I finally seemed to have solved my Morton's neuroma problem, at least for now. I did two major things: first, I got it injected again with the cortosteroid by a very good soft tissue orthopedic doctor (not the podiatrist who'd injected it the first two times). He had also ultrasounded my foot and diagnosed the sesmoiditis. Second, he referred me to a pedorthist, who made me throw out half my shoes and made orthotic inserts for the rest of them. Basically, they both said that I can't wear high spike heels, flipflops, or anything else that is unsupportive. He put me in a stiffer running shoe and also suggested a brand of shoes/boots called "El Naturalista". The doctor also said I should do foot exercises, and wear supportive shoes even when I am walking around the house. Anyway, this was back in November and my foot has been fine since then. I can even feel the toe that had been numb for the past three years.
-
Women skiers, this is the place for you -- an online community without the male-orientation you'll find in conventional ski magazines and internet ski forums. At TheSkiDiva.com, you can connect with other women to talk about skiing in a way that you can relate to, about things that you find of interest. Be sure to join our community to participate (women only, please!). Registration is fast and simple. Just be sure to add [email protected] to your address book so your registration activation emails won't be routed as spam. And please give careful consideration to your user name -- it will not be changed once your registration is confirmed.
Morton's neuroma
- Thread starter leenski
- Start date
Empress_ski
Diva in Training
So....an update on my situation.
The surgery yesterday went well. He trimmed back the ligament and irritated areas of the tendon sheaths and removed a nickel-sized hunk of tissue and nerve.
Hi Volklgirl - I am interested in hearing how you are doing now that it's been almost a year since your surgery. How is skiing? Has it affected your ability to feel your turns? Thanks!
Empress_ski
Diva in Training
Thanks Monique! I have read a few horror stories on-line and appreciate knowing that it can turn out well!
bounceswoosh
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
I think the particular surgeon may have a lot to do with how it turns out. Also, there are two different major ways to do the surgery - cut into the bottom of the foot vs. cut into the top - both of which have their pros and cons. I think the overall success rate is something like 80% for this surgery, but my surgeon said she'd never had someone come back with a major problem due to the surgery. She's done a *lot* of these procedures. Of course, that doesn't mean something bad couldn't happen ... but the odds seemed good. So if you do get this done ... maybe shop around for a doctor who has done a lot of these and has had almost universally good results.
volklgirl
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
9 months post-op and I couldn't be happier!! 
I still had some issue with my bike shoes over the summer, but I'm not going to stress about that until I see how it goes this spring. It may require new shoes, but that won't be a big deal.
I ordered new ski boots.....still Langes, same BSL, but built on a men's last so wider in general. Since then, I've had ZERO problems with numbness or tingling while skiing.
I'm even feeling up to short runs now and can walk barefoot with no pain for the first time in years.
Admittedly, that odd "dead" feeling between the two toes gets irksome on occasion, but it's a very, very, very small price to pay for being almost entirely pain and tingling free. 
I still had some issue with my bike shoes over the summer, but I'm not going to stress about that until I see how it goes this spring. It may require new shoes, but that won't be a big deal.
I ordered new ski boots.....still Langes, same BSL, but built on a men's last so wider in general. Since then, I've had ZERO problems with numbness or tingling while skiing.
I'm even feeling up to short runs now and can walk barefoot with no pain for the first time in years.
Admittedly, that odd "dead" feeling between the two toes gets irksome on occasion, but it's a very, very, very small price to pay for being almost entirely pain and tingling free. Empress_ski
Diva in Training
Thanks for the update volklgirl. I am seeing an orthopedic on Wednesday for an assessment... wish me luck! Let's hope he doesn't suggest that I stop skiing for the season - I'm on track for getting 70+ days in this season!
volklgirl
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Another update
So, 1 1/2 years post-op....
My last couple of bike rides this year were longer than normal and included a 30+ mile mountain bike race. I'm happy to report that I had zero issues or numbness and I'm now running on the treadmill pain-free in preparation for ski season (for the first time in YEARS).
