Morton's Neuroma : A Pain in the Foot
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Ah, a Morton's Neuroma indeed : speaking from painful personal experience, as someone who finally has a 'foot to stand on!'
It took me nearly two years, from when I was first diagnosed with the Morton's Neuroma, to finally opt for surgery. During the time that I endured the Morton's Neuroma, I found myself less and less able to comfortably wear the many shoes that I have in my closet. I was able to comfortably wear only Crocs Prima ballerina flats.
Today, after Morton's Neuroma surgery, I can wear most of the shoes in my closet. Let me tell you about my journey with and without that Morton's Neuroma and hopefully you too can experience a relief from foot pain.
By the way, isn't life sometimes quite ironic? You see, I got that Morton's Neuroma behind me and my feet were feeling pretty good! Next thing you know, those hydraulic trunk struts failed and my trunk slammed on my right hand and forearm. Oh my! Oh my, that was by far the MOST painful experience I have ever had when talking about body parts. And, now? Oh, my favorite doctor just diagnosed my hip pain as trochanteric bursitis. Can you believe that? Oh wow ... and I thought a Morton's Neuroma was a pain! Now I literally have a pain in my a**! Oh my!
PS Originally, I found the picture of my foot post-surgery on the first page of Google image searches -- thank you Google for the love! I just love Google ... but since MY foot began showing up on Google, I've found that a number of websites are now sporting MY FOOT to promote their own Morton's Neuroma ... that's not right and I do hope Google can sort that out! ===> Oh me, Oh my Google <=== LOVE YA! ===> Ah, a Morton's Neuroma indeed ** speaking from painful personal experience, as someone who FINALLY has a 'foot to stand on!' Except!!! I have now had additional surgery on that same foot, but on the other side, by my GREAT toe! And, additional surgery on my left foot -- both hallux valgus corrections. I recently underwent a procedure, in my foot doctor's office, to remove the screw from my left foot. However! He couldn't get it out -- now I am screwed!
On July 29, 2010 this lens earned the Squidoo Purple Star Award for quality content.
Morton's Neuroma : A Pain in the Foot was originally created on December 3, 2007.
Contents at a Glance
Ever had foot pain or a Morton's Neuroma?
Have you had surgery?
Cluster of Bare Feet with Painted Toenails Photographic Print
Hatcher, Bill
Buy at AllPosters.com
Foot-note Up Front!
Foot surgery was scheduled for April 1, 2011 on my right foot. Oh dear! Another foot surgery was scheduled for July 22, 2011 on my left foot. The Morton's Neuroma is fine; it's something else!
So I knew I needed help with my Morton's Neuroma
I'd waited a really long time for help!
I knew I needed a permanent fix! I did my online research and read a lot of information that seemed to contradict the FIRST podiatrist's description of the surgery!!
You see, I had thought that surgery was from the bottom of the foot--I felt that sounded like it would take too long to heal--so, I waited the two years. Thanks to the internet, you can find lots of pertinent information, including graphic pictures to give you an idea of what it is and what methods of treatment you can consider.
I had surgery on December 17, 2007 and am documenting my experience in this lenses so that other sufferers of a "Morton's Neuroma" will have a first-hand resource to help them. I hope my experience may be beneficial to enlighten others! I love to hear from you if you want to discuss your personal experience!
My personal experience with Morton's Neuroma
Oh no, I thought -- not foot surgery!
In January 2006, I was diagnosed with a Morton's Neuroma in my initial consultant with a podiatrist.The doctor took my history along with a couple of x-rays of my foot. He performed a manipulation of the second and third toes on my right foot. There was actually the classic "clicking" sensation with my second toe, which initially made me think I had a broken toe.
After the manipulation, the doctor was able to stimulate the "Morton's Neuroma" in that I began experiencing the foot pain that first brought me to him.
It was at this first visit that surgical intervention was discussed. I opted to wait until I was prepared to proceed.
Photo Credit: Foot Doc.
The facts on Morton's Neuroma
- It's not really a neuroma. Adding the Greek suffix "-oma" to a word literally means "tumour". That's why we attach it to words referring to cancerous conditions like lymphomas and benign tumours like fibromas.
- A neuroma is not really a tumour at all. It's actually a growth of scar tissue around a nerve, due to chronic irritation. Instead of our using the word "neuroma", the more proper name for the condition would be "perineural fibrosis", which literally translates to "scar tissue around the nerve".
