After enduring years of pain from a neuroma in my foot, my doctor has recommended surgery. What kind of results can I anticipate from surgery?

Past studies done shortly after surgery for this condition weren't very promising. The results appeared to worsen with time. However, a recent study of the long-range benefits of this surgery have shown the opposite is true. The study showed that 85 percent of all patients undergoing neuroma surgery reported either "good" or "excellent" satisfaction an average of five and a half years afterward. In this particular study, the surgery was done through the top of the foot.

Even though some patients still had some numbness or tenderness, it didn't keep most of them from doing normal activities. Twenty-three people had mild problems with resuming activities. Only two had major restrictions on what they could do. Talk further with your doctor about your expectations and whether they are realistic given your current symptoms.