Frequently Asked Questions

About the Practice

What is Janus Lower Extremity Pain Center?

Janus Lower Extremity Pain Center is a specialized podiatric practice located in North Oaks, Minnesota, dedicated to diagnosing and treating chronic pain of the lower leg, ankle, and foot. Founded by Dr. Shari Moore, DPM, the practice focuses on nerve-related pain conditions, including nerve entrapment syndromes, and offers both conservative and surgical treatment options. The name “Janus” refers to the Roman god of new beginnings and transitions, reflecting the practice’s mission to guide patients toward a fresh perspective on managing their lower extremity pain.

Who is Dr. Shari Moore?

Dr. Shari Moore is the founder and Medical Director of Janus Lower Extremity Pain Center. She is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) with over 30 years of experience in foot and ankle surgery. Dr. Moore earned her doctorate from the William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago and completed her residency at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis. She is a Fellow of both the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) and the Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons (AENS), and holds specialized training in microsurgery and ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve injections. Prior to founding Janus, Dr. Moore spent over 30 years as an employed physician with Allina Health.

Where is Janus Lower Extremity Pain Center located?

Janus Lower Extremity Pain Center is located at 550 Village Center Drive, Suite 200, North Oaks, MN 55127. You can reach the office by calling (612) 353-9100.

What makes Janus different from other podiatric practices?

Janus specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of nerve-related lower extremity pain, which is an area that is frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed by other providers. Many patients who come to Janus have already consulted multiple specialists without finding answers. Dr. Moore combines her 30+ years of general foot and ankle surgical experience with advanced fellowship training in peripheral nerve surgery, microsurgery, and ultrasound-guided nerve procedures. This dual expertise allows her to identify nerve entrapments and biomechanical problems that may be contributing to chronic pain others have been unable to explain.

Conditions & Symptoms

What conditions does Janus treat?

Janus treats a wide range of lower extremity conditions with a particular focus on nerve-related pain. These include tarsal tunnel syndrome, Morton’s neuroma, Baxter’s nerve entrapment, medial calcaneal nerve entrapment, common peroneal nerve entrapment, superficial and deep peroneal nerve entrapment, stump neuroma, sinus tarsi syndrome, compression neuropathy, chronic heel pain and plantar fasciitis, chronic forefoot pain, chronic pain following ankle sprains, nerve entrapment after trauma or surgery, joint preservation for osteoarthritis of the foot, and hallux limitus (arthritic bunion). The practice also treats traditional podiatric conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, bone spurs, and Achilles tendonitis.

What is nerve entrapment?

Nerve entrapment occurs when a peripheral nerve becomes compressed or irritated as it passes through a narrow anatomical space in the body. In the lower extremity, this can happen due to trauma, repetitive activities, prolonged pressure, restricted nerve mobility, anatomical anomalies, or swelling from metabolic conditions. Symptoms can include localized pain, numbness, weakness, tingling, aching, sharp or knife-like pain, shooting pain, pins-and-needles sensations, cramping, crushing feelings, and throbbing.

What is tarsal tunnel syndrome?

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by compression of the posterior tibial nerve as it passes through the tarsal tunnel, a narrow space behind the inner ankle bone. Causes include trauma, repetitive strain, abnormal biomechanics, anatomical variations, cysts, or inflammatory conditions. Patients typically experience burning pain, tingling, numbness, or electric shock-like sensations along the inside of the ankle, foot, and sometimes extending into the toes.

What is Morton’s neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition affecting the ball of the foot, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. It involves a thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to the toes, often caused by consistent irritation, pressure, or abnormal biomechanics. Symptoms may include a sharp, burning pain or a sensation of having a pebble under the foot when walking. Treatment ranges from conservative measures such as footwear changes and orthotics to more advanced interventions like injections or surgery.

What is a stump neuroma?

A stump neuroma is a painful condition that develops when a surgically cut or traumatized nerve regenerates irregularly, forming a cluster of nerve fibers. This condition can arise at the site of a prior Morton’s neuroma resection or any other surgical procedure that damages a nerve. It can lead to persistent pain, tingling, and sensitivity near the site of damage. Surgical treatment may include repositioning and protecting the affected nerve using Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface (RPNI) techniques.

Can chronic heel pain be caused by a nerve problem?

Yes. While plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, persistent heel pain that does not improve with traditional treatment may involve a nerve-related component. Conditions such as Baxter’s nerve entrapment and medial calcaneal nerve entrapment can produce symptoms that closely resemble plantar fasciitis, including burning, tingling, or sharp shooting sensations along the inside of the heel. When nerves are involved, symptoms often become more intense and variable, and may even awaken patients from sleep. Accurate diagnosis is critical to selecting the right treatment.

I have ongoing pain after a previous foot or ankle surgery. Can Janus help?

Yes. Chronic pain following foot or ankle surgery is one of the conditions Janus specializes in. Even with excellent surgical care, nerve entrapments can develop after surgery due to scar tissue, swelling, or anatomical changes. This pain is sometimes dismissed as a normal part of recovery, but it may actually be a treatable nerve-related condition. Dr. Moore’s training in peripheral nerve surgery allows her to evaluate whether a nerve entrapment is contributing to your ongoing symptoms and offer targeted treatment options.

