| Author |
Topic: Morton's Neuroma ARGH! |
Baby Blue
Member |
 posted Nov-03-2007 03:54 PM
  
I wish I knew why it swelled more at night. I agree that it doesn't seem to make sense, because I am less mobile then. Has anyone else had this experience? I'll try to remember to ask my dr on Monday.[This message has been edited by Baby Blue (edited Nov-03-2007).]
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foxyw
Cool Runner |
posted Nov-03-2007 04:37 PM
My foot was always the most swollen at the end of the day during the first few weeks/months of my recovery. I could definitely correlate the swelling with the amount of time I spent on my feet (or spent without my foot elevated above my heart) and also by how hot it was inside or outside. For me, the heat was the hardest to deal with. I slept with my foot elevated on two pillows or one pillow for a long time following surgery.
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Natasja
Member |
posted Nov-03-2007 04:55 PM
Baby Blue - same for me here too, my foot - 4 weeks post operation - is still more swollen in the evening as well. I also still sleep with a few pillows under my foot to keep it elevated and to aid blood circulation.
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rookierunnergirl
Member |
posted Nov-03-2007 06:25 PM
I am brand spankin new to running and while training for this year's Chicago Marathon, I found out that I had Morton's neuroma. I am so glad to see this is pretty common, and thank you for all of you who posted and shared your experiences. I am a mom of three kids 7 and under, and hoping to have the surgery just after the holidays. No one in my family is a runner, so I am just trying to stay positive, believing that soon I will be training again for a 1/2 marathon. What in your opinion do I need to get in order before surgery? My husband was sort of surprised that I would be wearing the boots for 3-4 weeks (I have it in both feet), and with 3 little ones, I think I had better get my act together and know what I am getting into.
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Baby Blue
Member |
posted Nov-03-2007 10:02 PM
Rookie, have you talked to your dr about alcohol shots? although my neuroma was already too big to avoid surgery, I know that a lot of people have had great success with the alcohol shots. Although they aren't a lot of fun, I would do them all over again if I could avoid this surgery. But since I had the bunion surgery done with the neuroma surgery, maybe neuroma surgery isn't so bad.
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rookierunnergirl
Member |
posted Nov-04-2007 08:11 AM
My pod is an iron marathoner, and has had the surgery himself. We did the cortizone, with little affect, the orthotics which help with the pain, but there is definite growth happening. I have not heard of the alcohol shots before, but I need to do what will lead to the greatest potential for cure. Our insurance is basic, and we are paying much of this out of pocket, so it's hard to try something that might or might not work. He seemed to think surgery was our best and only real option left, and I do trust him. He has a great rep in our town, not just as a pod but as a competitive runner.I don't mind the surgery so much, but reading these posts makes me realize that it will be a little more intense than I thought. Any suggestions as to how to prep myself prior? I have folks who will pick up my kids from school, friends from church will help with dinner, I will get a pair of crutches even though I was told i could walk, etc. Anything you all wish you had in place before the surgery?
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foxyw
Cool Runner |
posted Nov-04-2007 02:35 PM
Rookie - Based on my experience, I would be sure to have a waterproof cast/bandage cover for each foot so that you can keep the bandage and stitches dry while bathing. It would also be helpful to have a pair of running shoes or comfortable shoes in a size that is about 1/2 to 1 full size larger than you normally wear. If you're like the majority of folks and experience swelling in your foot, it will be nice to have a pair of shoes that you can get your foot into once the doc gives the go ahead to ditch the booties. I didn't have a bigger pair of shoes ahead of time and really wish that I did. I found a relatively inexpensive pair of New Balance sneakers (went with a men's size which was a little wider) at Marshalls Department store that worked very well for me. I couldn't comfortably get into my normal shoe size for about 8 - 10 weeks. Some loose fitting, comfy socks would be nice too. If you have custom orthotics, you will probably want to use those. My foot was much happier once I got out of the bootie and into a shoe with the orthotics. Also, make sure you have plenty of reading material, movies to watch, and pillows to prop up your foot with. Some reusable ice packs are also helpful. Best of luck to you!
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Natasja
Member |
posted Nov-04-2007 02:42 PM
Rookie - You mentioned that you have neuromas in both feet. Is the surgery planned to be on both feet at the same time?I don't have children and I was lucky enough to have my husband help me during the day as well after the surgery. I found that I was quite dependent, specially the first two weeks post operation. The first days my husband actually pushed me in a desk chair with wheels to the bathroom. It is my believe that it is crucial for a good outcome in the long run, to really take it easy and rest well during those first weeks post surgery. Although I can see that this can be difficult to achieve with three small children, my advice would be be to try every thing in that effect.
