Neuroma is referred to as a swelling or inflammation around the nerves. The most common type of neuroma is Morton’s neuroma, which is seen affecting the foot of an individual. Though not life -threatening, Morton’s neuroma can be very painful.
Recovery Period For Neuroma
Recovery period for neuroma may be anywhere between 3 to 6 months. The recovery period and healing also differ from person to person, as every person possesses a characteristic body built-up. Healing is also affected due to many reasons like age, smoking, other health conditions etc.
While talking about recovery period for neuroma, we will discuss about recovery period for Morton’s neuroma, as this is the most common type of neuroma seen in people
The doctors will usually try to use conservative methods for the treatment of Morton’s neuroma. However, if these methods fail, then doctors may recommend a surgery.
Surgery is performed by giving a general anesthesia. Doctors give an injection in your foot and it will create a numbness during surgery. The nerve is reached from the above of the foot and the affected nerve segment is then carefully taken out.
The doctor will put up a bandage on your foot as soon as the surgery is done. Your foot will feel numb and there will not be any pain. A physiotherapist then helps you in your recovery and you will also be given a padded shoe for walking after the surgery. Once you are better enough to go home, you will be advised about when to come for a follow up.
Immediately in the days following the surgery, the doctor will ask you to keep your foot on a height or raised. The foot level should be raised above the level of your heart. You will be asked to keep unnecessary weight off of your affected leg. Move your leg when it is absolutely required, like when using the restroom. There may be some blood stains on your bandages. If you find the blood stains to be excessive or suspect something amiss, do not hesitate to see your doctor in emergency. Some painkillers or anti-inflammatory medications for the pain can be taken as recommended by your doctor.
Everyone possesses a characteristic body built-up. Hence, the time required for healing is different for different persons suffering from the same disease. However, a routine for check-up can be as below-
- Around two weeks – you must go to the clinic to get the bandage removed and your foot examined
- Around six weeks – you must visit your doctor and your foot will be examined again
- Around twelve weeks – you must go to your doctor for one last visit and the doctor will then decide whether your medicines will be stopped or continued based on your status at that time.
What type of footwear you will have to wear after the operation and when recovering will be told to you by your consultant surgeon. She will also guide you on what duration would be required by you to recover. This can be different for different persons. Usually, it will take a few weeks for you to recover completely and take weight on your shoes.
You will require some exercises and your physiotherapist will inform you about the exercises useful for mobilization of the toe, some exercises for reducing the tightening of muscles and decreasing the swelling.
While talking about the long- term benefits, there will be a significant alleviation in your pain after the site of operation is fully recovered, which will require about a few weeks. You can get back to almost all routine activities at three months. You may even get back to your sports workout. A full recovery can take almost six months though. a good number of people recover fully from the operation. However, some people may experience little swelling in the affected foot for about one year, infrequently.
- Mayo Clinic. (2020). Morton’s Neuroma https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mortons-neuroma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351952
- OrthoInfo. (2018). Morton’s Neuroma https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/mortons-neuroma
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