- The condition is misnamed is that the Morton's neuroma wasn't really first described by Morton. The first to accurately describe the condition was a chiropodist to the Queen of England, Louis Durlacher. In 1845 he accurately discerned that the condition was a nerve problem.
- Thirty-one years later, in 1876, Thomas G. Morton, a physician in Philadelphia, described a type of discomfort in the region as being an inflammation of the fourth toe joint (the fourth metatarsophalangeal joint).
- Today we'd describe this condition joint problem as "capsulitis". (You can read more about capsulitis in the section below entitled "What Other Conditions Mimic a Neuroma?".)
- What we know today as a Morton's Neuroma should probably be called Durlacher's Perineural Fibrosis. It goes to show you that getting it right and getting it first is sometimes worse than getting it wrong and getting it decades late.
Symptoms of Morton's Neuroma
The Mayo Clinic provides an excellent overview on a Morton's Neuroma. Morton's neuroma is a thickening of the tissue that surrounds the nerves leading to your toes. Morton's neuroma is noncancerous and often occurs between the third and fourth toes.
- A burning pain in the ball of your foot that may radiate into your toes.
- Tingling or numbness in your toes.
- There's a feeling of "clicking" between the bones of your foot.
- The pain worsens when wearing narrow or tight shoes or with activity.
- Symptoms last for longer than a few days.
Consider Orthotics for Your Shoes
Often, the first step to foot pain is orthotics!
My second visit to a podiatrist
Oh no! A cortisone injection ???
Fast forward to early December 2007, nearly two years after my fist visit to a podiatrist. As the podiatrist that I had first seen had "moved on" to a new location, I saw the podiatrist that once shared office space with the previous doctor. Luckily, he had my records and x-rays.It was at this visit that I was prepared, before seeing the doctor, to even HAVE surgery the same day if possible! Yes, that's how serious I was about seeking relief.
Again, it was a reiteration of the previous visit and an update of my foot pain along with anything new. That day, I was offered the choice of a cortisone injection to immediately "numb" the pain. I opted out of that form of treatment as I did not want a temporary solution. I was given a referral to a foot specialist who performs the type of surgery I require.
I scheduled an appointment for a couple days later.
My third visit to a podiatrist
What??? A ligament tear and subluxation?
It's a few days later and I've gotten in to see a "foot specialist" who has done thousands of cases of Morton's Neuroma.After a couple more x-rays and the sharing of my history and symptoms, I get the news that my symptoms are not 100% classic, but rather atypical of a Morton's Neuroma. It's thought I have a ligament tear and subluxation of the toe joint!
An MRI is ordered for later that week.
An MRI of the foot!
Lie still and do not move for 30 minutes!
I've been scheduled very quickly for the MRI.Your foot is positioned in a brace while you lay on your stomach throughout the procedure. I found this most uncomfortable as anyone who has had an MRI will tell you, the bed of the MRI is HARD! Well, after 30 minutes, I was happy to get up from that bed.
Suffering with a Morton's Neuroma? You Need GOOD Shoes!
My podiatrist recommended a pair of Orthaheel Sandals > I've got them!
My fourth visit to a podiatrist
Surgery is recommended!
The MRI results were interpreted ... although my symptoms were not classic Morton's Neuroma, palpitation of the foot pad, along with manipulation of my toes consistently produced the popping/clicking sound along with pain.I was given two options of treatment -- a conservative approach which involved a series of alcohol-base injections into the foot. Results were reported to be successful 50% of the time. The other option was surgery. "I'll take the surgery ... can we do it Friday?"
Well, the doctor was willing to have it done Friday, but the outpatient facility was booked solid. So, surgery was scheduled for Monday at 6:30am.
Surgery to excise my Morton's Neuroma
Bright and early 5:20 am!
We reported to the Outpatient Facility bright and early. Many trees were killed for my paperwork! Next, we were greeted by a very friendly welcoming nurse who did the weigh-in. I was given a nice plaid hospital gown to change into and then had my vitals taken along with the insertion of the scary IV [I HATE that part!].I met the anesthesiologist who explained what he'd be doing. I didn't know that I'd have BOTH a local in the foot and twilight. After waiting a short bit, I said goodbye to hubby and was wheeled across the room to another docking area where I was hooked up to a blood pressure monitor. I met a few more nurses and was given two injections into my IV that put me out while my foot was injected with the local. I was told that the alkaline substance for the local burns and feels like a bee stinging -- since it can be so painful, that's why you're "knocked out."
