| Author |
Topic: Morton's Neuroma ARGH! |
foxyw
Cool Runner |
 posted Sep-06-2007 10:38 PM
  
It will be 13 weeks tomorrow since my neuroma surgery and my foot continues to improve each day. I'm looking forward to when the swelling goes down the rest of the way. I marvel at the absence of neuroma pain at the bottom of my foot and in my toe. I've been getting back into biking, mostly mountain biking so far, and can spend lots of time on my feet during the day without any ill effects. The amount of swelling that occurred during the day has gone down considerably, probably due to the continuing healing process as well as the fact that it's not as hot during the day now. Given what I know now, I would have the surgery and recover during the cooler months of the year. As another person just recently posted, the numbness is not that noticeable.
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char11
Member |
posted Sep-09-2007 04:28 PM
Geez. If I had read this prior to buying my last pair of Asics (a few weeks ago. grr!) So for those of you who had problems w/ Asics, what shoe works best for you now? I ran/walked 10 miles yesterday and my feet are still sore today. Pod appt tomorrow.
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ShelleyM
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-10-2007 05:10 AM
For me, it's Brooks or New Balance. Everyone is different. It doesn't necessarily mean you can't wear Asics.
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Elizabeth78
Member |
posted Sep-10-2007 11:28 AM
I have good news to report. My foot is feeling much better after the third round of injections, and I did a 16-mile run on Saturday. My foot hurt a little, but it was more of an annoyance than something that would stop me. I have my next set of injections a week from today. I am racing a half marathon on Sunday, so I hope my foot holds up until then!
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katnipct
Member |
posted Sep-10-2007 07:25 PM
This sight has been a great source of information! I was diagnosed with Morton's Neuroma about a year ago. It only bothered me once in a while. Then in early summer I had a horrible pain that wouldn't go away and so I gave in and had a cortisone shot. The relief was immediate.
This summer I have worn nothing but Teva "cush" flip-flop sandals and Kalso earth sandals. I golf and have sandals that I wear without socks, because even that restriction would irritate it after a few holes. I am now working part time at a job that requires me to stand for long periods of time and I wore a pair of casual Kalso shoes with socks. Even though my heel is lower than my toes in these shoes and they have a rather wide toe box, within about half an hour I had to take them off and go back to my flip-flops. I live in New England. Sandals aren't going to work in the snow! After having a talk with my Dr. we have decided to try a series of alcohol injections before standard surgery. I just had my first shot today and still have a fair amount of numbness in my foot. It sounds like many of you have had success with this treatment and so I'm hoping it works for me too! I'll keep you posted and thanks to all for sharing your experiences.
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bboywannabe
Member |
posted Sep-10-2007 10:43 PM
katnipctI'm in the same boat. Winter's coming up and I gotta decide whether to deal with the restriction of shoes or look like a weirdo wearing sandals in the snow. "Why the hell you wearing sandals?" "They're.. lucky.. sandals"
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TedAndresen
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-11-2007 01:46 AM
There is an excellent set of references on Morton's Neuroma by the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society at:http://www.aofas.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3417
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ShelleyM
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-11-2007 04:58 AM
My foot was feeling so good yesterday that I tried a very short run/walk (2 miles.) Well, this morning my foot is back to hurting and swollen again. I go for my 6th injection on Thursday. My pain is now radiating to my under my big toe. I may ask the pod if he can help my beginning bunion while this treatment is going on.Also, I bought this new sandal Fit Flops (they are supposed to exercise your legs.) They are so comfortable. I wish I could wear them to work. My pod said they look fine for the support I need. You may want to try them to wear around. I live in Fl. and can wear sandals year round. I was trying to find a shoe this morning to wear to work (I have tons of shoes.) I couldn't put my foot into anything but open toe sandals. Ugh!
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katnipct
Member |
posted Sep-11-2007 05:20 AM
Ouch! It's the day after my first alcohol injection and my foot hurts! Feels like I have a golf ball under there and it's just throbbing even when I don't step on it. I had no such troubles after the cortisone. Does anyone know why? Will it hurt like this each time? Should I call my Pod? I'm supposed to work on my feet for 8 hours tomorrow. Doesn't feel like it today!
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Elizabeth78
Member |
posted Sep-11-2007 12:43 PM
quote:
Originally posted by katnipct:
Ouch! It's the day after my first alcohol injection and my foot hurts! Feels like I have a golf ball under there and it's just throbbing even when I don't step on it. I had no such troubles after the cortisone. Does anyone know why? Will it hurt like this each time? Should I call my Pod? I'm supposed to work on my feet for 8 hours tomorrow. Doesn't feel like it today!
It takes about 48 hours for the soreness of the shot to wear off. Wait another day and see how you feel. My foot is feeling great. Not perfect, but much improved. I still have 4 more sets of shots left, but I love being able to run again.
