Morton's neuroma

by Paola
(Greece)

After having and MRT of my feet I was told I have Morton's neuromas between the 1st and 2nd toe and 2nd and 3rd on both feet.

I was also told that I should operate them both simultaneously and that I would be able to walk a few steps at a time after 2 weeks with full recovery between 4 to 5 weeks.
Could you please tell me if operating both at the same time is the best thing to do and if not which is the usual process in similar cases.
Also,I have been reading that there are two ways of performing this operation (upper side or under side of foot)which is most effective or at least after which method do you think walking again is easier/faster??
Thank you in advance for you help.
Paola

Hi Paola,
I would be a little suspect about a neuroma occurring between your big toe and your second toe as that is rarely the problem since the space between the first and second metatarsal bone is wider than the other bones, so the nerve does not get entrapped. I would be thinking more along the lines of a sesamoiditis (read my section on that topic).
Having the nerve removed either from the top or bottom of the foot is the preference of your surgeon. It is easier to reach the nerve through a bottom approach, but you run the risk of scarring which can end up hurting on a permanent basis. If you are going to have both feet done at the same time, I would be reluctant to have the incisions done on the bottom of the foot.
When I make incisions on the bottom of the foot, particularly the weight bearing portion of the foot, I keep pressure off the area for three weeks and then remove the sutures. I do not know how you would do that if you have both feet done at the same time.
Marc Mitnick DPM