| Author |
Topic: Morton's Neuroma ARGH! |
ShelleyM
Cool Runner |
 posted Jun-17-2007 06:33 AM
   
skull-Interesting about the taping. I may try that. I have a pod appointment tomorrow and will ask him about taping.
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ShelleyM
Cool Runner |
posted Jun-19-2007 05:11 AM
My foot is very sore this morning from yesterday's injection. The pod was surprised I actually asked for the shot. No more PT, since it wasn't helping and as far as I'm concerned was a waste of time and money. I go again in 12 days for another appt.
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HappyFeet
Member |
posted Jun-19-2007 10:17 PM
Shelley, did you get the alcohol/cortisone combo shot again? My first and second alcohol shots made my foot sore that day and the next.I may have to skip my next injection as I wrecked my car today (bummer). I hope going slightly over the two weeks won't hurt my treatment because it does seem to be working.
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ShelleyM
Cool Runner |
posted Jun-20-2007 02:38 PM
Happy-So sorry to hear about your accident! Yes, I did get the cort/alcohol injection. Today the foot is just a tiny bit sore.
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ShelleyM
Cool Runner |
posted Jun-26-2007 03:54 PM
My foot is progressively starting to hurt more. I actually wonder if my biking is aggravating it. I might as well start running with the way it's feeling. I go for another shot on the 12th. Maybe the PT was helping after all....
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mollym
Member |
posted Jun-29-2007 08:58 AM
Thank you so much for this forum. I've had a neuroma for about 3 years now (just diagnosed a few months ago), and I haven't been able to run (or do anything that requires going up on your toes--yoga, pilates, dance, etc.) for all that time. A little while ago I decided I wanted the surgery just to get it cut out, but I've been reading so many horror stories, I'm realizing doctors are probably right to avoid surgery if at all possible! I'm also realizing that I haven't been committed enough to other options, and I'm ready to get serious. I'm going to my podiatrist in a week, and I'm hoping to begin a series of injections. I'll also finally spend the money on custom orthotics (I had so hoped the cheap ones would work!).
My question is, what are people's recommendations for comfortable shoes to wear around the house--not too expensive or bulky, but offering support?
Thank you so much!
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HappyFeet
Member |
posted Jun-29-2007 11:24 PM
Oh for Pete's sake! Now my ortho wants to halt my injections and start physical therapy. The pain on the top of my foot is worsening and he's questioning the effectiveness of the shots. Ughhh. I think I'm going to just sit on it for awhile...
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ShelleyM
Cool Runner |
posted Jun-30-2007 07:02 AM
Happy-Are you still running? The PT is just going to do a whirlpool, stimulator and ultrasound, if it's the same as mine. I personally think it's a waste, but then mine is worsening without it. I don't want to have to go to PT for the rest of my life, though! My pod appt. is Monday.
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bboywannabe
Member |
posted Jul-01-2007 10:34 AM
Hi. I've just learned that I have a neuroma and it resulted from running in shoes that were too small.I don't get a burning pain but rather a dull pain. It's always there but it worsens when I wear shoes, which of course squeezes the foot. I suggest that anyone looking for footwear should try the Nike CP 45 sandals. It has the most space that I've seen of any sandal. Only engage the bottom strap and there should be no pressure on your toes. http://www.nike.com/index.jhtml?l=nikestore,pdp,_pdp,cid-1/gid-126181/pid-126180&re=US&co=US&la=EN http://www.sportchek.ca/sportchek/do/style?menuId=24&styleId=33555 I'm about to get my first cortisone shots, but thanks to the board, I learned about the alcohol alternative which I"ll bring up with my specialist. Should I just go straight for the alcohol injection? I'm getting the impression that cortisone is just a masking agent for the pain.
