Question
I will apologize in advance for my lengthy questions, but I'm having problems with both feet and would like to address them separately.

I was diagnosed with a neuroma in my right foot last spring.  I then developed a neuroma in my left foot (both between 3rd and 4th toes) in September.  I tried cortizone shots and 6 alcohol injections in right foot.  After that failed, I got surgery (dorsal approach with excision) December 18th.  Although I can feel the neuroma is gone and I have numbness, I still have burning pain, and I get these zingers of pain that shoot into my fourth toe if I flex a certain way or roll my ankle, etc.  It has been 7 weeks since surgery.  Should I assume that surgery was not successful?  If so, would you recommend cryosurgery?

Okay, onto my left foot:  I only received one alcohol injection in that foot becasue I then developed capsulitis + bursitis around the fifth metatarsal (probably the result of an altered gait and orthotics).  My doctor decided against any more injections.  Anyway, we are now considering surgery on that foot, but I'm again thinking about cryosurgery depending on your answer.  Also, can cryosurgery be used to treat capsulitis or bursitis?

I used to exercise 5 days a week, and now I cannot even have my shoes on for 10 minutes without pain.
Any information you can pass along would be helpful.  Thanks so much

Answer
Hi Stacy,

Your question: It has been 7 weeks since surgery.  Should I assume that surgery was not successful?  If so, would you recommend cryosurgery?
My answer:  I would give it a little longer before making a decision that the surgery failed.  I would consider physical therapy and orthotic devices. I would not recoomed cryosurgery yet.  However, over the next few months if you are not getting better or the pain worsens, you would be a candidate for cryosurgery.

Your question: Also, can cryosurgery be used to treat capsulitis or bursitis?
My Answer: No, cryosurgery is used for pain associated with nerves.  However, if the nerves in that area are the source of pain then it would be an option.

I would not consider traditional surgery if you did not do well with the first surgery.  Removing neuromas surgically often leads to worsening pain.  Hopefully you will not be one of those with this outcome.

As far as the exercise, time will help and again I would say physical therapy is important for healing.

Good Luck.


Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com


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