A compressed or entrapped nerve in your foot or ankle can cause a variety of symptoms such as sharp, burning, or radiating pain, numbness, tingling, a pins-and-needles sensation, the feeling that your foot has fallen asleep, and muscle weakness in the affected foot. 

When more conservative measures cannot adequately alleviate the pressure on the compressed nerve in conditions such as Morton’s neuroma or tarsal tunnel syndrome, your podiatrist may suggest nerve decompression surgery. The exact type of procedure that is necessary will vary, depending on which nerve is being affected and why it is being pressured. Your podiatrist may need to remove any structure that may be pinching on it and/or widen the space surrounding the nerve to release the pressure give it more room.

These minimally invasive surgeries are typically done as an outpatient procedure with general anesthesia. You may feel some pain or numbness after the surgery which usually diminishes over time. Your podiatrist may prescribe painkillers and/or anti-inflammatory medication, and advise you to elevate your feet, or ice the affected area for the first few days following your procedure. Immobilizing the area with a surgical boot and resting it will help the nerve to heal properly. 

Your podiatrist will let you know when you can begin to put weight on the foot again. Relief may happen immediately, or it may occur gradually over several months—depending on the nerve that is affected, as well as the severity of its compression. 

To see if this type of treatment if right for you, speak with our podiatrist today!