Question
My ankle was virtually destroyed in a car accident ten years ago. Three steel screws were inserted in an effort to save the ankle, but the talus was not receiving blood flow and has died.  Fusion was suggested but I don't want to lose what mobility I still have.  The problem is the constant pain not only in my ankle but in my heel as well.  Shoes become unbearable if worn more than a few days.  Because of this I walk un-naturally which causes leg and back pain.  If I could control the pain in my foot and ankle to some degree I think the other pain would improve.  I don't like taking pain meds in the amounts needed to control my pain.  Would cryosurgery help in my situation?  I discovered your site while researching a local Doctor who just began advertising "foot freezing" on an area TV station.

Answer
Hi Jerry,

I treat many complex pain conditions of the foot and ankle with cryosurgery.  I can tell you that it takes years of experience to treat these types of conditions and this would not be an easy task for a new cryosurgeon.  

I would have to see you for an exam to evaluate whether you would be a candidate.  After complex injuries there are often nerve entrapments that lead to damaged nerves.  This can also be caused by cut nerves that have formed stump neuroma, a problematic regrowth of the nerve.

Hope that helps.

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
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