article: Foot Surgery Neuroma Procedures
