Neuroma Treatment FAQs
- Are there any adverse effects to using this laser technique on a Morton’s neuroma
- Are the improvements long lasting?
- What are the results, so far, for treating a Morton’s neuroma with the laser?
- How many treatments are needed?
- If it takes more than 10 treatments, what cost options do I have?
- Would a period of inactivity for a patient with a Morton’s neuroma help?
- Is the procedure painful?
- Is there any down time following the procedure?
- Will there be any anesthesia involved in the procedure?
- Are there any studies regarding this procedure?
1. Are there any adverse effects in using this laser technique on a Morton’s neuroma?
The Laser used to treat Morton’s Neuroma is the Nd:YAG Laser; it is not a “cold” laser. There are no known adverse effects. The 1064 wavelength of the Nd:YAG laser is very effective in treating scar tissue at 15 J/cm2, 0.3 msec and 7 Hz. There is no ionizing radiation emitted from the laser.
2. Are the improvements long lasting?
This is a new treatment for Morton’s neuroma. We do not know the long term results as of yet however, patients report no recurrence of symptoms after greater than three years following treatment.
3. What are the results so far for treating a Morton’s neuroma with the laser?
The procedure is approximately 95% successful, meaning 95% of the patients we have treated are “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the results. Follow-up diagnostic ultrasound studies have shown a reduction in the size of the neuroma.
4. How many treatments are needed?
This includes 10 treatments, once a week, performed in the office without anesthesia. The procedure takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
5. If it takes more than 10 treatments, what cost options do I have?
If more than 10 treatments are necessary, which is very unlikely, one can get up to 5 more treatments at 50% discount.
6. Would a period of inactivity for a patient with a Morton’s neuroma help?
Although inactivity may reduce some swelling around the nerve, the improvement is usually temporary; the scar tissue will remain around the nerve and therefore it is unlikely to provide any long term benefit.
7. Is the procedure painful?
No. There is some warmth felt during the procedure, but patients do not complain of pain.
8. Is there any down time following the procedure?
No. Patients are able to maintain full activity with no restrictions immediately following the procedure.
9. Will there be any anesthesia involved in the procedure?
No. The procedure is performed in the office with no anesthesia.
10. Are there any studies regarding this procedure?
An IRB approved study was completed at Banner University Medical Center, Department of Medical Imaging, University of Arizona Health Sciences Center. The study entitled “Ultrasound Evaluation of Morton Neuroma Before and After Laser Therapy” was published in the American Journal of Roentgenology in February of 2017.