Given a knowledgeable and experienced surgeon, I'd highly recommend this surgery for anyone with a developing neuroma. I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome.
So, 1 1/2 years post-op....
My last couple of bike rides this year were longer than normal and included a 30+ mile mountain bike race. I'm happy to report that I had zero issues or numbness and I'm now running on the treadmill pain-free in preparation for ski season (for the first time in YEARS).
Given a knowledgeable and experienced surgeon, I'd highly recommend this surgery for anyone with a developing neuroma. I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome.
SkiNana
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
WHERE in MICHIGAN?!?!?!?!!
SkiNana
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
HTML:
So, 1 1/2 years post-op....
Given a knowledgeable and experienced surgeon, I'd highly recommend this surgery for anyone with a developing neuroma. I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome.
I have long term neuromas in both feet: the left bad enough to preclude dancing (Okay, so maybe you shouldn't try to dance in cowboy boots!), hiking or walking any great distance. The problem is that I had these "removed" back in about '78 and I think it was done by a butcher.... with a cleaver. Further complicating the issue is the fact that I have/had RSD and I can't find anyone who wants to risk cutting on my feet for fear of starting all that pain up again. I would LOVE to know who your doctor in is in Cadillac area: we are on Torch Lake in the summer - at least until that house sells.
SkiNana
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
volklgirl
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Sorry about that, it looks like my original link is dead. Here's the new one: Morton's Neuroma
I saw Dr. Krannitz, one of the guys at Advanced Foot and Ankle (Jeynes, Krannitz and Rialson). They have offices in Cadillac, TC, and Manistee. I highly recommend Dr. K as he started with the conservative route but wasn't averse to going whole-hog when we realized it just wasn't working at all. Plus, he's easy on the eyes and a generally nice guy!
I saw Dr. Krannitz, one of the guys at Advanced Foot and Ankle (Jeynes, Krannitz and Rialson). They have offices in Cadillac, TC, and Manistee. I highly recommend Dr. K as he started with the conservative route but wasn't averse to going whole-hog when we realized it just wasn't working at all. Plus, he's easy on the eyes and a generally nice guy!
SkiNana
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
I saw Dr. Krannitz, one of the guys at Advanced Foot and Ankle (Jeynes, Krannitz and Rialson). They have offices in Cadillac, TC, and Manistee. I highly recommend Dr. K as he started with the conservative route but wasn't averse to going whole-hog when we realized it just wasn't working at all. Plus, he's easy on the eyes and a generally nice guy!
Thank you, thank you! After the shoulder surgery next spring, I will go and find the good Dr. Krannitz. Maybe when I point out that I have had two ingrown toenail surgeries, a cervical fusion and a shoulder whatever, he will agree to nip off my (probable) stump neuroma. Wouldn't that we wonderful.
Easy on the eyes is good. I'm going through a neuro thing at present and my neurologist is adorable.
liquidfeet
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Sorry about that, it looks like my original link is dead. Here's the new one: Morton's Neuroma
I saw Dr. Krannitz, one of the guys at Advanced Foot and Ankle (Jeynes, Krannitz and Rialson). They have offices in Cadillac, TC, and Manistee. I highly recommend Dr. K as he started with the conservative route but wasn't averse to going whole-hog when we realized it just wasn't working at all. Plus, he's easy on the eyes and a generally nice guy!
Volklgirl,
I just looked at this website that you've linked. It's a good one. This confirms it -- I have Morton's Neuroma. It's not nearly as bad as what some on this thread are discussing, however.
Best of luck with your therapy.
Soho
Certified Ski Diva
Lurker here. I finally had to sign in though because I too have a MN. I had my left foot treated with alcohol injections 3 years ago and I have "managed" ok till now.
