Question
I was diagnosed about a year ago with a "large" neuroma between the second and third toes of my right foot.  I received 2 cortisone shots, switched to WW walking shoes with custom orthotics and the neuroma pain subsided.  Most of the time.  However, my second toe had started bending toward my big toe.  First with a V shape and now it's looking like it has always grown that way.  I was told by my pod at the time that surgery was the last option and if the second toe problem was only cosmetic we should avoid it.  Now, because it is overlapping the big toe it is very painful.  I'm back on HMO, the kind that has all services in-house and am waiting for their podiatrist to see me.  

I would rather go out and pay cash for cryosurgery because I'm sure the HMO only option would be traditional surgery.  I know of a podiatrist in SoCal who has had many satisfied customers.  My understanding is that the second toe problem is caused by muscle imbalance  caused by the neuroma.  Would cryosurgery decrease the size of the neuroma so my second toe could return to normal or does it just freeze and numb the nerve, keeping it at its original size?  I would just like to be pain free and happy again and not embarassed by my wayward toe.

Answer
Hi Joan,

It is not likely that the toe deformity would be corrected by freezing the neuroma.  The toe imbalance would require a totally different type of surgery.

As far as pain asssociated with a neuroma, I would highly recommend cryosurgery instead of traditional surgery.

Good luck.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com


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