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rundog28
Cool Runner |
posted Nov-04-2007 02:56 PM
I am really sorry to everyone who has one of these little joys!(!@!$$##$$!!!!!!) I remember mine , right foot, twix the #2 & #3 toe. My personal friend , running buddy, and dr. said " your screwed." "surgery is the last option, you will need injections."
I went to see my shoe guy at Fleet Feet. He said " let's try wider toe box and the thinnest sock we can find." "after each run fill a foot tub up with ice and water and keep it in there until your ready to cry!" It worked!!! It took most of the summer, but it worked. I run 25-35 miles a week depending on time and need for training. I did not have anything to loose and was in serious pain like you! I did the ice thing for about 15-20 min.s I would keep it in til my foot went numb, take it out til I could feel it, and repeated the process un till the ice had melted. I ran only short runs during rehab, 4-5mi. max. I have had no recurrance.
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Baby Blue
Member |
posted Nov-04-2007 06:44 PM
Rookie - Foxy's suggestion about the waterproof cover for your foot is a lifesaver. She suggested that for me before my surgery, and I'm SO glad that I listened. (Thanks, Foxy!!) I am supposed to go for bandage re-wraps every week for four weeks. And if I get the bandages wet, I have to go in right away. (I don't know if the dr will slack off on this after I get my stitches removed tomorrow or not.) When asked the nurse how to shower, she said to wrap my foot in several layers of saran wrap, tape, plastic bags, and then more saran wrap. Not cool. I ordered a Sealtight Waterproof Castguard online for about $20 or so. It is easy to get on and off and is definitely wateroroof.Another one of Foxy's suggestions was great. She said to get an ovesized sock that you can put on over the wrap. Even now, the extra weight of the sock is too much, but my toes get REALLY freezing cold where the neuroma was (3th and 4th toes). My dr told me once before that this is a nerve thing, but I am constantly trying to keep them warm. And with the cold weather here, it helps a lot. The alcohol shots are usually a series of about 7-10 shots. The alcohol is toxic and may kill the nerve when injected into it. So, rather than removing the nerve, the nerve stays in your foot, but is dead (and painless). There will be some numbing, which there also will be with the surgery. If the alcohol works, the surgery will not be needed. My dr told me that you will read that the alcohol works 90-95% of the time, but he has found 70% of his patients that have the alcohol do not need the surgery. In my case, the alcohol injections worked, but the neuroma was too large and had extended to the nerve branches, so it wasn't able to do enough. The shots are supposed to be much less expensive than surgery, but I have good insurance and don't usually see my bills. And it doesn't guarantee that the surgery won't be needed. Like I said, I don't usually see my bills, but I did see the bill from the surgery center. This bill was for $5,000 for the facility itself, so that didn't cover the doctors bills, anesthesiologist, radiologist, or pharmacy (or anything else that I can't remember was going to be separately billed). I'm sure that the 5-6 scheduled post-op visits aren't cheap either. Also, with the alcohol, your pod will be able to tell after a few injections whether or not you are responding to them. Before surgery, I bought a lot of meals that I could pop into the microwave. I'm just now able to start doing that. I also got a lot of things like granola bars and yogurt, because it is pretty much impossible to carry bowls and plates with crutches. My son picked up a couple of car drink holders (the kind that you hang from the inside of your window0. I can carry one of them with a can of soda or bottle of water while using my crutches. I also put the yogurts, granola bars, sivlerware, and other things in there, so I can actually move things from the kitchen to my sofa, where I have been parked 24/7.
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ShelleyM
Cool Runner |
posted Nov-05-2007 05:23 AM
Does the doc say how long it is before you can drive? Now that my neuroma is okay, my bunion is really hurting. I am tending toward the surgery if my insurance will cover it for the most part.