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foxyw
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-11-2007 06:09 PM
quote:
Originally posted by ShelleyM:
My foot was feeling so good yesterday that I tried a very short run/walk (2 miles.) Well, this morning my foot is back to hurting and swollen again. I go for my 6th injection on Thursday. My pain is now radiating to my under my big toe. I may ask the pod if he can help my beginning bunion while this treatment is going on.Also, I bought this new sandal Fit Flops (they are supposed to exercise your legs.) They are so comfortable. I wish I could wear them to work. My pod said they look fine for the support I need. You may want to try them to wear around. I live in Fl. and can wear sandals year round. I was trying to find a shoe this morning to wear to work (I have tons of shoes.) I couldn't put my foot into anything but open toe sandals. Ugh!
I have found that when my neuroma acts up, so does the bunion pain. I wouldn't do anything drastic regarding the bunion until you get resolution on the neuroma pain.
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survived99
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-12-2007 09:56 PM
I've been diagnosed with a neuroma as well, but it doesn't seem to hurt the way some of you describe it. My foot swells then it gets painful then numb. Maybe I don't run as far as you.I just got custom orthotics for a pronation problem, which made the neuroma worse, so my pedorthist at a sports clinic has put a round ball in the center of the orthotic so that it raises up my foot. Seems to work really well. I'd be worried about surgery as there are always so many unknowns about what effect it will have in the end. Glad to hear that the cortisone shots are working.
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bboywannabe
Member |
posted Sep-14-2007 01:51 AM
I just got my first cortisone shots the other day. Didn't work. Dumb.I guess I'll get him to jab the other spaces in case the first spot wasn't the right spot.
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ShelleyM
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-14-2007 04:53 AM
I am in pain from my 6th shot yesterday. He asked if I wanted the coolant spray and I said to go ahead without it. He stuck the needle in and went through tough scar tissue and my toe went numb the second he moved the needle in a different direction.I asked him about my bunion. It is directly related to the neuroma. I also have one devloping on the side of my small toe. He suggested I may need to get surgery. 6-8 weeks with a boot and stay off completely for 2 weeks. I have never been down and out of work for more than a couple of days and don't intend to stay out for more than 3 days, even if I have to use a wheel chair. Have any of you had bunion surgery? He also says if these shots don't work he can do both surgeries at the same time. ------------------
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HappyFeet
Member |
posted Sep-14-2007 02:57 PM
Hi Shelley! A friend of mine had bunion surgery. She said it was excruciating and she had a very long recovery. The doc recommended it for her other foot and she said NEVER.My neuroma is doing wonderfully. I actually had about five total injections (alcohol) and at my last visit (earlier in the summer) my doctor wanted me to try physical therapy three times a week. I do not have any free time in my schedule and never went, therefore never went back to my pod. A few weeks after that the pain started dissipating and I haven't felt any pain since. Running, walking, dancing...pain free. I guess I am an alcohol injection success story!
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ShelleyM
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-15-2007 07:28 AM
Happyfeet-I am so happy for you! I hope to have your success with mine in the near future.
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Barbie
Member |
posted Sep-16-2007 08:19 AM
I have Morton's Neuroma in both feet. I started my first set of alcohol injections last week. The shots weren't too bad. I thought there would be more pain afterwards. Following the shots, I did notice that when I walk barefoot on a hard floor, my left foot is more painful then before. Did anyone else have this problem?
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RunTimRun
Member |
posted Sep-17-2007 10:41 AM
Back to the Dr today, but not much has really changed. The pain has been slowly but steadily decreasing, but seems to have plateaued the last week or so. He said to give it another month.He reaffirmed his conviction that the underlying problem is a hypermobile 1st met. He also is quite confident that a Lapidus procedure, which involves fusing the joint that is about mid-foot, not sure what that is called, will correct the problem and enable me to run marathons again. I'm just really concerned about the idea of joint fusion, because there's no going back from that. He understands and has suggested that I get a 2nd opinion after this month, just to give me peace of mind about the surgery option.
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Elizabeth78
Member |
posted Sep-17-2007 04:42 PM
I had my 4th set of injections today. With Superfeet insoles, the pain doesn't bother me when running, although I have this odd sensation of the tongue of my shoe digging into my ankle. That's not what's happening, but that is what the pain feels like.Anyway, I ran a half-marathon yesterday and my foot was fine for the most part. About 2 miles worth of ankle pain, but I managed. Got a PR even! I consider myself to be an alcohol injection success story, like Happyfeet! Shelly, I am sorry to hear that the injections aren't working so well for you. Maybe having bunion surgery will help.
