Foot & Ankle
Peripheral Neuropathy Surgery
Nerve-decompression surgery relieves the burning, numbness, and pain of peripheral neuropathy in the feet. Nerve-decompression surgery is considered for selected patients with nerve compression at specific anatomic sites. Results vary, and not everyone with neuropathy is a candidate.
AVERAGE PROCEDURE TIME
60 to 120 minutes
Anesthesia
Sedation with regional block
Recovery
Same day discharge
Ride home
Required if you receive sedation
Overview
In many patients, especially those with diabetes, swollen nerves become trapped at narrow anatomic tunnels in the leg and foot, adding compression pain to underlying neuropathy.
Releasing those tunnels relieves burning, numbness, and night pain, and often restores protective sensation that lowers ulcer and fall risk.
Is this right for me?
Candidacy is confirmed after a review of your history, imaging, and medications. Patients we most often treat include those with:
- Burning, tingling, or numbness in the feet
- A positive Tinel sign over nerve tunnels on exam
- Balance problems or repeated falls
- Pain that disrupts sleep despite medication
What to expect, step by step
Arrival and preparation
You check in with a coordinator, change into a gown, and meet your nurse. Vitals are taken, an IV is started if needed, and your care team reviews the plan and answers questions with your caregiver present.
Release of nerve tunnels
Small incisions are made over each compression point and the tight ligament roof is divided under magnification.
Confirming decompression
Each nerve is inspected along its course to confirm it glides freely.
Recovery suite
You rest in a private recovery bay while your nurse monitors vitals and comfort. Written instructions are reviewed with you and your caregiver before discharge.
Home the same day
A caregiver drives you home. A member of our team calls the next business day to check on you and confirm your follow-up appointment.
Recovery
Walk in a surgical shoe immediately. Sutures are removed at two weeks.
Burning often eases within days, while numbness improves gradually over several months.
Risks and what we watch for
Every procedure carries risk. These are the ones we discuss most often for this procedure.
- Bleeding, bruising, or soreness at the access site or incision
- Infection, which is why sterile technique and, when indicated, antibiotics are used
- Reaction to sedation, anesthesia, or contrast dye, monitored continuously by your anesthesia provider
- Incomplete relief of symptoms, or symptoms that return over time
- The need for additional treatment, imaging, or a different procedure
- Rarely, a complication serious enough to require a higher level of care than an outpatient setting provides
We review these with you in detail before you consent, and you can change your mind at any point.
Coverage note
We verify your benefits and give you a written estimate before scheduling.
Prepare for this procedure
- Before your surgery
- The day of your procedure
- Anesthesia and sedation
- Recovery at home and when to call
Frequently asked questions
Does it cure diabetes-related neuropathy?
It treats the compression component. Blood sugar control remains essential for the underlying nerve health.
Can both legs be treated?
Yes, usually as staged procedures so you can stay mobile between them.
Is peripheral nerve decompression done as an outpatient procedure?
Yes. It is performed at our ACHC-accredited ambulatory surgery center in The Woodlands, minutes from Tomball and Spring, and patients go home the same day with a caregiver.
Will my insurance cover it?
Coverage depends on your specific plan and benefits. Our team verifies your benefits and gives you a written estimate before anything is scheduled.
Do you offer Spanish-speaking support?
Yes. Bilingual English and Spanish coordination is available from your first call through recovery instructions and follow-up.
