Morton's Neuroma: A Question

The Mayo Clinic says

A neuroma is a noncancerous (benign) growth of nerve tissue that can develop in various parts of your body. Morton's neuroma occurs in a nerve in your foot, often between your third and fourth toes. The condition isn't a true tumor, but instead involves a thickening of the tissue around one of the digital nerves leading to your toes. Morton's neuroma causes a sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot. Your toes also may sting, burn or feel numb if you have Morton's neuroma.

Also called plantar neuroma or intermetatarsal neuroma, Morton's neuroma may occur in response to irritation, injury or pressure — such as from wearing tightfitting shoes. But Morton's neuroma may also occur for unknown reasons.

Treatments for Morton's neuroma commonly involve changing footwear, resting your foot, and using arch supports or pads to help take pressure off the area. In some cases, your doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory drugs, a cortisone injection or even surgery if you have Morton's neuroma.

Sounds like something that would be more common as we age.

That description does not do justice to the pain. I have had two kids and nothing can quite compare. Of course, the epidurals during childbirth helped :)

Hi Robin,

I posted a note about having a neuroma in my foot several weeks back. It's now two weeks plus since I had my surgery and believe me this whole drama has been painful. My surgery was October 13th. I tried to go back to work the following week Monday and Tuesday and lasted 1/2 days. Haven't been back since - hoping to try tomorrow. My foot incision is healing nicely and I'm back in a tennis shoe. I get my stitches out tomorrow. What has been bothering me is a deep, painful ache in the left leg. I've been living on pain killers (which, of course, are okay when hanging out at home but not at the office). Today was a pretty good day - didn't have to take pain meds until this afternoon. My podiatrist says it's just from walking funny and this will go away.

Please tell you friends who are thinking of surgery to find a podiatrist who performs cryosurgery, where they freeze the nerve. I found a podiatrist in Tampa who is up on the procedure but I was way to far into the process with my local podiatrist to start all over. If I get another neuroma, I'll definitely try this over regular surgery. I am 54 also and han't had any type of foot issues before this. My hysterectomy a few years back was a cake walk compared to this. This has been a four month drama with two months of pain and pain pills. I'm very active and have a job I love and it's been stressful wondering if I'll ever get back to normal. Today, since I'm having a good day, I'm more positive about things. I have certainly had more "beauty" rest from this experience (LOL) then I've had in years.

The other thing you don't learn until you go through this experience is that the good foot starts to bother you because you aren't walking properly due to favoring a sore spot. Right now I'd see a witch doctor, voodoo priestess, hypnotist, etc. -- anyone who could heal this foot. Okay, I've bored you enough with my ranting -- I'll let you know how things progress and I hope your friends are having better luck. I can tell you I don't care if I ever wear a pair of pretty shoes again --- I'm all about protecting my feet at this point anf feeling no pain.