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RudeRod
Member |
posted Nov-05-2007 11:12 AM
Post surgery update for four days after surgery.I notice alot of you have swelling at night. I only have swelling during the day while I'm walking around on my foot. This goes away quickly if I elevate the foot for a while. I definitely haven't been taking it easy on my foot at all. I've done quite a bit of walking, been out to dinner, to a football game, cleaned my pool, done some yardwork, cleaned out my garage, done a few upper body workouts, and have been out on my bicycle, once for 20 miles, and once for 35 miles. Yesterday was the 35 mile ride and my foot actually felt better when I was done and I've limped less ever since. I noticed toward the end of the ride my foot was pressing on the pedal near the position my clip in pedals would place them so I'm going to try my cycling shoes and clip in pedals tonight after work. I have my first post op follow up with the Pod today to change the dressing so I'll get my first look at the surgery. I am at work today and have done my regular routine which involves quite a bit of walking, stairs and ladders. Since being at work I notice I'm starting to roll off the front of my foot a little from time to time and really feel no pain, just some kind of pressure, maybe a little uncomfortable, but nothing I would call pain. My feet have hurt much worse before from trying to avoid the neuroma pain by walking differently and this compensating would cause pain in other parts of the foot and both legs so I'm not complaining. I'll definitely give more information after the office visit as I'm curious to see what my foot looks like as the 2nd and 3rd toes are definitely discolored from the surgery. When washing between them, as they're exposed from the dressing, the inside of those toes are numb, which would happen before the surgery after long runs, hikes and bike rides as well. It does sound like I've been very fortunate to be recoverying so rapidly and to not have experienced any real down time other than the day of the surgery and I'm not sure that was even required, I was just expecting the pain to start as soon as the pain killers wore off as I know the Pod was digging around in there moving things around. [This message has been edited by RudeRod (edited Nov-05-2007).]
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chicahuss
Member |
posted Nov-05-2007 01:25 PM
Has anyone had any pain that radiates down the outer edge of the foot. I am having pain (it is even worse than the neuroma pain) on the outside of my left foot (on the little toe side). It starts where a little bunion seems to be forming and radiates down almost to my heal. It feels just like nerve pain, so I'm a little nervous. I originally thought it was a bunion, but that isn't what bunion pain feels like is it? I assumed bunion pain was more localized. I'm wondering if I'm developing another nueroma on my little toe. Is that even possible?I'm supposed to get my 2nd shot on my left foot today, so I'll see the podiatrist.
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rookierunnergirl
Member |
posted Nov-05-2007 01:50 PM
Thanks to those who have given me a heads up on what I need to get before surgery. B/c of the cost, I declined the shower bags, but I think I will get them after what you have said. This surgery sounds like a bear, but with hope, I (we) will be able to run without pain again. I am praying for you all to continue to recover without complications, thanks for your insight. <">< rookiegirl
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Baby Blue
Member |
posted Nov-05-2007 05:46 PM
Rookie - You might want to check out eBay. Do a search for Castguard. You can get one for about $10-12 plus shipping. I tried my first "standing up" shower today, and some water did get into the castguard, so be careful even with the castguard.Shelley - My dr told me that I won't be able to drive until at least four weeks post-op. I had my right foot done. The radiologist that I had today had bunion surgery last January and I think that she said that it was six weeks before she could drive. Some people told me that they drove anyway with their left foot. I told my dr that and he said that some of his patients told him that they drove that way, and he also heard of patients getting into accidents that way. Chica - You should mention that pain shooting to the side of your foot to your dr. I had that after one of my shots and the dr kept an eye on it for a couple of appts. It was ok, but he told me that there is another nerve that branches to the side of the foot. He wanted to make sure that nerve was not being afftected by the shots. Ok, so 2nd post-op visit today: The stitches came out. I'm hoping that this will relieve some of the pain. I think that I mentioned how I have been taking bandages off to relieve the pain. That's bad. Don't do it. The bandages are to keep the swelling down and also to hold everything in place (almost like a cast or something). I took some off to relieve the pain, when the gauze was sticking to the stitches. Anyway, the pain has really increased the last couple of days, so I had to get more X-Rays to make sure that nothing shifted. Everything was good, but I could have screwed things up. I saw the X-Rays... freaky with the screw. I have more swelling than I should, but I'm just supposed to keep it elevated and iced and still stay off of it I can start adding a little more weight to the heel and try a little on the front of the foot as the next week progresses. Crutches for at least one more week, which will make 3 weeks (at least). I still need to wear the surgical boot/shoe whenever I get up, but I expected that. Ok, the incisions really are smaller than I thought. The bunion is only about 3 inches, and the neuroma is 1-2 inches.
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mlarson1283
Cool Runner |
posted Nov-06-2007 11:17 AM
Quick healing wishes to all of you post-surgery!I had my second alcohol injection and I have to say- I think it is already helping! I feel some numbness on & off and ran 2.5 miles the other day with no pain at all! I have almost no post-shot pain, just feels uncomfortable once in awhile that day, otherwise it isn't nearly as bad as the cortisone shots.
