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Is foot surgery for ligament tear ok when you have bad neuropathy?

Posted by margaret10 @margaret10, Mar 16, 2023

A few years ago, I fell and broke my ankle, tearing a ligament and incurring scar tissue that is impinging on my sural nerve. I've been told by a foot surgeon that she will not remove the scar tissue because any surgery will only make the neuropathy worse. I am in very bad pain and it gets worse with every passing year. Anyone have any experience with this?

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Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Mar 16, 2023

Hi @margaret10, Sorry to hear the pain is getting worse. While we wait for others with experience to share information, I thought you might find this information helpful:

"Can you have surgery if you have peripheral neuropathy?
The pain, tingling, numbness and other discomforts of peripheral nerve disorders can often be treated successfully with physical therapy and other nonsurgical methods. But in some cases, surgery offers the best chance of lasting relief."
--- Types of Peripheral Nerve Damage That May Need Surgery:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/types-of-peripheral-nerve-damage-that-may-need-surgery.
Have you thought about seeking a second opinion at a teaching hospital or major health facility like Mayo Clinic?

REPLY
1 reply
margaret10 | @margaret10 | Mar 16, 2023
In reply to @johnbishop "Hi @margaret10, Sorry to hear the pain is getting worse. While we wait for others with..." + (show)
@johnbishop

Hi @margaret10, Sorry to hear the pain is getting worse. While we wait for others with experience to share information, I thought you might find this information helpful:

"Can you have surgery if you have peripheral neuropathy?
The pain, tingling, numbness and other discomforts of peripheral nerve disorders can often be treated successfully with physical therapy and other nonsurgical methods. But in some cases, surgery offers the best chance of lasting relief."
--- Types of Peripheral Nerve Damage That May Need Surgery:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/types-of-peripheral-nerve-damage-that-may-need-surgery.
Have you thought about seeking a second opinion at a teaching hospital or major health facility like Mayo Clinic?

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Dear John,
Thanks so much for the quick reply. Good to know that Johns Hopkins has such extensive experience. I'm in Denver, so JH is a bit out of the way, but will consider it. I've been to the Mayo for PN but they couldn't help, but it was in 2013 and a lot has changed since then. It could be worth another try. Plus that visit was before I broke my ankle.
It seems like you mentor full-time and are very knowledgeable. You're a saint!
Margaret Wall

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