This was my season to finally get a into my own equipment (this is more hubby's sport). So knowing my feet issues we headed a few hours away from home to a boot fitter. After a couple of hours of trying everything on I brought home a pair of Dalbello Krypton Storms. I was so excited to ski in them (hubby went on and on about how a good pair of boots will help me feel stable) and it was incredibly painful! OMG I dont know what I am going to do.
After reading here I am thinking though it is not the boots but my feet and having a pair of boots that fit as a ski boot should (and not sloppy like a rental) is going to be a problem for a while.
My podiatrist warned me against surgery saying the scar tissue could cause the same problem as the neuroma. So what I would like to know is there anyone who had the surgery and came away the same or did not have better results? Since I have only been out 1x, with young kids in tow, in my new boots we are planning an adults only trip to see how things go. After that I already looked up a practice in my area with multiple specialists in case i want to persue surgical treatment. Till them I am just looking for more info on what works and maybe what does not. Thanks much!
This was my season to finally get a into my own equipment (this is more hubby's sport). So knowing my feet issues we headed a few hours away from home to a boot fitter. After a couple of hours of trying everything on I brought home a pair of Dalbello Krypton Storms. I was so excited to ski in them (hubby went on and on about how a good pair of boots will help me feel stable) and it was incredibly painful! OMG I dont know what I am going to do.
After reading here I am thinking though it is not the boots but my feet and having a pair of boots that fit as a ski boot should (and not sloppy like a rental) is going to be a problem for a while.
My podiatrist warned me against surgery saying the scar tissue could cause the same problem as the neuroma. So what I would like to know is there anyone who had the surgery and came away the same or did not have better results? Since I have only been out 1x, with young kids in tow, in my new boots we are planning an adults only trip to see how things go. After that I already looked up a practice in my area with multiple specialists in case i want to persue surgical treatment. Till them I am just looking for more info on what works and maybe what does not. Thanks much!
liquidfeet
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
Describe the pain. Do you have it in both feet? Or just in the foot with the Morton's neuroma? Is it the tingling toes thing?
Also, describe the fit. When you are in the boots and have them lightly buckled, are they touching your foot from tip of toes to heel, snug from left side to right, and gripping your lower leg all the way up the cuff? Do they touch but not compress the top of your foot? Do your ankles on both sides of the foot feel the boots snugly touching them? (The answer should be yes to all these with properly fitted boots.) If you have to clamp down the buckles tightly to get this fit, the shells are too large and they may be cutting off circulation, causing pain. But if the boots fit fine and you still have tingling toes, it may be the neuroma.
Did you buy custom footbeds, or do your boots still have the flat footbed they came with? If you did not get a custom footbed, getting one may help the neuroma and your comfort as you ski all day. Custom footbeds will also improve your control over your skis.
I looked these boots up. Manufacturer says they are intended for "advanced, aggressive skiers" engaged in "difficult skiing in any type of snow." But they have a built-in very adjustable flex, and "aggressive" most likely just refers to the flex. So the quoted words may just be hype, since the flex can be adjusted from 85 to 115. Did your bootfitter adjust the flex to the softest setting, 85? Doing that might help if you've been on rental boots up till now (they have soft flex) and if you're skiing with a young child all day. Some ski instructors I know who don't have Morton's neuroma and who work with small kids all day ski with boots loosely buckled to avoid pain.
Also, describe the fit. When you are in the boots and have them lightly buckled, are they touching your foot from tip of toes to heel, snug from left side to right, and gripping your lower leg all the way up the cuff? Do they touch but not compress the top of your foot? Do your ankles on both sides of the foot feel the boots snugly touching them? (The answer should be yes to all these with properly fitted boots.) If you have to clamp down the buckles tightly to get this fit, the shells are too large and they may be cutting off circulation, causing pain. But if the boots fit fine and you still have tingling toes, it may be the neuroma.
Did you buy custom footbeds, or do your boots still have the flat footbed they came with? If you did not get a custom footbed, getting one may help the neuroma and your comfort as you ski all day. Custom footbeds will also improve your control over your skis.
