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Alcohol injection of Mortons Neuroma
Introduction
This page tells you about the procedure known as alcohol injection of Mortons Neuroma; it explains what is involved and what the possible risks are. It is not meant to replace informed discussion between you and your doctor, but can act as a starting point for such discussion.
You should have had plenty of time to discuss the matter with your consultant and the radiologist who will be performing the procedure and perhaps even your own GP. You should have had sufficient explanation before you sign the consent form.
What is a Mortons neuroma?
A Mortons neuroma is an enlargement or thickening of a nerve in the foot, usually between the third and fourth toes. It is often caused by irritation or compression and leads to swelling and pain.
Why do I need an alcohol injection?
Other tests that you have probably had performed, such as MRI or ultrasound have shown that you have a Mortons neuroma. The alcohol injection into the neuroma will improve your pain and decrease its size, thus improving your symptoms.
Who has made the decision?
The consultant in charge of your case and the radiologist who will be performing the procedure will have discussed your case and consider this the most suitable test for you. However you will have the opportunity to have your opinion taken into account and if after discussion with your doctors, you do not want the procedure carried out, then you can decide against it.
Who will be doing the alcohol injection?
The examination will be performed by a radiologist, a doctor who specialises in musculoskeletal radiology and has expertise in the use of x-ray equipment and also in interpreting the images they produce.
Where will the alcohol injection take place?
The treatment will take place in the Medical Imaging (x-ray) department.
Important information
You will need some one to drive you home after the examination.
You must not drive or operate machinery for 6 – 8 hours after the examination.
The treatment involves a series of 4 injections, with 2 weeks between injections.
You will receive all 4 appointments in one envelope.
It is important that you do not miss any one of the appointments in the series, otherwise treatment has to be restarted.
What happens during the examination?
On arrival in the Medical Imaging department you will be taken into an x-ray or ultrasound room where the examination will be explained to you and you can ask any questions that you may have.
You will be asked to lie down on the examination table. The radiologist will keep every thing as sterile as possible and will wear operating gloves. Your skin will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution and sterile towels will be placed over your foot.
The radiologist will decide on the best way to place the needle in your foot using ultrasound to guide the needle.
The radiologist will then inject the alcohol into the mortons neuroma and following this a small dressing will be applied.
What happens after the examination?
Your foot may feel uncomfortable over the next few days. It is advised to take your normal pain relief tablets. It is important that you monitor and keep a record of any changes of your pain over the next few weeks. This information may be useful at your next consultation.
Are there any risks?
An alcohol injection is a common examination that has little risk, however there is a very small risk of infection being introduced, but every precaution is taken to avoid this.
Finally
Some of your questions should have been answered by this booklet, but remember that this is only a starting point for discussion about your treatment with the doctors looking after you.
Do please satisfy yourself that you have received enough information about the procedure, before you sign the consent form.
This information may be available in other languages and formats, on request. Please contact the Patient Advice & Liaison Service on (01302) 553140.
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