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chicahuss
Member |
posted Nov-08-2007 04:15 PM
mlarson,I'm glad you are finding some relief rookierunner, I have small kids as well (18 month old twins), and I thought I should tell you that my doctor told me I should have help on hand for them for 4-6 weeks. I'm hoping I don't need help that long, but I thought I should let you know. Your kids also might be more self-sufficient, since they sound a bit older. My surgery for my right foot is December 18th, so I'll fill you in once I see what it is like. Thanks for your prayers. I'll send them everyone's way as well. My update: I went to the podiatrist on Monday and asked about the horrible pain on the side of my left foot. Apparently I have bursitis (inflamation of the joint) at the fifth metatarsal. He was a little stumped, but he thinks it is from walking differently from the neuromas. I was bummed, but at least glad it wasn't another nerve issue like I was worried about. He also decided not to even give me a 2nd alcohol injection in my left foot. He thinks it is best to schedule surgery for a few months after the right one. I think we might reassess though once the bursitis is less inflamed. foxy, I keep meaning to thank you for the shoe recommendations. I will definitely be checking them out.
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foxyw
Cool Runner |
posted Nov-08-2007 04:31 PM
chicahuss - Glad to hear that the pain is not another neuroma! How did the doc diagnose the bursitis? Are you on any meds or have special pads in your shoe? I am asking because I have recently experienced similar pain but it kind of felt like another neuroma to me. My foot swelled a bit in the last week or so which seems to have caused this pain. Luckily (knock on wood), the pain/swelling is subsiding with ice/elevation/and a little ibuprofen. I purchased a pair of the Ecco Wave Slip on shoes in coffee nubuck and they are definitely wide enough for my foot. The Ecco Wave smooth leather pair with the side zipper was too narrow. Regarding driving after surgery - I drove 2.5 weeks after surgery using a sandal on that foot. I left the sandal in the car and changed in and out of the surgical bootie in the car. My foot was definitely still not ready for a regular shoe at that time so I was using a Teva sandal and driving very carefully.
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chicahuss
Member |
posted Nov-09-2007 10:02 PM
Foxy,The doctor didn't really do much to assess. He just pushed around at different places on my foot. My pain begins at the joint of the fifth metatarsal, which is actually right in the same place where a tailor's bunion would form. It feels a little swollen under there, and he said that is because the bursa sac fills with fluid. I'm not sure why the pain radiates down. If you have had some pain and swelling, that may very well be bursitis. My doctor said the most common place to get it is in the 2nd metatarsal. He didn't give me any padding or anything, but he wanted me to go for a while without my orthotics. He thinks that might be what is causing it because my orthotics are so hard and they are narrower than my foot. But, as I said, he wasn't sure about any of this. He is just speculating. So far, I haven't been able to go without my orthotics for long. It is just too painful. I hope your foot is feeling better. I really hope that you don't have another neuroma--that would be awful! Natasja, Rod, and Baby Blue, I hope the recovery is going well for you.
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GranolaGal
Cool Runner |
posted Nov-10-2007 08:55 AM
I went to orthopedist earlier this week for second opinion for MN and for torn posterior tibial (it's only a slight tear). First opinion was leaning towards surgery for MN. Second opinion said if there's no pain then why would surgery be needed? I agreed. The first opinion kept feeling the characteristic popping and was going based on that. Also, second opinion gave me some sort of rubbery weird thing to put between my toes to lessen the effects of the MN. I have worn it, but I don't see a need for it now since there's very little sensation from the MN now (post alcohol shots) - all sensation is normal, mostly. The rubbery thin is somewhat cumbersome since I have to tape my toes for it to work. I don't recall the first opinion mentioning the rubbery thing, so I don't know if he actually did or not - I think not. So, I'm glad that I had a second opinion. I started exercising religously after major abdominal surgery a couple of years ago. I have more energy now than I used to, so I don't plan to stop anytime soon! I know foot surgery might be coming for me one day, but not for now. Sigh of relief! I hope everyone continues to recover from their surgery/alcohol shots. Take care.
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Natasja
Member |
posted Nov-10-2007 03:10 PM
Chicahuss and the rest - Thanks for your good wishes and good luck with your upcoming surgery!I am now 5 weeks and two days post surgery, overall I have to say that I am not doing bad. No more crutches since a week or so and the last 10 days I have managed to cycle every day a bit on my stationary bike, I find it to be very useful in loosening up a bit all the sore muscles and aches that I have acquired post surgery in my leg due to the strange walking/limping. Walking is still a bit more difficult, but in house it's okay and I can do most of the household chores, I also bought a pair of very cushioned running shoes, nikes air pegasus in one size bigger than I normally wear, they also come in a wide size, I find that I really need the cushioned shoe, anything else at this time won't do.
The swelling under the foot is much less, but the toes are still somewhat swollen and I still elevate and ice 2 to 3 time a day depending on how much I was on my feet. Good luck to you all!
