Neuroma Surgery

Neuroma Surgery

A neuroma is pinched nerve, nerve tumor, or swollen nerve. These are some common terms for a rather painful condition. A neuroma is usually situated between the third and fourth toes. It can be characterized by a sharp, lancinating type pain, usually when the patient is wearing shoes. The patient feels that they may need to remove their shoe and rub their foot for relief. The reason for this patient activity is that the nerve between the toes is pinched by the constricting shoes. When the pain becomes more frequent and lasts over a longer period of time, the nerve becomes swollen and/or enlarged. THIS IS NOT A TUMOR OR A CANCEROUS GROWTH AS IS OFTEN TOLD TO PATIENTS.

Conservative treatment includes oral anti-inflammatory medication, cortisone injections, physical therapy, padding, shoe modifications, and orthotics.

Recently doctors have begun "sclerosing" treatments. These treatments use a concentrated solution of a chemical (alcohol) to burn and kill the nerve. If performed improperly, severe tissue damage, wounds, and pain may result.

Surgical treatment cuts the nerve and removes the enlarged portion of the nerve. Although this procedure has in the past been considered straightforward and with minimal complication risk, evidence is developing that this surgery is a high risk surgery for the development of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. At least one study indicates that of all of the people who develop Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy following foot surgery, thirty percent (30%) had undergone neuroma excision.

If you or a loved one has suffered with a MAJOR complication from the use of sclerosing agents or neuroma surgery, the attorneys listed on this web site will be happy to review your medical records and let you know whether they can assist you.

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