Question
This looks like a new option for me.   I had a bunion removed (bad surgeon) 47 years ago.   Have Morton's Neuroma in right foot for 30? years and in left foot for 10 years.  Have been treated with cortisone for 30 years and the cortisone does not help anymore.  Was told there was nothing the doctor could do for me--I had orthodics made which do help but it's hard finding feminine shoes that will accompany the fit of my orthodics.  I seem to be left wearing "flip-flops" most of the time.   Even flat shoes hurt.  Even walking barefooted hurts.  Both feet hurt, feels like I hit my funny bone and if it happens too often in a day I am in terrible pain for hours or days.
I heard that many times the neuroma returns.  How often have you experienced this in your practice?  What is the recovery time.   Most of all what is the cost--I do not have insurance.

Answer
Hi Chauncey,

Cryosurgery for a foot neuroma is an excellent way to get relief.  The results are superior to the traditional treatment which involves nerve removal. The procedure is also much more cost effective.  Having too many cortisone injections is also not a good idea as it causes breakdown of the tissues and fat padding of the foot.

With Cryosurgery, the inner portion of the nerve is destroyed.  Nerves regenerate and when the new nerve returns, it will usually be a more normal nerve, especially if you are wearing orthotics and correcting the structural problem that caused the neuroma to start.  In most cases, a single treatment is sufficient, however at times a second or third treatment is needed.  I've had increased success using a nerve stimulator to locate the neuroma.

In some cases the may not regrow at all, but that is more of a theory.

Recovery involves taking it easy for about 3 days and then gradually returning to normal activity.  The cost of the surgery will range between 600 - 1000 depending on the area and the number of nerves being treated.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com
www.fix-my-foot.com

DISCLAIMER:
This information is offered as free advice and as general information. It may not be applicable to the specific questioner and his/her problem.  It is not based on actual knowledge of the questioner or his/her medical history and it cannot and should not be relied upon as definitive medical opinion or advice.  Reliable medical opinion and advice can only be obtained through hands-on physical contact and exam of the patient to establish an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.  No doctor/patient relationship is created or established here and may not be inferred through answers on this site.  The questioner and other readers must consult his/her own doctor before proceeding or implementing any suggestions contained within this document and answers on this site.  The questioner is only to act upon his/her own doctor抯 orders and recommendations. By reading this posting which follows, the reader fully understands and confirms that he/she holds harmless this writer. If this is not fully agreeable to you, the reader, and/or you have not attained the age of 18 years, you hereby are advised to read no further.