So, I felt like sharing this, because as I have pointed out, most of the public just goes along with just about any doctor's advice without doing ANY research on root causes, natural remedies, or alternatives toward restoration.
The other day my wife was at work, and a woman was walking with a limp and she and my wife started talking. Turns out the lady has a Morton's Neuroma.
So, my wife, who is super approachable, starts to mention how I HAD one, and how I healed it going the route of getting out of conventional shoes, going zero-drop, and also walking barefoot whenever I can. The lady immediately starts to go down the road of, "Well, my foot doctor is one of the top doctors in the nation, and he said I should NEVER walk barefoot." And my wife patiently tried to give some explanation as to why being barefoot can help splay the toes naturally and relieve the stress and pressure against the neuroma. She just wouldn't listen. Pride is a killer.
My guess is, based on my research and experience, that she is going to probably get the resection, and will likely be similar to many people that either get the stump growth and pain, or end up losing mobility of the foot...among other possibilities. It pains me to say that, because there is a better way.
Stay vigilant, and stay humble!
Onward,
Shane
Hi Shane,
ReplyDeleteI want to start by thanking you for posting this blog, after all the horror stories out there I’ve had a real sense of hopelessness when it came my morton’s neuroma.
I’m a 25 year old female who has had increasing shock-like pain in my left foot for about half a year now. It was always only occasional however—like after sprinting for a bus in my 2 inch booties or speedwalking to work (also in booties...). Then two weeks ago I went snowboarding, and the day after I couldn’t walk a single step. I think snowboarding pushed it over the edge because snowboarding boots are supposed to be tied ridiculously tight, which crushed my feet more than ever.
Though I’m a regular at the gym I’ve never been a runner (I do weight training) so I was surprised to see how many runners are affected by this, and wondering how much of your advice applies to me. I was prescribed anti-inflammatories and I wear toe stretchers (flex-tastic) almost all day and night. I’ve switched over from my regular heeled booties to my old skateboarding shoes because they have a wide toe box. But I’m still limping around pretty badly and can’t walk far distances (and I’ve reluctantly taken a break from the gym). I walk on the inner side of my foot to take pressure off the side with the neuroma.
After reading your blog I’ve scheduled a dehydrated alcohol injection for Feb 20th, and ordered a pair of Correct Toes. I found interesting that you also have the triangle-shaped callouses on the bottom of your baby toe. I have definitely had that also for years now.
Instead of emailing you I thought I'd post here for other non-runners to see and get another perspective. I'd you'd like I can come back and update you on my progress. Wish me luck!
How'd it go?
DeleteHi Shane,
ReplyDeleteI have been looking at your site and I find it very interesting. I have a neuroma, thought it may not be MN (located between the 2nd and 3rd toe on my right foot). I am looking right now for shoes and I must say that I am puzzled. Some sites says that you must only consider rigid shoes or insoles while others prefer flexible shoes. One guy I saw for this only used rigid orthotics. I am confused. Could you tell me the reasons you think I should avoid rigid insoles ? Notice that there might typos or mistakes as english is not the language I speak everyday !
Hello,
DeleteThanks for writing. Keep in mind, I'm not a doctor, so this is not medical advice, but rather from my own experience.
But first, I think you need to determine what you really have going on in your foot, which will require an exam. If it is a MN, I think you should definitely look into the injections. If the MN is not dealt with, it won't matter what you put on your feet. So, get that stuff squared away first.
Now, assuming it was a MN, and you start to shrink it, the very next and immediate thing to address is footwear. I tried it all, and nothing worked for me other than zero drop, wide toe box, minimalist shoes...especially Vivobarefoot and Vibram Fivefingers. Reason being, your toes need to properly widen as you step. If they don't have enough room, they squish the nerve and you're back at square one.
Our feet were designed for flexibility and certain anatomic motion, and the more you restrict them, the more damage you'll do to them.
Hope that helps!
Shane
Hello,
DeleteThanks for writing. Keep in mind, I'm not a doctor, so this is not medical advice, but rather from my own experience.
But first, I think you need to determine what you really have going on in your foot, which will require an exam. If it is a MN, I think you should definitely look into the injections. If the MN is not dealt with, it won't matter what you put on your feet. So, get that stuff squared away first.
Now, assuming it was a MN, and you start to shrink it, the very next and immediate thing to address is footwear. I tried it all, and nothing worked for me other than zero drop, wide toe box, minimalist shoes...especially Vivobarefoot and Vibram Fivefingers. Reason being, your toes need to properly widen as you step. If they don't have enough room, they squish the nerve and you're back at square one.
Our feet were designed for flexibility and certain anatomic motion, and the more you restrict them, the more damage you'll do to them.
Hope that helps!
Shane
Hi Shane,
ReplyDeleteThanks for writing this. My dilemma is that I have seen 5(yes 5) podiatrist and all the seem to want me to do is buy their orthodics. I had three injunctions that did not help so I was informed that I shouldn't get anymore. My diagnoses was capsulitis and a neuroma. The ad thing is the doctor that ordered the MRI said it was severe while another said it was minor. All I know is my foot hurts to even step on it with these toe stretchers on. I bought the stretchers to see if they would help and they did.....at first. Now they hurt. The doc that did the injections had me in aCAM boot for three months and really wants me to wear it another three. I can't be in that boot like that anymore. I really don't what to do. I can tell that the neuroma has gotten larger as it feels like a brick instead of a pebble at this point. The orthodics aren't going to work and I was told buy one doctor that I should not try to use them based on the location of the pain. I was told it could make things worse. I really am at a loss. Any advice would be grand!
Thanks,
Kelli
Just goggled improving Moreton's neuroma without surgery and found this blog. Will read with interest.
ReplyDeleteHi Pamela,
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by. I hope you find some info to help with learning more about MN and healthy and less intrusive options for healing it.
Best,
Shane
Hey there! Im 21 years old and I have 2 neuromas in one foot and one in the other foot! I had injecctions and they didnt work and I have this feeling as if im getting shocks in my toes and I wake up at night with numb leg and foot! I don't know what to do anymore :(
ReplyDeleteWhat type of injections, specifically? Also, if you're getting multiple neuromas, you might have something else going on in your body. I have not come across someone having two in one foot and one in the other. If I was you I would look into a central nervous system specialist or even a naturopath to get some input from them on if they have seen that before...but that's just my opinion on what I'd do for myself.
DeleteWhat type of injections, specifically? Also, if you're getting multiple neuromas, you might have something else going on in your body. I have not come across someone having two in one foot and one in the other. If I was you I would look into a central nervous system specialist or even a naturopath to get some input from them on if they have seen that before...but that's just my opinion on what I'd do for myself.
DeleteFbn
ReplyDeleteHi ive just been told ive got this, i did my first marathon 2 months ago and it settled afterwards and i dropped the milage but its just come back more angry!
ReplyDeleteIve been using pads and ice and i wear trainers a siz and half bigger now and with a custioned forefoot! Im trying everything, i had a cortisone injection 5 days ago and it seems worst now!
Does this condition of the nerve shrink?! Or does it remain ghe same size?!
The doctor says its 10mm.. I really dont want surgery! My calves are hurting and foot arches now too! Help!!!
Hello,
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your troubles. Again, I'm not a doctor and I can only speak toward my research and my experience, but the sclerosing injections, along with all the other things I mention in this website, did the trick for me. I would encourage you to review the info on toe box, zero drop, toe spring, Correct Toes, etc.
Best,
Shane
Hi thanks for your reply, i cant seem to find the info on toe spring and correct toes, whats that?!
ReplyDeleteThank you.