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bboywannabe
Member |
posted Jul-01-2007 10:54 AM
Also may I add the site RateMDS
http://ratemds.com/Its like RateMyProfessor but for doctors. Make sure you're getting someone who knows what he's talking about. I was scheduled for my first cortisone shots with a certain specialist but I found terrible patient reviews of him. Therefore, I'm gonna ask to be referred to someone else.
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ShelleyM
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-02-2007 05:31 AM
bboy-The alchol injections are actually a combo of cortisone and alcohol to begin with.
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ShelleyM
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-02-2007 06:24 PM
Just got back from the pod. He didn't give me the alcohol last time, that's why it has been hurting. I asked him to go ahead and start the alcohol injections fully. He said it may take up to 8 of them to kill the nerve. I have a huge bruise around the injection point on both the top and bottom of my foot and it is still numb. It hurt like hell when he did it, but I am very excited that I'll get some positive help (I hope!)
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bboywannabe
Member |
posted Jul-03-2007 07:22 AM
ShelleyM - Did you get an MRI before your injections? If you did, was it accurate and what did it tell you?I'm gonna ask to get a Ultrasound or MRI (maybe both!) before I get any kinda shot. I'm not gonna assume they know where my neuroma is and how large it is just by feeling around. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3767/is_200309/ai_n9284537 Judging by this article in which they compare MRI vs Ultrasound, they both seem to be good precautions even though they may miss some things. Both had very similar results. It also says that some people rather stick to clinical judgement over imaging because "is a waste of resources and sets a dangerous medico-legal precedent." Screw that! I'm getting it!
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ShelleyM
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-04-2007 07:11 AM
bboy-I did have an MRI prior to my injections. The orthopedist ordered the MRI, then after the results, sent me to the podiatrist.My foot is very swollen. I had the injection on Monday. I know for sure he hit the correct spot. I'm not sure how long it should be this swollen. I was on my feet quite a bit yesterday, but when I got home, kept it raised up. Now I am heading for some cycling miles, even though I probably shouldn't. Happyfeet-Did you experience very swollen toes and top of foot from the first injection? I remember you saying bruising, but not anything about swelling. This is concerning me a bit. I think if it is still very swollen on Thursday, I'll give the pod a call. I have been taking ibupropren. [This message has been edited by ShelleyM (edited Jul-04-2007).]
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bboywannabe
Member |
posted Jul-04-2007 07:58 PM
worst news ever.. they don't do alcohol injections in Canadahopefully they do it in Seattle.. anyone know if they do?
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motherof4
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-04-2007 09:42 PM
I have to tell you all ..... the surgery isn't that bad. I was running within 2 months. And 8 miles within 3 weeks. If you really think it is a neuroma....do the surgery with a ortho....at least the coroszine (sp?) didn't help me. The longer you wait the more damage you can do to other parts your body.
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ShelleyM
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-10-2007 07:42 AM
Has anyone that had alcohol injections experienced pain starting around another toe? I feel like a knot is on the bottom of my 4th toe now. My toes are still swollen...I go for the 2nd injection next week. I certainly hope it gets better.
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Dobiefan
Member |
posted Jul-10-2007 10:56 AM
Thanks to this thread, I plan to make an appt w/a new pod this week. The neuroma on my right foot prevented me from running for quite some time. But I gradually returned to running which helped me lose 40 lbs. During that time the neuroma didn't bother me--until now. After unsuccessful cortisone injections a couple yrs ago I figured surgery was my only option--until reading this thread. I'll have to locate a pod whose willing to try alcohol treatment. But even if that does end up working, my bunions refuse to be ignored much longer...