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Natasja
Member |
posted Nov-10-2007 03:12 PM
Chicahuss and the rest - Thanks for your good wishes and good luck with your upcoming surgery!I am now 5 weeks and two days post surgery, overall I have to say that I am not doing bad. No more crutches since a week or so and the last 10 days I have managed to cycle every day a bit on my stationary bike, I find it to be very useful in loosening up a bit all the sore muscles and aches that I have acquired post surgery in my leg due to the strange walking/limping. Walking is still a bit more difficult, but in house it's okay and I can do most of the household chores, I also bought a pair of very cushioned running shoes, nikes air pegasus in one size bigger than I normally wear, they also come in a wide size, I find that I really need the cushioned shoe, anything else at this time won't do.
The swelling under the foot is much less, but the toes are still somewhat swollen and I still elevate and ice 2 to 3 time a day depending on how much I was on my feet. Good luck to you all!
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TedAndresen
Cool Runner |
posted Nov-12-2007 02:12 PM
I sympathize with all of you who have had problems with MN. I been able to keep the pain at bay by modifying the insoles of all my shoes as shown below:  I have also shopped for shoes that have a wide toebox. In addition, I begin my laces two or three eyelets up from the bottom so there is minimal pressure on the metatarsals. Ted
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RudeRod
Member |
posted Nov-12-2007 02:18 PM
I am now 11 days post neuroma surgery. I had a follow up office visit this morning and am now wearing a small bandaid to cover the sutures. I looked at the Pathology Report and the diagnosis was, "Traumatic Neuroma". The Pod says the sutures are coming out this Friday the 16th which will be two weeks, one day post surgery. Today, I'm walking almost normal with a slight limp and very little discomfort. The swelling is almost gone now. The Pod says I can try running anytime now, even before the sutures are removed, but I think I'll keep cycling only for at least one more week.I have been wearing regular shoes and sandals since day two. As my previous post's described, I have been walking on my foot since the first day of surgery and only missed two days of work, the day of surgery, a Thursday, and the day after, returning to work the following Monday. Also, I began cycling the day after surgery on a stationary bike and out on the highway the second day after surgery, keeping the mileage low, 20-30 while wearing tennis shoes with regular pedals. Yesterday I returned to my cycling shoes and increased the mileage up to 50 miles at a nearly normal pace as there was very little discomfort. Today I rode with a group for a short more intense ride of 30 miles and had no problems staying in the group doing more than my share of pulling as it appears I didn't lose much of my aerobic fitness. I do recommend to everyone to try cycling with cycling shoes during recovery to maintain fitness as they offer a firm platform to distribute the pressure evenly. As soon as I changed from tennis shoes to cycling shoes, the comfort during cycling increased dramatically even though the cycling shoes keep the pedal at the ball of the foot. I will keep everyone updated as I return to running in the next week or so. I plan to ease into it on a treadmill until I'm up to 3 miles comfortably, then I'll take it out on the road. Compared to most of you in this forum, I feel extremely lucky to have had such an easy recovery from the neuroma surgery.
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GOLFNSKI
Cool Runner |
posted Nov-14-2007 06:23 PM
OMG - I never heard of this before yesterday.I've been running for 25 years. Never a foot problem. Three months ago I laced up my trail shoes for a 10 miler and after about 1/4 mile I felt like my sock was bunched up. Took my shoe off, to find it wasn't; repeated this again; then said screw it and just ran on it. Since then it has come and gone. The last few weeks it has been bothering me regularly, and sometimes hurts when I'm walking. It feels like a ligament clicking in my third toe. Sometimes it feels like my fourth toe. I thought I was nuts. Whe I run, it bothers me for about mile so I curl my toes for a while and its OK, then it gets a little numb. So it turns out it’s not my toes, Pod says it’s a nerve in the ball of my foot. The Pod said I'm only a moderate pronator and said orthotics might help but didn't stress them for me. He felt motion control shoes are adequate. He had the nurse tape me (first a horse shoe shape around the outside of my foot from knuckle to heel to knuckle, then two loops kind of loose around my foot top to bottom). He said no restrictions on running walking or whatever and come back next week. He said sometimes it goes away (yea right). He said the next progression would be the alcohol injections and then surgery, but that he felt we caught mine early and there is not likely an actual neuroma, but more like a pinched nerve. When I left the Pod, I was feeling like no big deal till I read this thread. YIKES. I'm trying to figure out why this would suddenly affect me. No recent shoe changes. We did move into a house in April 2007 with hard wood floors and slate floors and I go barefoot most of the time. I wonder if this caused it. It would have been 4 months after moving that I first felt the sensation.
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