I have diabetes and chronic foot pain. Can Janus still help me?

Yes. While Janus does not treat the underlying systemic neuropathy caused by diabetes, the practice specializes in identifying and treating nerve entrapments that can occur alongside diabetic neuropathy. In some patients, a pinched or compressed nerve adds an extra layer of pain on top of their baseline neuropathy. When this mechanical compression is a significant contributor to symptoms, targeted treatment, including surgery in select cases, may help reduce pain even when systemic neuropathy is present. Management of the underlying diabetes should continue with your primary care physician.

What is the difference between neuropathy and nerve entrapment?

Neuropathy is a broad term for nerve damage that is often caused by systemic conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune diseases, vitamin deficiencies, or chronic inflammation. It typically produces widespread symptoms like burning, tingling, or numbness. Nerve entrapment, on the other hand, occurs when a specific nerve is physically compressed or irritated at a particular anatomical location. Both conditions can exist at the same time, and the symptoms can overlap, which is why a specialized evaluation is important. At Janus, the focus is on identifying and treating the mechanical, anatomical causes of nerve pain that may be adding to a patient’s discomfort.

Can biomechanical problems cause nerve pain?

Yes. Structural foot problems such as bunions, flat feet, high arches, hammertoes, and leg length differences can change how your foot and ankle function during walking and standing. Over time, poor alignment may place extra pressure on nerves, leading to burning, tingling, numbness, or chronic pain. At Janus, biomechanical evaluation is a key part of the diagnostic process. Treatment may include custom orthotics, footwear guidance, targeted exercises, and in some cases, surgery to correct the structural deformity and relieve nerve pressure.

Diagnosis & Evaluation

How does Janus diagnose nerve entrapment?

Diagnosis begins with a detailed medical history and comprehensive physical examination. From there, Dr. Moore may use a combination of diagnostic tools including imaging studies (such as X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound), laboratory studies, electromyography (EMG), skin biopsies, diagnostic nerve injections, and advanced podiatric procedures. The specific tests used will depend on the individual patient’s symptoms, history, and examination findings.

What should I expect at my first appointment?

Before your visit, the Janus team will help you gather your pertinent medical records. At the appointment itself, Dr. Moore will conduct a detailed medical history review and a thorough physical examination. Depending on your symptoms, she may order additional tests such as imaging, lab work, or diagnostic injections. After the evaluation, she will work with you to determine whether the treatment options available at Janus may benefit your pain symptoms and discuss next steps.

Treatment Options

What treatment options does Janus offer?

Janus offers a range of treatments tailored to each patient’s condition. These include biomechanical correction through custom orthotics and footwear modifications, physical therapy, medications, ultrasound-guided nerve injections, regenerative medicine therapies (such as platelet-rich plasma and stem cell therapy), and surgical intervention including nerve decompression surgery. The treatment plan is developed collaboratively with the patient based on the diagnosis and severity of the condition.

What is nerve decompression surgery?

Nerve decompression surgery is a procedure designed to relieve pressure on a compressed or entrapped nerve. By releasing the structures that are compressing the nerve, the surgery aims to reduce pain, restore sensation, and improve function. At Janus, these procedures are typically performed at an outpatient surgery center under general anesthesia. Patients are generally able to return home and walk the same day, though mobility will be limited initially. Pain typically decreases over the following weeks as the nerve heals.

What is regenerative medicine, and does Janus offer it?

Yes. Regenerative medicine involves using biological therapies to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. Janus offers treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapy for nerve and joint conditions. These treatments can help reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and support tissue regeneration. Regenerative medicine provides a minimally invasive alternative or complement to surgery, and may be especially beneficial for conditions like osteoarthritis, tendon injuries, and neuropathic pain.

Will I need surgery?

Not necessarily. Many patients respond well to conservative treatments such as orthotics, physical therapy, medications, and injections. Surgery is typically recommended only when conservative measures have been exhausted or when the condition is severe enough to warrant direct intervention. Dr. Moore will work with you to explore all appropriate options before recommending a surgical approach.

What is recovery like after nerve decompression surgery?

Nerve decompression procedures are typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you go home the same day. Most patients are able to walk immediately after surgery, though mobility will be limited at first. Pain generally decreases over the following weeks as healing progresses. The specific recovery timeline varies depending on the procedure performed and the individual patient. Dr. Moore will provide a detailed recovery plan tailored to your situation.

Insurance, Scheduling & Logistics

What insurance plans does Janus accept?

Janus is in-network with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, HealthPartners, Medicare, Medicaid, Aetna, and UnitedHealthcare. If you have a different insurance plan, please contact the office to discuss your coverage options.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Moore?

Referral requirements depend on your specific insurance plan. Some plans require a referral from a primary care physician, while others allow you to schedule directly with a specialist. We recommend contacting your insurance provider or our office at (612) 353-9100 to confirm whether a referral is needed before scheduling your appointment.

How do I schedule an appointment?

You can schedule an appointment by filling out the contact form on our website at januslepc.com/contact or by calling our office at (612) 353-9100. Our team will assist you in gathering any necessary medical records prior to your visit.

Does Janus offer a patient portal?

Yes. Janus uses the OnPatient patient portal, which can be accessed through the Patient Portal link on the Janus website. The portal allows you to manage your health information and communicate with the practice securely.