IF YOU HAVE A PAINFUL NEUROMA in your foot. This one is for you!…read more
TLDR:: Dr Usman is Seriously Amazing. Extremely comprehensive and did not rush AT ALL. The wait and the 4 hour drive to see him was WELL worth it.
My story;
For more than two years, I lived with constant pain from a Morton's neuroma. What started as occasional discomfort gradually became something that affected nearly every part of my life.
Simple things most people take for granted became difficult. Walking my dog, standing in the kitchen to cook dinner, shopping, traveling, and even getting through a workday were painful. At night, I would often lie awake because of the burning, tingling, and electric shock sensations shooting through my foot. I honestly felt hopeless. I constantly googled, ChatGPT, researched on line and did so much.
Over the years, I saw multiple doctors (1 sports medicine MD, 1 orthopedic doctor and one podiatrist l) and tried just about everything that was recommended. I went through custom orthotics, physical therapy, shoe modifications, several cortisone injections, and alcohol sclerosing injections. While some treatments provided temporary relief, the pain always returned and returned with a vengeance!
Eventually, I was told by my local doctor that surgical nerve removal was likely my next option. The idea of surgery, recovery time, and the possibility that it still might not solve the problem left me feeling extremely discouraged.
That's when I searched and emailed Dr Usman (used the main email which his staff forwarded to his direct email). He replied so quickly to me even though I was not an official patient of his! I immediately scheduled an appointment with Dr. Usman.
From my first visit, I felt that my concerns were genuinely being heard. Dr. Usman took the time to review my history, explain why previous treatments may not have worked, and discuss all available options. One treatment we discussed was cryosurgery (cryoablation), a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat my painful nerves by using extremely cold temperatures.
After a few weeks later, I was cleared for the procedure and the procedure itself was so much easier than I expected. It was performed in his extremely clean and Beautiful office. During the procedure at several points he made me felt very comfortable and checked up on me and explained in detail what he was doing. He made a very small pin point entry point in my foot and did cryosurgery for my neuroma! I had no large incisions or stitches. I was able to walk out of the office afterward wearing a comfortable surgical shoe.
About 1 week after the cryoabalation of my neuroma, I woke up, stepped on the ground with my bare feet and I had ZERO pain. For the first time! The pain that had controlled my life for years finally began to improve.
Today, about 6 weeks later, I am back to doing the activities I had given up. I can walk longer distances, enjoy social events, and spend time with family without constantly thinking about my foot. The sharp burning, walking on a rock pebble and electrical sensations that once dominated my day are no longer part of my everyday life.
No treatment is right for every patient, and everyone's results are different. However, if you have been struggling with Morton's neuroma, have tried multiple conservative treatments, or have been told surgery is your only remaining option, it may be worth learning more about cryosurgery/cryoabalation and discussing whether it is appropriate for your situation. I only write this review to help those out there still struggling like I was.
For me, finding Dr. Usman and Michigan Avenue Podiatry Clinic was a turning point. After years of frustration, I finally found relief and was able to get back to living my life.
If you're on the fence about seeing Dr Usman for your foot problems. I would highly encourage you to see him. Best Podiatrist in Chicago and beyond!