A neuroma is a nerve thickening that often occurs between the third and fourth toes. This is due to compression and irritation of the nerve that leads to enlargement of the nerve and may lead to permanent nerve damage.
Most common symptoms for Morton’s neuroma are numbness, tingling, burning, or pain in the foot, or a feeling that something is inside the ball of the foot. For mild to moderate neuroma pain, management may include icing the affected area to help reduce swelling. Padding techniques can also lessen the pressure on the nerve to decrease pain when walking. Some orthotic devices from a podiatrist can provide support to reduce nerve compression. Medications such as ibuprofen and other NSAIDs are sometimes recommended to reduce inflammation and pain.

Surgery may be needed when nonsurgical treatments fail to provide pain relief. However, surgery for Morton’s neuroma has its risks such as toe stiffness, recurrent neuroma, numbness, and infection. Some studies have shown that one in three patients who have had neuroma surgery end up with intolerable levels of post-surgical pain which can be due to incorrect diagnosis, inadequate resection, or occurrence of a stump neuroma.

Because of the potential complications of neuroma surgery, radiofrequency ablation is the practical solution in patients with treatment-resistant neuromas. In one study, more than 80% of patients reported resolution of neuroma symptoms with RFA for neuroma without needing surgical or other treatment procedures.

Radiofrequency ablation procedure involves the use of controlled electric current to heat soft tissues around the Morton’s neuroma. The heat generated allows targeted destruction of pain transmitting nerve fibers to induce cell death, thus killing the nerve.

After the procedure, only a simple analgesic medication is given. There is no need for crutches, special boot, or walker. The radiofrequency treatment for neuroma has been shown to be more effective than corticosteroid treatments and far less invasive than surgical excision.

For more information on radiofrequency neuroma treatment, visit us at NaplesPodiatrist.com or call (239) 430 3668 (FOOT)

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