Overview
Morton's neuroma is an enlarged nerve, compressed or pinched between the bones and the ligament that holds them together. This procedure eases the pain by releasing pressure from the nerve or removing the nerve.
Incision
A small incision is made on the top of the foot above the neuroma. The surgeon has two options for treating the neuroma.
Nerve Left Intact
If the surgeon wants to leave the nerve intact, the deep transverse metatarsal ligament is cut. This relieves the pinching on the nerve. There is no loss of feeling in the toes.
Nerve Cut
The other option is to remove the neuroma. The part of the nerve with the neuroma is cut and removed. The ligament may also be cut. Because the nerve supplies feeling to the toes, the third and fourth toes may permanently experience numbness.
End of Procedure/After Care
The incision is closed with stitches and a bandage is applied. A post-operative shoe is worn until the stitches are removed in 10-14 days. Most people can comfortably wear a normal walking shoe after three weeks.
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