Post Op Morton's Neuroma--longer recovery than normal?

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Post Op Morton's Neuroma--longer recovery than normal?

by Janine
(Austin, Texas)

I am 15 weeks since having 3 large Morton's Neuroma's removed from my left foot.

Background. I was diagnosed with the MN on my left foot by Xrays done in my podiatrist's office. I went the conservative route for 8 years..cortisone shots, 2 pairs of custom fit orthotics..until I could no longer handle the pain. I had surgery on December 20th. I was off it completly for 2 days (bathroom/meals only). I elevated and iced it as much as I was told to. I have a walking boot and now I am to walk on it for 1 hour out of the day in regular sneakers (which I am doing). I am also taking the Naproxen.

I am just wondering if I should be healed by now? The podiatrist (whom I do trust) has told me there are 3 stages of healing and I am in the 2nd stage. I work with a nurse and she told me I should get a 2nd opinion that I should have already been out of this walking boot. My toe looks deformed, but it was raised before getting the surgery done...sure it looks worse, but I am splinting it and my bunion doesn't help as it is pushing it the other way.

Now she has me 2nd guessing my podiatrist.

Hi Janine,
I am a little concerned as it is virtually impossible to diagnose a neuroma with an xray. You would need an MRI or even an ultrasound to actually visualize a neuroma.
Although I suppose it is possible to have three neuromas in one foot, I have never seen it; the most I have ever removed is two.
Lastly, I agree with you that after 15 weeks, although you may not be completely healed, you should be further along than you appear to be.
My rule of thumb in evaluating the progress of a patient post op is for them to ask themselves, "am I any better than I was compared to the previous week?". If the answer is yes each week, then I know the patient is getting better, as some people do take longer than others.
If you have reached the point where you are not noticing improvement of any nature on a week to week basis, I would be a bit concerned.
The only way you will get a true opinion as to what is going on (if anything) is to get another opinion from a podiatrist in your area.
If you get mixed signals from the second opinion, consider getting a third opinion.

Marc Mitnick DPM

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Post Op Morton's Neuroma--longer recovery than normal?

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May 29, 2011
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Frozen foot & hot after Neuroma Foot Surgery
by: Anita L

I had a neuroma removed between 3-4th toe,left foot,& had been doing the shots,also,Orthotics. After years of pain, & finally not being able to stand for very long, I had it removed. Right after the first shower, I noticed my left foot, & leg was redder than the right, & after several visits,told my Dr. of the coldness & also hot after it warmed back up. He never felt the difference & had never heard of this...After researching I read info. about Raynoids, which sounds like what I have,his assistant stated her sister had that...Still no answers, so went to another foot Dr. I had all mri's & comments, & he stated I had an ankle deformity...which he had written a children's book about..I was treated w/an anastetic,& felt great for 2 hrs. then it came back. After the injection, he told me to"walk right"?! Next visit was a shot in the incision? not sure, didn't watch as it was burning hot, & my foot swelled,& I said owww, he then shushed me...?No one else was in the office,& I wasn't loud...strike 2,for him.Then again he states walk right...strike 3! Next visit he mentions, to use alcohol to try to disolve, & I'm not sure where this one was to be,but I said no...I'm still in pain from the last shot. I had also been referred to a sports Dr. who felt the coldness, before I went to the 2nd Pod. & that Dr. referred me to a Neurologist who gave me high blood pressure pills, that didn't work, a nerve or vain test, no blockages, then high blood pressure pills again,2nd type, that didn't work.
So 2nd foot Dr. was to speak to the Neurologist & get back to me, was it a large vein,or small vein test? I got him the report, & heard "o" since. I wasn't thrilled about his office side manner..He also repramanded me to quit smoking... So now I have a cramping feeling in my foot & very sensitive to cold temperature.I'm in Ca. & my apt. is dark, & cool, so it comes on while on the computer,ect. Sometimes I go to bed, because of the pain & coldness. When it finally does go back to normal, it then becomes hot...? I can't sleep well & have tried L-arganine,but only 1 bottle, & didn't notice any change with those, so stopped. I'm now trying along with Vicoprophen,a new juice called Napolea,which is supposed to be good for pain, & circulation,ect. apx. $25.00 a btle...I noticed since I posted over 2 years ago, there are now several people who are experiencing my symptoms, but hear of No reasons,or wierde ones. Like the nerve was being pinched while in a recovery boot, ect..No solid answers from Dr.s. It seems to be happening for all kinds of reasons. One lady had a versose vein removed & has the frozenness happening, & yes, I have fallen a few times as well,since the surgery. Any feed back would be appreciated. Thanks

Apr 04, 2011
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Podiatrist vs Orthopedic Surgeon
by: Anonymous

Thank you very much for your answer. I really appreciate you replying. I felt as though I was getting better each week...but the last 3 weeks or so seem to be the same. Though now this past week I seem to be in more pain. A constant throbbing on the top of my toes off and on the entire day. Where as the neuromas pain was on the bottom. I was first diagnosed over 9 years ago from a different podiatrist touching the bottom of my foot and the cracking noise and where the pain was. I'm assuming it was an x-ray machine...I stood on a platform and some films were taken. Do you suggest I get a 2nd opionon from another podiatrist or an orthopedic surgeon?

Thank you!
Janine

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Post Op Morton's Neuroma--longer recovery than normal?

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Post Op Morton's Neuroma--longer recovery than normal?