Diagnosing And Treating Morton's Neuroma

Surgical Procedures

If other therapies, medicines, and procedures have not helped treat Morton’s neuroma and symptoms persist after nine months to a year, surgery is generally the final solution. Fortunately, surgery is typically effective, however, it can cause permanent side effects such as numbness in the affected toes, hence why it is usually the last option for a patient to try. Surgical procedures for Morton’s neuroma involves either removing the damaged nerve or removing the pressure on the nerve by cutting surrounding ligaments or fibrous tissue that is causing the pain. There are three surgical approaches: the dorsal approach, the plantar approach, or decompression surgery.

The dorsal approach involves the surgeon making an incision on the top of the foot, which thankfully allows the patient to walk soon after surgery as the stitches are not on the weight-bearing side of the foot. The plantar approach is when the surgeon makes an incision on the sole of the foot, and most patients will need to use crutches for up to three weeks during their recovery, however, the neuroma is easily reached and removed without cutting through any important structures within the foot. Decompression surgery is when surgeons are able to alleviate the pressure on the nerve by cutting nearby structures, such as ligaments that bind some bones in the front of the foot.