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Baby Blue
Member |
posted Jul-10-2007 11:35 PM
Brand new to this site.... I found this forum on a web search and hope that you runners don't mind a golfer joining in the discussion.It sounds like some of you have had success with the alcohol injections. How long did it take before you felt some relief? I had custom orthotics for a bunion, a few months later I had the right foot neuroma pain. Right from the beginning, it's been debilitating. I've had 3 cortisone shots in my right foot, and the left foot has had one (the left neuroma started shortly after the right one). The cortisone was a real relief for about 2 weeks at a time. Now I'm on to alcohol injections and had my 3rd today. The balls of my feet swell up after each shot and I can hardly walk for about 2-3 days each time. (I did have a flare up with the first cortisone shot, and I couldn't walk for about a week.) My dr told me that it's too early to know if they will work. For those of you who got relief, when did you know that the alcohol was working? He said that we will re-evaluate after 5 alcohol shots and if they aren't working, we will go to surgery. Does anyone know what kind of recovery time? If the alcohol doesn't work, I will have to have have my right foot done first with the bunion, then later the left foot. Sorry for all the questions. I'm getting frustrated. And the pain just seems worse. And since I can hardly do anything, I've gained 10 pounds - just to make me more depressed!! I'd appreciate any help that anyone can give me! Thanks!
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ShelleyM
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-11-2007 05:10 AM
Babyblue- I have only had 1, and I have the same swelling you are describing. I tried going for a 5 mile walk yesterday, and now my foot is swollen again (my 1st injection was 1 1/2 weeks ago.) I am just wondering. This may sound very silly, but have you noticed any weight gain since your cortisone injections and the alcohol? I have been doing my normal bike riding and eating the same as usual, and I have gained 2 lbs. Does this sound familiar at all? Anyway, I would listen to the pod. I am told by mine that it may take up to 8 injections.
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Baby Blue
Member |
posted Jul-11-2007 10:19 PM
Yes, Shelley, I did gain weight after the cortisone shots. (I gained about 10 pounds in the last few months, and I don't know if it is all from the shots or partly because of being less active. Now that I've switched over to the alcohol shots, I've been successfully working at losing the weight again.) My dr told me that he could only give 3 because they can cause weight gain and higher blood pressure. He said that there aren't any side effects to the alcohol (just the bruising and swelling). By the way, I'm totally jealous that you can take a 5 mile walk!  Actually, that is great. Since the onset of my pain, I just can't do a lot of anything on my feet. My dr knows how important golf is to me, and is trying to help me get through golf season. I'm a female, and the guys at work let me play on their league, so I'm a little stubborn and won't take a cart (9 holes), but within an hour after playing, I can hardly walk. Before the cortisone shots, though, I was hopping on one foot after each shot, so they have helped a lot.Oh, and I read another one of your posts.... with my first alcohol shot, I had the feeling like my toes and the side of my foot were asleep. This lasted for about a day or so. My dr told me that since it went away, it was probably from the shot itself. But he did say that if something like that happens again, he wants to know. He said that there is another nerve that goes across the foot to the side (small toe side). It kind of connects/branches from the nerve that we are trying to kill. We have to be careful not to damage this other nerve, too. So keep an eye on any additional pain and numbness and make sure that make sure that your dr is aware of anything like that.
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ShelleyM
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-12-2007 05:20 AM
Baby-Thanks for the baby toe info, because that's one of the points hurting. I have been biking consistantly since not being able to run (my foot problems have been going on for 1 year!!.) I think perhaps that is why my foot stays swollen constantly. I go anywhere from 10 to 32 miles at a time, and my foot starts hurting after about an hour. Interesting about the weight gain because I have had a total of 4 cortisone shots over the past few months, before the alcohol injections were started. I am going to ask the pod if he is combining cortisone with the alcohol, because at first he had told me they would be a combo. I am hoping that is what this weight gain is from, since I am always watching my weight. I gain it in my hips and thighs, and biking hasn't helped any. The only thing that ever made my legs, hips and booty slimmer was running. Really a bummer!! [This message has been edited by ShelleyM (edited Jul-12-2007).]