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ShelleyM
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-18-2007 05:18 AM
I'm glad the injections are working for some of you. My foot is very swollen. I've been using moist heat and ibuprofen. I'm not sure whether to call the doc or wait it out to see if the swelling and hurt goes down before the next appt. He was sure this last time would do the trick for me. Do any of you think I should maybe wrap my foot (thinking maybe compression would help the swelling?)------------------
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foxyw
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-18-2007 06:02 AM
My doc recommended icing my foot following the injections. I found that icing and elevating my foot helped me a lot. Following surgery, I even slept with my foot elevated on one or two pillows. I like the reusable ice packs that come in their own sleeve with a strap and velcro fasteners. They can easily be strapped around your foot. Be careful because the reusable packs can get really cold. Wearing a sock while using the pack is a good idea if the sleeve is not protection enough. A bag of crushed ice works well too and can creatively be attached to your foot by wrapping it in a dish towel and fastening with a clothespin or two. I also hear that a bag of frozen vegetables like peas works well and is reusable. Good luck with your foot! I hope that you get some relief from the pain soon! ------------------
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bboywannabe
Member |
posted Sep-19-2007 04:52 AM
http://heelspurs.com/bbs/bbv.cgi?n=234198For anyone that's taking cortisone shots Explains the different types of cortisone and its effects
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chicahuss
Member |
posted Sep-20-2007 11:14 PM
Hello,I have been suffering from a MN in my right foot for the last 6 months. I got two cortisone shots which did nothing. It was always bad enough that I couldn't run or bike, but I did a lot of running in the pool. About two months ago, it got so bad that I can't even swim (the old fashioned way) without it acting up. I am in the process of getting the sclerosing shots. I have received 2 and go in for my 3rd on Monday. So far I haven't felt any sort of change. In the meantime I have developed a MN in my left foot (this started gradually about three weeks ago, but has since escalated). If the alcohol shots work on my right foot, it will be a no brainer to do them on my left. However, if they don't work, I am ready for the surgery, and have a tentative surgery scheduled for November or December. I can already feel the damage these neuromas are doing to the rest of my body, as I feel like I'm developing a bad case of tendonitis in my right leg, and I just don't want to hurt myself any more. But I have some questions specifically about the surgery. I have two small children (17 month old twins), and I'm a teacher, so my lifestyle requires a great deal of time on my feet. I am hoping Mother of Four is out there somewhere or someone else with small children who has had this surgery. After I get this surgery, how long will it be before I can take care of my kids for the day without help? I would like to run again someday, but right now my primary concern is being able to walk my toddlers to the park and pick them up to walk across the room without pain. I need someone to give me a very realistic picture of what to expect in terms of my parenting after this surgery. Also, would you recommend trying to do the surgery on both feet at the same time (assuming my doc even lets me do both at once), or would you do one at a time? Finally, I wanted to recommend Chaco sandals as a good pair of shoes to wear for MN if you have high arches like I do. When I first had my neuroma, I could comfortably wear my Chacos the entire day, even go on walks and shorter (3-4 mile) hikes without pain. Unfortanately the neuroma must have gotten bigger though because now even the Chacos hurt, although they are by far the most comfy. I would recommend trying them if I were you.
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foxyw
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-21-2007 07:04 AM
I went through cortisone and alcohol shots too and finally had the surgery at the end of May 2007. I experienced quite a bit of swelling and pain in my foot and wound up staying out of work for two weeks - I used crutches that whole time. The first few days I couldn't do much except stay on the sofa with my foot elevated as much as possible. My doc did not recommend having surgery on both feet at the same time (I still have a neuroma in my other foot) but would have done it if requested. Following surgery, I favored that foot so I wound up with some pain in my other foot until I could more evenly distribute my weight on both feet. It's important to keep your foot elevated as much as possible to keep the swelling down. The recovery from surgery is a very individual thing. I have a friend who was back at work three days after surgery and never used crutches.Be sure to get a good surgical bootie. At my post-op visit, I was given a bootie with a rocker sole that made a significant improvement in my ability to get around. I was able to put my orthotic in the bootie too which helped tremendously. I wish you the best with your surgery if you decide to have it. I am happy to share more information if you would like. I don't have children but but based on my experience, I would recommend that you have help with the kids for at least the first week following surgery. I wouldn't do both feet at once. ------------------
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GranolaGal
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-22-2007 06:38 PM
Hello.I've had Morton's Neuroma in my left foot (2nd and 3rd toes) for years and didn't know what it was and apparently, the dr.s didn't either. I think they would check me for diabetes when I'd tell them about it. Mine would bother me the most when I'd take my first steps every morning when getting out of bed. They'd also hurt worse when I exercised or wore high heels. I would always complain to people standing beside me at weddings, funerals, etc. about my foot hurting. I know it sounds terrible to do that, but it would really hurt! So, I hurt my right foot recently (torn tendon in arch area - I go back next week for more accurate diagnosis post-MRI) and went to the PCP who referred me to a podiatrist who's in the same office. I told him, by the way, the toes on my left foot get numb and sometimes they tingle, itch and/or burn. So, he squeezed something on my foot and felt a significant pop. He told me it's significant in me. He said that he'll give me 7 shots in my foot. He already gave me the first one. He said that it WILL get worse if I don't get it treated - treatment is the alcohol shots. He said that if it gets worse, the only alternative is surgery. He said that if it still isn't being helped after the fifth shot, he'll quit giving them to me. After the first shot, I can tell a significant improvement. I go back for a second shot next week. I believe they're weekly shots - expenses add up, but it will be worth it if this goes away. I'm glad I found this thread. I feel so much better knowing that I'm not alone. I know this seems trivial compared to other things in life, but my feet are SO important to me right now! Take care!
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