I looked these boots up. Manufacturer says they are intended for "advanced, aggressive skiers" engaged in "difficult skiing in any type of snow." But they have a built-in very adjustable flex, and "aggressive" most likely just refers to the flex. So the quoted words may just be hype, since the flex can be adjusted from 85 to 115. Did your bootfitter adjust the flex to the softest setting, 85? Doing that might help if you've been on rental boots up till now (they have soft flex) and if you're skiing with a young child all day. Some ski instructors I know who don't have Morton's neuroma and who work with small kids all day ski with boots loosely buckled to avoid pain.
Soho
Certified Ski Diva
The pain can very but I will have stabbing (almost slicing feeling), tingling and of course my toes go numb.
I have neuromas on both feet but at the time of my treatment (08-09) only my left foot was causing me alot of problems. I do not really wear high heals but do have to be careful in the shoes I find. I also have a pair of custom orthotics but honestly they are very hard and make my back hurt when I walk on them all day. :(
I went to a certified boot fitter and he started me with looking at my bare feet and measuring them. He also did a shell fitting first and we talked about my high arches (also a boot problem with I ride horses).
The Storms (and another pair I tried on) do have the ability to stiffen up and yes they are set on the softest setting they can be. They do adjust quite nicely and he was able to set them and I had the best response to them in the store. After deciding it was a go he did a heat fitting and I did get a new foot bed (superfeet I believe). I am leary to go with something custom since I do not exactly know what it is going to be. I sort of invisioned the orthotics and they are so uncomfortable. But he said this was something i could come back and do later with no problem.
I did use the same pair of socks I used for the heat fitting when we went skiing...I tried a thicker pair (at home) and WOW they were tight. As soon as I put on the other socks it felt fine.
We are going out again on Feb 5 without kids to see if "regular" skiing is OK or what the problem is (skiing, walking in boots etc etc). There are so many things to look at it is a bit overwhelming, and honestly a PITA since hubby can just put his gear on and go and I have to make sure just so and still have pain.
I have neuromas on both feet but at the time of my treatment (08-09) only my left foot was causing me alot of problems. I do not really wear high heals but do have to be careful in the shoes I find. I also have a pair of custom orthotics but honestly they are very hard and make my back hurt when I walk on them all day. :(
I went to a certified boot fitter and he started me with looking at my bare feet and measuring them. He also did a shell fitting first and we talked about my high arches (also a boot problem with I ride horses).
The Storms (and another pair I tried on) do have the ability to stiffen up and yes they are set on the softest setting they can be. They do adjust quite nicely and he was able to set them and I had the best response to them in the store. After deciding it was a go he did a heat fitting and I did get a new foot bed (superfeet I believe). I am leary to go with something custom since I do not exactly know what it is going to be. I sort of invisioned the orthotics and they are so uncomfortable. But he said this was something i could come back and do later with no problem.
I did use the same pair of socks I used for the heat fitting when we went skiing...I tried a thicker pair (at home) and WOW they were tight. As soon as I put on the other socks it felt fine.
We are going out again on Feb 5 without kids to see if "regular" skiing is OK or what the problem is (skiing, walking in boots etc etc). There are so many things to look at it is a bit overwhelming, and honestly a PITA since hubby can just put his gear on and go and I have to make sure just so and still have pain.
volklgirl
Ski Diva Extraordinaire
I have had 0 problems with the surgical site and/or scar tissue post surgery.
I did, however, have to change from my super narrow, race fit Lange World Cup 100s to the Lange Banshee which is built on a men's last so much wider all the way around even though they are the same shell size and BSL. The boot change made all the remaining tingling disappear and I've skied happily pain free for the last season and a 1/2. I would have tried having the bunion and toe area blown out on the WCs except I'd already had that done just to make them usable and there wasn't much material there left to shave.
I also have custom foot beds and have retained the metatarsal pad my podiatrist added prior to the surgery so that the surgical area isn't smashed flat against the bottom of the boot.
