MORTON'S NEUROMA

FOLLOW UP:

• Your first appointment will be approximately 2 weeks from surgery, usually at the Burnaby Hospital Fracture Clinic.

• Further follow up is not typically needed but if you have questions or concerns at the 6 week mark or beyond, you are welcome to call to book additional follow up as needed.

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EXPECTED RECOVERY TIMELINE:

• Swelling and pain and some numbness and tingling in the toes is normal and expected in the first two weeks.  Rest, elevation and pain medication are important to help manage this. 

• If your pain is severe and you aren't managing with the instructions and pain medication provided, call or go to the Burnaby Emergency Department.

• Ideally by 6 weeks following surgery, you are walking not necessarily far, or fast but able to get back to your normal day to day in a more normal shoe.

• Swelling is normal and not a concern and can last for up to 6months.  Some swelling doesn't always resolve fully.

• If all is healing well, you can progress your walking and other physical activity as your symptoms allow. 

• You will not know full recovery (pain, swelling, strength) until typically at least 3 months following surgery and often longer.

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DRESSING:

• You will go home from surgery with a bulky but soft dressing on your foot and ankle and your post operative sandal in place.  This can remain as is until your first 2 week appointment. 

• After 5 days, you can take down this dressing to a lighter dressing just covering the wound area if you'd rather. 

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WOUND:

• Your wound(s) are closed with sutures, some of which will need to be removed.  

• Do not get the dressing or wound wet for the first 2 weeks.  To ensure this, a bag should be placed over the let to avoid anything getting wet.  

• The dressing/splint can remain on until your first appointment.  After 5 days you may remove this and replace with something lighter over your wound.  If you'd prefer, you can leave your original dressing and this will be changed at the first 2 week appointment

• Sutures are removed typically at the 2 week mark. 

• After your sutures are removed, you can shower 2-3 days later and allow clean water to run over the wounds.  Pat this dry and reapply a dressing if it is your preference. It is not required.  The steristrip tapes on your wound can get wet.  Just pat them dry. 

• Steristrips should stay on for 10-14 days.  If they fall off prior to this, they do not need to be reapplied.  If they are still on after 14 days, ensure you please remove them yourself. 

• Do not immerse the wound in a bath, hot tub or pool until the scar is fully healed with no scabs.  This is often 4 weeks. 

• No lotions or creams should be used until the wound is fully healed, often 4-6 weeks. 

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WEIGHTBEARING 

• You may put some weight on your heel after 2-3 days. 

• You may begin walking on your flat foot at day 4-5 if you feel up to it.  

• You can then gradually progress your walking and can switch to a normal shoe as you feel able. 

 

PHYSIOTHERAPY:

• At the 2-3 week mark, if you feel able and wish, you may begin physiotherapy.  For this procedure, this is typically not required.

• Dr. Roberts will provide you a custom physiotherapy prescription if needed to help guide your therapist in your recovery if needed. 

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DRIVING:

• You are not able to drive if you are still taking Opioid (Narcotic) pain medication

• Left foot surgery: typically beginning once you are able to comfortably remove the sandal/boot while driving an automatic car.  Contact your insurance for further recommendations.

• Right foot surgery:  You can drive once you are walking fully in a shoe comfortably.

• Try practicing in a parking lot first to ensure your reaction/strength/motion is adequate 

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FLYING:

• You should consider avoiding long haul flights for the first 6 weeks from surgery.

• If you must fly before this there is a risk of blood clot.  Try to keep moving on the flight, stay hydrated, consider compression socks.  Discuss with Dr. Roberts if you require a blood thinner to keep your risk as low as possible. 

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WORK:

• You should arrange to be off of work for the first 1 week following surgery to allow for rest and recovery.

• If you are working from home or can get to work safely and work in a flexible seated job, you could return to work after the first few days if you so choose, provided you are off opiod (narcotic) pain medication.  You will need to elevate the foot and allow for more breaks. More commonly, most patients take 6 weeks off work. 

• Any work should be sedentary for the first 2-6 weeks.

• Typically a return to more physical duties can begin gradually at the 6  week mark from surgery. 

• You may discuss your return to work plan with Dr. Roberts if you still have questions.

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