Morton's Neuroma

by **Lawace** on Thu Jul 16, 2009 9:18 pm

This is my first time on, so excuse me if my questions have already been asked/answered. I am 45 and until I developed MN in my left foot Oct '08, I used to be an avid runner. In Nov. 08 I was diagnosed with MN. The doctor gave me an injection of steroid hydrocortisone and it relieved the pain until it came back with full force a couple of weeks ago, and it isn't getting any better on its own.

Is there any bona fide relief to MN besides surgery or another shot? I've read what to me are quite a few horror story-type posts from people who have had the surgery. I've also heard that too many shots can permanently damage the foot. Any exercises or stretches I can do to relieve the excrutiating pain? Any successful surgery posts? Any advice would be welcome as I am in panic-mode right now and have gained 30 pounds from not running.

Thanks

by **nettieC** on Thu Jul 16, 2009 11:32 pm

I think forums such as this will always have lots of posts from those who have had or are having a problem and it is comforting to know that others are experiencing some of the same things in their recovery. My surgery went fine and I would have my other foot done if the need arose without a moments hesitation. The recovery is slow and can be uncomfortable but absolutely nothing like the pain MN causes untreated. My only regret is that I put up with the pain for so long before having the surgery. It is amazing to be pain free and be able to wear shoes without limping. However I do suffer from post-operative cramps which can be quite severe but thanks to this forum I received a reply with a remedy.
Wishing you the best of luck -

by **BrianPK** on Fri Jul 17, 2009 5:37 pm

Look into every option that you can before you submit to surgery. Especially look at cryosurgery. Once they cut you there is no going back. I have been battling Morton's in both feet since November of last year. Using a combination of Orthotics, Massage, Chiropractic, NSAIDS & Serrapeptase, Plus one Cryosurgery I feel that I am improving and feel that within 6 months I will be able to resume my life as it was. In january I had a cortizone shot & it was the worst thing I ever did. Research your condition fully and make an informed decision. There are a lot of people that get the surgery & do great, but there are also a lot of people that are totally disabled as the result of a failed Morton's surgery. Why did you develop this condition in the first place ? Were your shoes too tight or are your foot mechanics & gait faulty ? As far as orthotics go there are two theories of thought one is the older "ROOT" theory of foot mechanics. The second can be found on a website called solesupports. I have spent several thousand on orthotics and have found that orthotics that were made by a pedorthist that follows the solesupports theory actually do something. The "Root" theory orthotics just hurt my feet. Whatever you do take your time and examine all your options and remember, once thay take that nerve out of your foot, they can't put it back. Good luck, hope you find healing in whatever path you choose.

by **Lawace** on Mon Jul 20, 2009 8:51 pm

Thank you for your reply. The MN surfaced one day when I walked about 1 mile in brand new shoes that were too tight for me in the toebox. In retrospect, I should have worn them in little by little, but I didn't. I had a cortisone shot in Nov. '88. I waited 4 mos before beginning running again. I started slow but worked my way up to 5 mi./day and then it hit me again. My running shoes also felt tight in the toebox even though I ordered DD width, which I never needed before. Now, the toe next to my "big" toe is bent somewhat towards the big toe and is somehow separate from the other toes. I heard that too many cortisone shots are destructive to the muscles and can damage the heart, so I am hesitant to have another one. I have 2 active little boys and cannot remain inactive for a long period of time. Running taught me to deal with pain over time......would the MN actually get worse though over time? The pain is terrible, as if I stepped on a nail.

Thanks

by **Lawace** on Mon Jul 20, 2009 8:53 pm

Thank you for your reply. How long was recovery? How long were you off your foot?

by **nettieC** on Mon Jul 20, 2009 9:52 pm

Hi lawace, I am not the most patient person so feel my recovery was slow. My doctor told me to allow myself 6 months for a full recovery. I had to keep off my foot completely and keep it elevated for the first week, then gradually started walking, each day I was improving. I wore a special boot for 3 months then gradually could wear shoes for short periods of time due to swelling. It is now 9 months since my surgery and am doing great with the exception of post-op cramps.
Good luck -

by **KFERRIS** on Thu Jul 23, 2009 3:06 pm

This is my first time to get on this forum and am finding it very interesting. I was diagnosed with Morton's Neuroma about 6 weeks ago. I have had to cortizone shots and they relieved the pain for a short time. My concern is that my second and third toes seem to be seperating because of this condition. My second toe is almost rubbing against my big toe and seems to be getting worse. Has anyone else experienced this and if so, what can I do about it?

Thank you so much for your input.

by **Lawace** on Thu Jul 23, 2009 8:54 pm

My 2nd & 3rd toes separated too and my 2nd toe is now pushed up against my big toe. I was going to stuff cotton balls between the 2nd toe and big toe, but haven't done it yet. I can't imagine what would cause the separation and I hope I can make it go back to where it was. I am now convinced I will never run again and am trying to figure out a way to walk w/out pain again. I am going to a podiatric surgeon in 2 weeks. I bought wider shoes last night but it is not really helping. I was even thinking about affixing a rubber band to my toes to pull the wayward 2nd toe back where it belongs.

by **KFERRIS** on Fri Jul 24, 2009 9:42 am

I have taped my second toe to my other toes, but it doesn't seem to be working. I asked my doctor, if I choose to have surgery, if my toe would straighten back up and he said probably not. He also told me that it wouldn't get any worse, but it seems to be.

Thank you for your response.

by **bdsmith** on Tue Aug 25, 2009 3:15 am

it will get worse. yes, surgery is radical; and once you remove that nerve there is no putting it back. But once the irritation of the nerve has started and the neuroma has begun, the neuroma now becomes its own irritiation. Be as proactive as you can, treat the inflamation with all guns blasting. But when it is time, do not be afraid of surgery. it is a valid option when done by a good surgeon.