I did, however, have to change from my super narrow, race fit Lange World Cup 100s to the Lange Banshee which is built on a men's last so much wider all the way around even though they are the same shell size and BSL. The boot change made all the remaining tingling disappear and I've skied happily pain free for the last season and a 1/2. I would have tried having the bunion and toe area blown out on the WCs except I'd already had that done just to make them usable and there wasn't much material there left to shave.
I also have custom foot beds and have retained the metatarsal pad my podiatrist added prior to the surgery so that the surgical area isn't smashed flat against the bottom of the boot.
mustski
Angel Diva
I am reviving this old thread because I think I may be developing a neuroma in my right foot. I am in new 3 buckle skis boots, (about 20 days on them now) and had some difficulty with them this week. The liners have settled in a bit and I wanted to snug up the ankle buckle a bit. The fitter originally set them to the 2nd notch. I tried micro adjusting all the way out and going to the third notch but that was too tight with my midweight socks and I experienced some toe numbing. I had no pain while skiing but, when I took the boot off, the ball of my foot instantly exploded into a burning pain. (I had previously noticed a rolling/clicking sensation in some new street boots and immediately stopped wearing them.) The next day, I switched to a lightweight sock and was able to tighten up the ankle buckle with no numbness. However, I did feel mild pain in the ball of my foot between 3rd and 4th toe.
Does this sound like the way a neuroma starts?
Does this sound like the way a neuroma starts?
MaineSkiLady
Angel Diva
We're quite the pair, mustski. I don't know the early symptoms, either, but I think this is happening to my LEFT foot (between us, we have 2 "good" feet??). Plus, you and I had the close-out ski boot experience, and I'm pretty sure the mis-fit is our feet, NOT the boots. 
I think mine started last summer (well, plus decades of ski boots>didn't help, thank goodness I never wore "fashion shoes," which make a bad thing worse) when I injured the ball of my foot. I got insoles (superfeet) that I already owned decked out with metatarsal pads, to get the pressure off, wore them most of fall, felt an improvement.
Not quite to the point of having the symptoms above, but----something about my left foot has CHANGED, rendering my current boots pretty close to a no-go. I'm not sure what - volume?? Not really in a spot to buy new boots or seek out the one (not particularly well-rated) podiatrist within 40 miles, so......coping <sigh>
I will watch this thread with interest, though.
I think mine started last summer (well, plus decades of ski boots>didn't help, thank goodness I never wore "fashion shoes," which make a bad thing worse) when I injured the ball of my foot. I got insoles (superfeet) that I already owned decked out with metatarsal pads, to get the pressure off, wore them most of fall, felt an improvement.
Not quite to the point of having the symptoms above, but----something about my left foot has CHANGED, rendering my current boots pretty close to a no-go. I'm not sure what - volume?? Not really in a spot to buy new boots or seek out the one (not particularly well-rated) podiatrist within 40 miles, so......coping <sigh>
I will watch this thread with interest, though.
mustski
Angel Diva
If only we could get our two feet together! Part of my problem is we are having spring weather and have to knock off about noon. I haven't had a full ski day yet this season! I guess I will find out how bad the foot is at Divawest!We're quite the pair, mustski. I don't know the early symptoms, either, but I think this is happening to my LEFT foot (between us, we have 2 "good" feet??). Plus, you and I had the close-out ski boot experience, and I'm pretty sure the mis-fit is our feet, NOT the boots.
I think mine started last summer (well, plus decades of ski boots>didn't help, thank goodness I never wore "fashion shoes," which make a bad thing worse) when I injured the ball of my foot. I got insoles (superfeet) that I already owned decked out with metatarsal pads, to get the pressure off, wore them most of fall, felt an improvement.
Not quite to the point of having the symptoms above, but----something about my left foot has CHANGED, rendering my current boots pretty close to a no-go. I'm not sure what - volume?? Not really in a spot to buy new boots or seek out the one (not particularly well-rated) podiatrist within 40 miles, so......coping <sigh>
I will watch this thread with interest, though.