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bboywannabe
Member |
posted Jul-14-2007 03:14 AM
W O W !!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fqalM4EjVE
http://www.tampacryosurgery.com/ forget alcohol injections I'm doing cryosurgery! This is his reply to me Answer Hi Jeff, I have not found Alcohol injections to be a good choice at the low concentrations that most Podiatrists use. When using stronger alcohol, there can be serious tissue irritation and sometimes ulcers or abscess may occur. If the alcohol does kill the nerve, you may develop a stump neuroma which is far more painful and complicated than the original neuroma. I no longer use the Alcohol because of these issues. Cryosurgery, has a higher success rate with less complications than surgical removal of the nerve. It can be repeated without problems. There is also no incidence of stump neuroma formation. If you do have the cryosurgery, I would be sure that the Dr. uses a nerve stimulator to locate the nerve. This will increase the success rate. If you are interested in coming to Tampa you can call my office @ 813-875-0555. I will caution you that there are no guarantees that you will get relief. So you have to be willing to take that chance. Also, some people may need the procedure repeated down the line. Cryosurgery is an excellent alternative to the traditional surgery, however, it has success and failure like anything else. The nice thing is that there are rarely complications and rarely does anyone get worse. You can't say that with other treatments. Here's another reponse I got from another cryosurgent: you pose a good question and I will tyr and provide an honest answer. many people who may read this may say sure he does cryosurgery so he is biased that way. Bottom line. There are no recent studies out there that state that alcohol injections are better than anything else. There has been some controversy the last week on our own podiatry websites that the 4% concentration is not strong enough to cause a chemical neurolysis. Many insurance companies will not pay for multiple alcohol injections as with the 4% concentration many suggest 5-8 injections consistantly 7-10 days apart.
There are currently 110 cryostar trained surgeons around the US with over 5000 procedures performed to date. Success rates with one treament run 80-90%. many patients get partial relief after one however the made need a second 2 months after the first.
There are usually no sutures, crutches, surgical shoes used with this procedure and most patients can shower the next day.
Do you due diligence and investigate both methods and collect the facts and make whatever choice you fell is right for you. I have tried to be truthfull and have stated the facts as I know them to be. Dr. Goldstein With all due respect to my friend Dr. Nordyke, cryo works better in my hands than the alcohol injections. This basically boils down to ask 10 different opinions and get 10 different answers. In order for the alcohol to be effective at the 4% concentration normally used, 5-8 injections 7-10 days apart is necessary. The alcohol can be uncomfortable and burn as it also causes some local neuritis. Cryo does not always work with one treatment. i have repeated 17% of over 500 i have performed. Some other these patients have had failed open surgery. it boils down to whatever you want to do. it's your foot, not ours. Either method has pros and cons and nomethod or procedure gives 100% success otherwise we would all be doing it! The jury is still out for me personally as to which is better a top or bottom(webspace) approach. I have done the majority from the top. i reserved the webspace approach for stump neuromas which are always difficult to treat. The problem with the webspace approach for me is i seem ti hit a tiny vessel that bleeds so my bandage is much bigger and the webspace incision is more subject to infection or maceration.
Dr. John DeBello and his group from NYC told me they have almost 100% success rate coming through the interspace. It just does not always work in my hands. I believe you need to treat proximal behind the met heads as well as distally in the sulcus. Overall my success rate with neuromas is about 82%. I was always looking for a new angle or spin on things but now that I am retired I will have to let my fellow cryosurgeons carry the torch http://www.cryotechllc.com/ This site can locate the nearest cryosurgeon. I was also told to make sure they ask if they use a nerve stimulator because it increases the chance of success.
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ShelleyM
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-14-2007 06:49 AM
Wow, thank you for the link! I am going to ask my pod when I go to him on Thursday for my injection. I wonder if this cryo thing is covered by insurance. I actually only live 2 hrs from Tampa, so I may give this a try if nothing happens with these injections.
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bboywannabe
Member |
posted Jul-14-2007 08:19 PM
I was told by that tampa clinic that the pricing ranges from $600-1000
I'm gonna have to dish that out since I'm from Canada and not covered
Oh well.. I'd pay even more if it means I get to avoid surgery
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