If you’re living with sharp, shooting pain, numbness, or tingling after a previous injury or surgery, you may be dealing with a neuroma. At Sharma Hand & Nerve, Dr. Ketan Sharma performs neuroma excision to relieve nerve pain at its source, helping you achieve lasting relief from chronic discomfort.
What is Neuroma Excision?
Neuroma excision is a procedure used to remove a painful nerve growth, or neuroma, that develops after a nerve injury or surgical trauma. When a nerve is damaged, the regenerating nerve fibers can form a disorganized mass, leading to chronic pain, sensitivity, and dysfunction. During neuroma excision, Dr. Sharma carefully identifies and removes the affected portion of the nerve while protecting surrounding healthy tissue. This procedure helps eliminate the source of pain and restore comfort and function to the affected area.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms Indicating You May Need Neuroma Excision?
If you’re experiencing persistent nerve pain following an injury or surgery, a neuroma may be the underlying cause. When conservative treatments no longer offer relief, neuroma excision may be necessary. Look for these signs and symptoms:
- Persistent burning or stabbing pain at the site of a previous injury
- Tingling or electrical shock sensations when the area is touched
- Localized sensitivity that worsens with pressure or movement
- Numbness or altered sensation near the affected nerve
- Pain that radiates along the path of the nerve
- Discomfort that interferes with daily function or quality of life
What Does Neuroma Excision Treat?
Neuroma excision is used to treat painful nerve growths, known as neuromas, that form after nerve injuries, surgeries, or trauma. These growths can develop when severed or damaged nerves heal improperly, resulting in a tangled bundle of nerve fibers that becomes highly sensitive and causes chronic pain.
Patients often describe symptoms like burning, tingling, or electrical shock sensations, especially when the area is touched or stimulated.
What Happens During Neuroma Excision?
Dr. Ketan Sharma begins neuroma excision surgery by making a careful incision over the affected area, guided by both imaging and his physical exam. Once the nerve is exposed, he isolates the neuroma. Using microsurgical tools, Dr. Sharma excises the neuroma at the point where healthy nerve tissue ends and the abnormal growth begins. He then smooths and trims the nerve end to prevent further irritation or regrowth.
To prevent the neuroma from reforming, Dr. Sharma may cap the nerve end, bury it into nearby muscle, or reconstruct the nerve using a graft or transfer, depending on the nerve’s function and location. The procedure is done under regional or general anesthesia and typically takes 1-2 hours. Patients are discharged the same day with a personalized recovery plan.
What is Recovery Like After Neuroma Excision?
After neuroma excision surgery, you can expect some initial swelling, soreness, and sensitivity around the surgical site. Most patients are able to return home the same day and resume light activities within a few days. Full recovery may take several weeks, depending on the nerve involved and the extent of reconstruction. You may notice gradual improvement in pain relief and nerve function over time. Dr. Sharma will monitor your healing closely and tailor your recovery plan to your specific needs.
To support your recovery, you’ll need to:
- Keep the surgical site clean and dry
- Elevate the limb to reduce swelling
- Take prescribed medications as directed
- Avoid pressure or trauma to the area
- Attend all follow-up appointments with Dr. Sharma
- Begin physical therapy if recommended
- Monitor for any signs of infection or complications
Why Choose Dr. Sharma for Neuroma Excision?
Dr. Ketan Sharma is a board-certified hand and nerve surgeon with extensive expertise in treating complex nerve pain through advanced surgical techniques. With over 600 nerve and pain surgeries performed each year, Dr. Sharma is one of the most experienced specialists in the world. He combines world-class training with a deep understanding of chronic pain to deliver lasting relief. His thoughtful approach to physical diagnosis ensures that each patient receives highly personalized and effective care.
Here’s why patients trust Dr. Sharma for neuroma excision:
- Brings elite training from Johns Hopkins, Duke, and Washington University
- Specializes exclusively in nerve and chronic pain surgery
- Uses precise microsurgical techniques to prevent neuroma recurrence
- Offers tailored recovery plans for optimal outcomes
- Prioritizes long-term relief over temporary solutions
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sharma today to find out if neuroma excision is right for you.