Foot neuropathy or just additional Morton's neuroma problems?

Posted by tnstaafl @tnstaafl, Jan 26 8:39am

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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Profile picture for joanland @joanland

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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@joanland I also have had surgery to remove two Morton’s neuromas in my right foot, almost 30 years ago. In the last two years, the left foot has developed a neuroma and I’m not about to undergo surgery again, so went to my podiatrist for cortisone shots - THE most incredibly painful experience, bar none. Each worked for a couple of weeks only.
I’ve been using gel metatarsal pads to elevate the metatarsals and that helps a bit and they are quite affordable and reuseable) but my walking is limited before the pain starts up. I’m going to start Focused Shockwave Therapy (not Radial because that is more effective for muscle pain and damage) soon and will post some updates here on how it’s working.

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Profile picture for carolynpatten @carolynpatten

@joanland I also have had surgery to remove two Morton’s neuromas in my right foot, almost 30 years ago. In the last two years, the left foot has developed a neuroma and I’m not about to undergo surgery again, so went to my podiatrist for cortisone shots - THE most incredibly painful experience, bar none. Each worked for a couple of weeks only.
I’ve been using gel metatarsal pads to elevate the metatarsals and that helps a bit and they are quite affordable and reuseable) but my walking is limited before the pain starts up. I’m going to start Focused Shockwave Therapy (not Radial because that is more effective for muscle pain and damage) soon and will post some updates here on how it’s working.

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@carolynpatten
Do look into custom orthotics for Morton's neuroma if the over the counter metatarsal pads aren't sufficient. If over the counter metatarsal pads help for a while, then the permanent uplift that can be built into an orthotic may be your answer. Of course, I can't guarantee it, but be certain to explain your symptoms to the orthotist and get her/his opinion on treating a Morton's neuroma and find out the ortotist's experience before committing. I wish you well.

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Profile picture for joanland @joanland

@carolynpatten
Do look into custom orthotics for Morton's neuroma if the over the counter metatarsal pads aren't sufficient. If over the counter metatarsal pads help for a while, then the permanent uplift that can be built into an orthotic may be your answer. Of course, I can't guarantee it, but be certain to explain your symptoms to the orthotist and get her/his opinion on treating a Morton's neuroma and find out the ortotist's experience before committing. I wish you well.

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@joanland Thanks! I’m going to see if the shockwave helps with the neuroma.

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Profile picture for carolynpatten @carolynpatten

@joanland Thanks! I’m going to see if the shockwave helps with the neuroma.

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@carolynpatten
Who delivers the shockwave therapy? Is this something you do at home or a PT does it? Do let us know how it works out. Best of luck to you!

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Profile picture for joanland @joanland

@carolynpatten
Who delivers the shockwave therapy? Is this something you do at home or a PT does it? Do let us know how it works out. Best of luck to you!

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@joanland There are home machines for this, but I don’t have the bandwidth to start investigating them! A lot of chiropractor offices and some podiatrists offer it, but you need to make sure it’s the focused type, rather than radial. I’ll post here when I’ve had a few sessions and can tell if they have made a difference to me.

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