Neuromas

Neuromas are growths or swellings of nerve tissue, usually as a result of compression or trauma. They are very painful and can lead to more serious issues if left untreated. In these conditions, the nerve becomes compressed at specific points on your foot. It is usually entrapped or pinched onto the bony canal (more like a tunnel), which the nerve lies in. The compression is the cause of the painful sensation one feels, which usually stays localized at the area of concern on the patient’s foot.

Dr. Jenson uses very advanced techniques to remove neuromas in a quick and simple manner, while preventing them from reoccurring. Usually, a nerve that is swelled is excised in such a way that the piece of nerve that exists beyond the cut point usually dies. Though this solves the underlying issue, Dr. Jenson recognizes that the problem is not fixed yet. The dead piece of nerve contains special nerve cells that remain in the area for a longer period. These cells contain chemical messages that release nerve growth factors. What these factors do is communicate with the cut portion of the nerve and tell it to start re-growing the nerve. Thus, the cut end of the nerve will start sprouting out multiple little areas that grow in various directions instead of in an orderly manner. In turn, you would see these sprouts bundle together to form what is known as a true neuroma or stump neuroma, a knot-like swelling. This growth will also cause compression and feel very painful. To prevent this from occurring, Dr. Jenson uses a special technique during initial neuroma excision to implant the cut end of the nerve into the deep muscles of the forefoot or the arch of the foot. By doing so, the cut end will no longer be in a weight bearing region. Thus, any possible stump formation will not be felt and another surgery will be prevented.

Besides medications and injections, surgery remains the best option to permanently reverse the condition. The surgery is only a couple hours, and considered outpatient so the patient can go home hours after the procedure.

The recovery process is quick and simple. A patient will be have a dressing on their foot placed immediately after surgery, in which they will be required to keep on for 1 week. During this week, the patient is asked to limit all activities. After which, they will have the dressing removed and be transferred into a walking shoe for 2 weeks. Though the shoe will allow the patients to move around more, they are still asked to limit their activities during this time. Once this time is complete, the patient will then come back to have their sutures removed and transferred into regular shoes. The patient will be able to walk normal without any restrictions.