Question
QUESTION: Hi,
I have neuroma between second and third toe.
However, my doctor gave me two alcohol injections between third and fourth toe.  I had great pain third and fourth toes and ball of foot.  Now, toe pains are gone but I still have pain ball of my foot (feel like marbles in the ball of my foot, can not be barefoot).  I saw three foot doctors, they said the nerve would heal by itself and it takes time but it's been two months, it doesn't look like getting any better.
How long usually take the nerve to heal?
Do I need to go see other doctor to do something?
Is there anything can help the nerve to heal?
Thank you for your times.



ANSWER: This Chicago, South Loop & Elmhurst Orthopedic Podiatrist of AnklenfootCenters.com says.......

Dear Sung,

The nerve is not supposed to "heal" after an alcohol injection in the foot. The alcohol is used to deaden the nerve/neuroma.
Sounds like you may have some metatarsalgia. Please look at our website AnkleNFoot.com and put metatarsalgia in the search box.You will receive more technical information regarding that foot condition.
Who made the diagnosis of neuroma between the second and third toe?
You need to ask the doctor who injected between the third & fourth why he/she ignored the neuroma between the other toes?
You probably need to see a Podiatrist that is Board Certified to make the right diagnosis.
The good news is that metatarsalgia of the foot may respond to physical therapy and orthotics.
Please go get a good diagnosis.
You are welcome to see us. We have offices 30 minutes from both Chicago airports.

Hope This Helps!
and
Good Luck!
The podiatrists of AnkleNFootCenters.com are specialists in neuromas
We are located in Chicago & Elmhurst

Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661
AnkleNFoot.com
Runnersdoc.com
BabyFootDoc.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.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your quick answer.
neuroma in second and third toe was confirmed by ultrasound test and third and fourth toe was normal.  I talked to the doctor after wrong injections, the doctor felt neuroma between thrid and fourth toe too.  I belive the doctor just gave the injections because between third and fourth toe is the most common space.
So, do you think the pain is not from the nerve? Because the marble feeling started right after injection.
Do you think the doctor did malpracice?
Can the nerve be dead after two injections?
Can alcohol injections cause fat pad atrophy?
Sorry for long story and many questions.
Thank you.

Answer
This Chicago, South Loop & Elmhurst Orthopedic Podiatrist of AnklenfootCenters.com says.......

Dear Sung,

I understand your frustration & thank-you for the good rating.
I am unable to comment on any malpractice issue-since it is not possible for me to see all the facts.
The nerve usually can be deadened between one and three injections.
Alcohol injections may cause fat pad atrophy.
Any surgical procedure, including injections may have side effects.
Metatarsalgia may produce irritation of the nerves similar to a neuroma of the foot.
Ultrasound diagnosis-depending on the equipment & technician-may have false positives. No test is 100%
If you have doubts-Get all your records-including the actual ultrasound test copy and then go see someone local who is certified by the American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics or American Board of Podiatric Surgery.

Hope This Helps!
and
Good Luck Again!
The podiatrists of AnkleNFootCenters.com are specialists in neuroma treatment
We are located in Chicago & Elmhurst

Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661
AnkleNFoot.com
Runnersdoc.com
BabyFootDoc.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.