I injured the ball of my right foot in mid-April, could not wear heels and foot kept swelling at the base of the ball of the toe, podiatrist opted for foot surgery on June 22. I have approximately a 4 inch incision on the outside of my foot starting just below the ball and running up to the fold of the big toe. It is now two months after surgery and I still cannot wear heels, the ball of my foot is still swollen, if I flex my toes up I can feel it pull and all kinds of nerves start firing, the incision area is still so sensitive that I cannot put any pressure against it for any length of time. The outside of the big toe is numb. I can feel pressure but not like the rest of the foot.

I have asked the podiatrist about my concerns and he seems to think that it will go away in time. He mentioned that there was a large nerve that runs down the foot into the big toe that he may have "caught" when he stitched my foot up.

I am concerned that there might be nerve damage and that the initial reason that I went in to see him as not been fixed.

How do I tell if I do have nerve damage? With the initial reason for my visit not being corrected how do I know if I really needed this surgery?

My insurance is now investigating medical necessity for the surgery which has me even more concerned.

I know I probably sound completely paranoid but after working for physicians for over 20 years and having other surgeries without issues I am completely dumbfounded on what I need to do, if I do now have permanent damage to my foot what are my options.

I would greatly appreciate feedback, suggestions, options.

Thank You.