I'm pretty sure that I came to briefly after the local as I thought someone told me that they had just given me the shots in my foot.
I lost track of time as the next thing I remembered was being shown a jar with my Morton's Neuroma and being told HOW REALLY BIG it was! "So it was a Morton's Neuroma!" I think I said. I remember it being creamy yellow in color and about the size of a chickpea or garbanzo bean!
I was released by 8:30am with instructions for rest, ice packs, keeping the foot elevated, and ibuprofen for pain. A follow-up visit with my doctor was scheduled for 3 days out.
Day after Morton's Neuroma surgery
JaguarJulie is walking a wee bit better!
The day of surgery I rested on the sofa with my foot up and iced my foot throughout the day. I believe the local hadn't worn off yet, so it felt OK. You don't realize how much you need to "walk" or use your foot until you've had foot surgery! By the end of the day, I was feeling discomfort on the underside of my foot.
The next day, my discomfort seemed to be more on the top of the foot -- perhaps the injection areas or the incision?
The second day after surgery I was actually able to put on my hubby's shoe and drive about 15 minutes to an appointment without too much discomfort.
Off your feet !!!
Ouch ... ouch ... ouch !
Trying to walk the first week after surgery is pretty painful on the ball of your foot!
Morton's Neuroma Surgery: looks painful; only 3 stitches. --JaguarJulie's Foot
Morton's Neuroma Six days Post-Op
Taking a peek at my bruised & swollen foot --JaguarJulie
It's now 6 days since surgery -- with the assistance of my hubby -- I've got a picture of my foot from the top and sole. As you can see, the bruising isn't too bad and the swelling is now fairly limited to the ball of my foot.
Since the podiatrist changed my dressing, I've kept my foot elevated as much as possible and used ice off and on throughout the day. I was instructed by the podiatrist when he changed my dressing that I should be applying ice to the ball of the foot. So the fifth day was the longest day that my foot was "on ice."
You can see the 3 stitches which we actually removed in the BVI on a catamaran on the 13th day! Normally, stitches are removed 12-14 days after surgery.
OMG! Swollen Morton's Neuroma foot! --JaguarJulie
Don't do what I did ...
Do not plan on traveling within 10 days of surgery!
After over 4 hours on 2 planes along with a week on a 44' catamaran, I had the most SWOLLEN feet.
Morton's Neuroma six weeks post op -- looking good! --JaguarJulie
Doctor's appointment: February 28, 2008
Release from surgery + MRI results OTHER foot!
Well, I am officially released some 8 weeks after surgery for the excision of the Morton's Neuroma on my right foot. However, I had an MRI of my left foot to rule-out another Morton's Neuroma.
Results are in:
1. Intermetatarsal bursitis. No Morton's neuroma seen.
2. There are small metatarsophalangeal joint effusions diffusely.
3. First metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis.
Interesting enough, the MRI of my right foot didn't show a Morton's Neuroma ... either!
I'm wearing the Royce Medical Equalizer Premium Air Walker
For the next 4 weeks on my left foot!
The Royce Medical Equalizer Premium Air Walker has been shown to be effective when used with severe ankle sprains, stable lower extremity fractures, soft tissue injuries, and as part of a rehabilitation program. The air walker's patented pneumatic system allows you to find the ideal level of compression and a custom fit, and allows it to comfortably accommodate the changing levels of swelling that occur during the healing and rehabilitation process.
The user-adjustable aircells can be easily inflated or deflated using the blue air bladder at the top of the brace. The Equalizer Premium Air Walker's unique lightweight design, padding, and aircells help to give you a natural, comfortable gait while healing from your injury. The air walker is universally designed to fit your left or right foot.
Morton's Neuroma 6 Months Post-Op :: Looking and Feeling Good --JaguarJulie
Do you have a Morton's Neuroma?
The news on Morton's Neuroma
Hey People! Google Mortons Neuroma and then look in images for my foot!!
- Evan Longoria had minor foot surgery in November
- From beat writer Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times comes word that Rays third baseman Evan Longoria underwent a minor surgical procedure in early November to help relieve ?the occasionally painful Morton's neuroma condition in his left foot.
