severe foot pain

[belair]

I had a biopsy almost 1 year ago at the bottom of my foot. since then I have had pain when I walk ( like a hot knife) in that area. I have had 2 cortisone shots an xray and a MRI which  shows a heal spur and severe plantars faciaitis and tendinitis. but nothing in the area of my pain, which is on the bottom where the heel meets the arch near the outside edge.    I finally saw a ortho Dr that did a nerve test with a shot of a numbing substance. She shot above my ankle and I felt the numbness go down my foot and wrap around under my foot right where the pain was. She determined it was a nicked nerve from the biopsy all that time ago. She said we might have to remove the nerve. what kind of doctor is the best for that procedure? Will I loose the use of my foot or feeling?  I cant have this dr do the surgery because she is not on my plan. ( She was my 2nd opinion)  My podiatrist has a couple of people. One another podiatrist and one an ortho but does not specialize in feet.  I am getting so depressed. I finally have a diagnosis but no real plan. I hope you can help!  thank you for your time Tina Izzo

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi again Tina!

Well, a surgical resection or neurectomy may work better than a nerve block but is also associated with a higher risk of complications, being invasive in nature. Personally I would not consider a nerve block to be tried before considering a surgical resection, to be inappropriate.
Hope this is useful.

Take care!

[belair]

I mean I DON'T want to do more harm than good, OOPS :)

[belair]

Hi Dr, The DR in my plan is a podiatrist surgeon. We agreed upon a dehydrated alcohol injection as a less invasive procedure than surgically removing the nerve.  6 shots, once a week, and a 50/50 chance of working. The cons are it also deadens the healthy tissue around the nerve but that he says can regenerate with time. I have had 2  and I still have pain but it has changed a bit. I wonder if I should of opted for the surgery to remove the verve as a sure thing.  He is a nice guy but a bit casual. "Shall we try this? and then we'll try that" I just want to do more harm than good.  I need an impartial opinion. Thank You , Tina

[belair]

Thank you for your information and input. I will definitely ask the pro and cons with my doctor.  I have an appt.  Aug 30th. Thank you again, Tina

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

I assume you are talking about a permanent nerve block. You could see a pain specialist/ orthopedician/ foot specialist to do the procedure. Post procedure numbness is common with possible chances of weakness. You can discuss the pros and cons with your doctor in detail.
Hope this was useful.

Take care!