Morton’s Neuroma Surgery
What is Morton’s Neuroma surgery?
Morton’s neuroma surgery is a specialist procedure that aims to deal with the burning, sharp, and tingling sensation in the front of the foot, sometimes on specific toes. Surgery involves excising the thickened/scared nerve and releasing the intermetatarsal ligament which is often a contributing factor to the aggravation of the nerve.
Dr. Abdel Kak will commonly place a small incision on the top of the foot in the affected webspace. There is a high success rate (>80%) of patients’ symptoms significantly improve after surgical intervention. As the nerve supplying that area is removed, patients will experience numbness in the area of the webspace, but this does not affect your ability to perform your usual activities and often improves in a years.
The surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia and allows for early weight-bearing post-operation. A post-operation protective shoe wear is assigned for you to wear after the surgery.
What is the recovery after Morton’s Neuroma surgery?
Recovery from Morton’s Neuroma surgery is normally quick.The foot is generally numb with local anaesthetic for 12 – 24 hours and simple painkillers such as paracetamol and anti-inflammatory medication are taken for the first week or two. Strong painkillers if required are only generally needed in the first week after surgery. Dressings and bandages must stay intact and dry until your 1 and 2 week review where your wounds are checked for healing, and your foot is checked for mobility.
Once your sutures are removed ( 2 weeks after your procedure), you will be able to ambulate in wide supportive footwear/joggers. You will slowly increase your physical activity with some expected swelling in the surgical site for 3-6 months.
What are some of the risk and complications of Morton’s Neuroma surgery?
During the preoperative consultations, Dr Abdel Kak will answer all your questions and discuss the potential risk and complications associated with Morton’s Neuroma surgery. Although they are usually rare, some of risks and complications include;
- Wound infection – with any surgical procedure, there is a small risk of getting an infection. This occurs in less then 1% of patients and the surgeon will give you antibiotics to treat or help prevent an infection from occurring
- Scar formation – in most cases you are left with a faint line which gradually reduces with time. In some instances and skin types the scar can become thickened
- Continued nerve pain – a rare complication, a stump neuroma is an abnormal painful nerve growth which can occur following the removal of the neuroma. Dr Abdel Kak ensures the nerve is adequately transected to avoid this complication from occurring.
- General risks and complications from any foot surgery which can include; continuous pain, deep vein thrombosis and a possibility of reacting to the anaesthesia (general and local)
Frequently Asked Questions
Morton’s neuroma surgery is usually performed as a day procedure and you are able to go home the same day.
Following the completion of your procedure, you are transferred to a recovery area and your vital signs monitored. You may experience some nausea, pain and be slightly disoriented while the general anaesthesia wears off. The medical staff will ensure you are comfortable, assist you to recommence eating and contact your support person to arrange your pickup. Prior to being discharged, the podiatric surgeon will talk to you briefly going over the procedure, post-operative medications and the post-operative instructions.
During the procedure, a local anaesthetic injection is given makes the foot numb for 12 – 24 hours. Simple painkillers such as paracetamol and an anti-inflammatory medication are taken for the first week or two. Strong painkillers if required are only generally needed in the first week after surgery.
It is important you rest and avoid any unnecessary weight bearing following to allow the soft tissue to heal without complications. Dressings and bandages must stay intact and dry until your 1 and 2 week review where your wounds are checked for healing, and your foot is checked for mobility.
Your foot is usually bandaged and you can weight bear/walk in a post-operative sandal. Walking is kept at a minimum and only for necessity.
Healing, recovery times and work circumstances vary for each individual. Generally, if your job involves predominantly you sitting, you can expect to return to work in 2 weeks. However if your job requires you to be more active, walking or long periods of standing then you can expect to be back at work in 4-6 weeks.
Yes you can have bilateral feet operated on at the same time. Although your mobility will be reduced, the recovery for both will be the same. The surgeon will review your circumstances and advise if this is best for you.
Following your Morton’s neuroma surgery, the typical post-operative appointments are:
- 1 week
- The compression bandage is changed and the wound and foot is reviewed
- 2 weeks
- The bandage is removed, the sutures removed and a smaller light dressing is applied. You will remain in the post-operative sandal.
- 2-4 weeks
- You will transition from the post op sandal into a stiff soled, wide fitting jogger.
- 8 weeks
- The digits and foot will be assessed for pain, swelling and mobility. As the swelling in the foot subsides and It becomes less stiff, you can start gently exercising your foot and walking further each day.
- 12 weeks
- The joint and foot will be assessed for alignment, mobility and pain. You will be generally able to return to most physical activites at this point
The cost of Morton’s Neuroma surgery may vary depending on each individuals requirements varying due to complexity, pathology and necessary treatments.
We will provide a full cost disclosure prior to commencing any treatment and/or procedure. Podiatric Surgery is covered by private health insurance funds, however, the level of health fund rebate depends on the fund and level of cover. It is beneficial to contact your private health insurance to find out your cover or one of administration staff can assist you with the health insurance claims.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general educational purposes only. Individual circumstance can differ, please contact Dr Abdel Kak’s rooms to discuss if surgery is appropriate for you.