- 'Walk this Way' not cause of Tyler's Morton's neuroma
- AP file photo Rock star and ?American Idol? judge Steven Tyler recently revealed he had undergone surgery in 2008 to treat Morton's neuroma. The condition is an injury to the nerve between the toes, most commonly between the third and fourth toes.
- JMU alum, DC United midfielder Kurt Morsink undergoes nerve surgery
- DC United announced on Wednesday that midfielder Kurt Morsink has undergone successful surgery to repair Morton's Neuroma - an injury to the nerve between the toes, which causes thickening and pain. Morsink's neurectomy was performed by Dr. Lew Schon ...
- Manager Joe Maddon working out Tampa Bay Rays' lineup
- RAYS RUMBLINGS: As first "reported" by LHP David Price in a TV interview, Longoria had minor surgery early in November to remove the occasionally painful Morton's neuroma condition in his left foot. ? Joyce changed agents during the offseason, ...
What does surgery cost?
Oh, all the bills haven't arrived yet, but I had previously seen that my insurance company did not initially accept the $130.00 laboratory charge for the pathology of the excised Morton's Neuroma. But, the lab has responded that they will probably write off the charge if my insurance company doesn't pay it!
Mortons Neuroma Foot Surgery Post Op 1-1/2 years --JaguarJulie
Women's Sandals for Foot Relief
Is it possible to find a STYLISH sandal?
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Have you had treatment for Morton's Neuroma?
Terminology of Morton's Neuroma
- Morton's neuroma
- Morton's metatarsalgia
- Morton's neuralgia
- Plantar neuroma
- Intermetatarsal neuroma
- Neuroma
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Durlacher's perineural fibrosis
Books on Peripheral Neuropathy
A Pain in the Foot
Morton's Neuroma : December 2007
Hallux Valgus Correction : April 2011
Jaguar Julie's Right Foot : Morton's Neuroma and Hallux Valgus Correction
You Can Catch JaguarJulie in These OrthaHeels!
Seriously > Animal print OrthaHeels are pretty sharp shoes!
Drop me a line -- Morton's Neuroma or something else?
Foot pain can be quite debilitating!
Have you ever experienced foot pain? Ever had foot surgery? Can you wear high heels without experiencing foot pain? Drop me a line ... as I'd love to hear from you!
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mrkensworld
Feb 8, 2012 @ 10:26 am | delete
- Hi Julie, Another great lens! You have a real talent. I wonder if reducing the inflammation would help, it would be a thought.. You can learn more about this on my lens about Nopal Cactus Juice
Thanks for ALL the great lenses and lets catch up soon...
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greenlungsofpoland
Feb 8, 2012 @ 1:53 am | delete
- Great insight lens feet are so complex - glad you shared your experience with us and are feeling better
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Howard Gold
Feb 7, 2012 @ 8:30 am | delete
- I have 3 huge callouses across the ball of my foot. They have become extremely painful. My podiatrist shave the callouses every 6 weeks but I get no relief. Is it possible I have a corn under the callouses. I am 79 years old and still running 15 miles a week.
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Richard3331
Jan 28, 2012 @ 1:16 pm | delete
- glad you're better
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Daura
Jan 21, 2012 @ 9:20 am | delete
- This is such a helpful site that I stumbled upon as I have been researching surgery for my neuroma. The doctor says on a scale of 1-10 mine is a 10. As an active person and a runner the thought of surgery and then recovery is scary. I have switched to all flat, wider, comfortable shoes like Merrill and keen which has helped a bit but the neuroma is still there. The doctor suggested cortisone shots just to see if it would make a difference but I haven't done that yet. I haven't gone for an MRI. My doctor seems convinced by feeling my foot that it is a neuroma. How long did it take for you to feel 100%?
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Some shoes that love my feet ...
Another lens you might find interesting
It's about the Achilles Tendon
About the Author, JaguarJulie
Yes, Google loves the picture of my feet with that Morton's neuroma - Now my foot is appearing worldwide on other people's pages!
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License.
Plagiarism is the unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one's own original work ... it is just NOT cool so don't do it!
Morton's Neuroma : A Pain in the Foot was originally created on December 3, 2007.
Highest lensrank ever achieved: #255 overall. Lens #177 in the quest for Giant Squid 200 Club.
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