Does it feel like you're constantly stepping on a folded sock or a sharp pebble? This burning, tingling discomfort in the ball of your foot is often a Morton's neuroma, which is an inflamed, thickened nerve. It can make even a short walk feel like an agonizing chore.
At AZ Choice Foot and Ankle in Gilbert, Arizona, Christopher Suykerbuyk, DPM, specializes in relieving this painful condition.
Our team offers advanced, minimally invasive treatments like cryoablation to help you find relief without the need for traditional open surgery. Our goal is to get you back on your feet comfortably and quickly.
Cryoablation, also known as cryosurgery, is a minimally invasive procedure that uses extreme cold to temporarily interrupt pain signals from an inflamed nerve.
By applying targeted cold therapy, we can safely shut down the nerve's ability to transmit pain without permanently damaging the surrounding tissues. It’s an excellent option when conservative treatments like wider shoes or custom orthotics don’t provide enough relief.
This highly precise approach is incredibly effective. According to a clinical study published by the National Institutes of Health, ultrasound-guided cryoablation for Morton's neuroma achieved a 100% technical success rate with excellent patient tolerance.
Our patients appreciate that the procedure requires no major incisions or lengthy downtime.
During this outpatient procedure, Dr. Suykerbuyk uses advanced ultrasound imaging to pinpoint the location of the painful nerve. We then insert a small, specialized probe that delivers extreme cold directly to the neuroma, creating a temporary block in nerve conduction. This process takes only a short time in our office.
The targeted cold manages pain just as effectively as heat-based treatments. One study showed that nearly 80% of treated patients reported complete and sustained pain relief one year after their cryoablation procedure. It’s a highly reliable alternative to surgical nerve removal.
Some people worry that freezing a nerve means it’s gone forever, but that's a myth. A review of research shows that cryoablation creates a reversible block that preserves the nerve's essential connective tissues, allowing the nerve to safely regenerate over time.
You don't have to worry about permanent numbness or structural damage. This means you get the pain relief you need today without sacrificing the long-term structural integrity of your foot's nervous system.
The typical period of relief lasts anywhere from three months to a year, giving your foot a much-needed window to heal. If the pain eventually returns, we can safely repeat the procedure.
You don't have to let chronic foot pain dictate your daily routine or keep you from the activities you love. If you're ready to explore nonsurgical options for your neuroma, contact our team at AZ Choice Foot and Ankle today to schedule a consultation. We'll help you find the right path to pain-free steps.
