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INTERNATIONAL PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS

08/04/2012     

UK Podiatrist Discusses Treatment of Neuromas

A neuroma is an excruciating condition which occurs when a nerve gets trapped between the bones of the foot, resulting in pain on the ball of the foot and at the base of the toes. More than a million Britons are affected: high heels and hormonal changes, such as menopause, can exacerbate the problem. Treatments include supports worn inside the shoe and injections of steroid, alcohol, and liquid nitrogen into the nerve.

Mike O'Neill

But if these don’t work, it’s possible to have a 15-minute operation, where surgeons remove a fingernail-sized portion of the nerve. Studies show it’s effective in 80   per cent of cases. "Patients who have suffered years of excruciating pain can find the problem has gone for good," says Mike O’Neill, podiatrist and spokesman for the College of Podiatry. "But in 20 per cent of cases, the nerve stump can regrow, so it has to be done again."

Source: Carol Davis, Daily Mail [7/30/12]