Morton's Neuroma-Foot PAINNNN

[krispysky]

Not sure where to post this...

I have Morton's Neuroma in both feet (Morton's neuroma - MayoClinic.com). It Hurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrts. I tried the cortisone shot a few months ago--it lasted a few weeks and then the pain was back. Needless to say, getting a shot in a nerve is NOT pleasant. I'm considering trying another shot--this time in both feet--but I'm afraid to--it HURTS.

Does anybody else have this and have a good orthotic insert they could recommend? I've tried all kinds but nothing works very well at all. Surgery is out of the question (I've read tons of reviews and it rarely helps--only makes things worse).

As you can guess, excercise is very painful. I reluctantly went on a small hike with the family yesterday--it was painful the whole time and I'm dearly paying for it today!

Help!

[Mickkey]

Sounds painful! So sorry you have to endure that. My dh had some problems with his feet (heel bone spurs) and his doctor made him buy New Balance 992 sneakers. They are expensive, but they've helped his pain considerably. His dr. also made him fitted inserts, also expensive, but well worth it.

Has your dr. suggested anything else besides the shots?

[JulieB]

I don't have that exactly, but I have problems with my feet. I wear custom (prescription) orthotics - they make a cast of your foot then make orthotic inserts just for you. Mine cost about $150/pair.

I have to avoid high-impact exercise, but walking is tolerable. Cycling is really the best for me, swimming too - very low impact. Jumping/running is right out of the question. I also had to give up my high heels...flat gramma shoes for me! I'm only 5'2"...so I miss my heels, but I don't miss the pain.

I have found that my feet have been a bit better lately. I'm not sure if that's because I'm carrying 60lbs less than I used to, or if its because of the exercise...but I'll take it!

[krispysky]

I'm only 5ft tall myself! But with this pain I avoid heals like the plague--not that I ever cared about them much before. It's amazing how hard it is to find cute wide flat shoes. *sigh*

I'm certainly anxious to shed some more pounds and see how much more it helps.

We did a lot of swimming this summer--it hurt to walk all the way to the pool and back each time! I'm hoping to get back on my gazelle soon. I've learned that pushing through the pain with this will just make it worse, so I haven't done much at all this summer.

[Evansmom49]

Hi there,

My dh has been suffering from a morton's neuroma for over a year now. He went through all the shots with no improvement. Luckily his podiatrist was not surgery-happy. He's had some minor improvement after losing 30 pounds but most recently his greatest relief has been from our chiropractor/acupuncturist. After an acupuncture session, he gets an aggressive manipulation (think foot massage on steroids!). The doctor isn't sure whether he can get rid of it completely but my dh has been walking more in the past 2 months than in the past year.

There is also one other path before resorting to surgery. He had consulted with a very cutting edge orthopaedist who was beginning to try a procedure called plasma-rich platelet therapy. This is usually used on professional athletes with torn ligaments and the like. They basically take your own blood, spin it down in a centrifuge and shoot it back into the affected area. The theory is that it kind of works like rebooting a computer. The ortho has started this treatment on 2 patients so we're waiting to hear of any positive results. This will be the next step -- we also don't believe that the surgery is the way to go.

Sorry for going on so long. My heart goes out to you - I've seen the pain my dh has been in and wouldn't wish it on anybody. Good luck and let me know if there's any questions you have.

Suzanne

[JulieB]

Originally Posted by krispysky

It's amazing how hard it is to find cute wide flat shoes. *sigh*

Oh yeah - this sucks. At my new job, I can get away with wearing runners, which is nice, but I'd like to dress up every now & then! I've found sandals that will take my orthotic, but the best I can do for winter is huge boxy dress shoes.