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Foot neuropathy or just additional Morton's neuroma problems?
75 year old male without any diabetes - I had decompression surgery for two instances of Morton's neuroma in my left foot a few years ago - I choose decompression over a neurectomy because of a quicker recovery and less potential for permanent numbness - it improved things for a while, but now I'm having some reduced numbness in the affected toes again, as well as pain in the rest of my left foot almost immediately anytime I walk barefoot - I've found that Crocs are the only type of shoes that are comfortable for me, and I've tried everything. I don't have any of the systemic conditions that are known to cause foot neuropothy. The several Podiatrists I've been examined by (second and third opinions), have all recommended some form of neurectomy - either a chemical neurectomy (sclerosing injections) or a surgical excision - I'm wondering if there's something else going on in my left foot that they're missing - any suggestions?
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Welcome to this discussion. I had a very painful Morton's neuropathy in one foot several years ago. After discussion of potential surgery with a lower-extremity surgeon, and getting the warning from him that surgery might not "cure" the proglem, I opted to see a local orthotic maker. He made an orthoticc which keeps the arch of the foot high enough to allow the bones in the fore foot to stay apart so the nerves are not pinched. His first try did not provide relief so I went back. He added a bit more height to under the arch, and Violá, no more pain. The addition of height (support) under the arch is not noticeable to me, and it does not affect what kind of shoes I wear, other than I don't wear the othotic in sandals; I get a brand of sandals with a built-in arch support. Hunt for an orthotist with a lot of experience and training. I live in a town where there are Olympic-level athletes who get orthotics to help in any and every way; I can only give him the highest ratings. Find one who is knowledgeable in dealing with Morton's neuropathy. Good luck!
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2 Reactions@joanland
thank you
I also had a very painful Morton's neuropathy years ago; custom orthotics relieved the pain, but after I retired and was no longer wearing dress shoes to work the orthotics didn't fit. I wore shoes like NB for years with no problem but eventually the neuroma flared up again. New DPM simply recommended shoe with good cushioning and a wide toe. Went for a second opinion and that DPM put a strategically placed metarsal pad on the underside of the shoe insole to raise the arch. Solved the problem. Patch probably cost less than $10.