Morton's Neuroma

You mean you don't miss that feeling of a hot rusty dagger stabbing your foot with each stride and turn!?

Great news and good luck!

I have had this condition for almost 2 years now. Initially, I was prescribed Voltaran topical gel to apply 4 times a day. I was skeptical, but it helped. After almost a year of that, I got tired of using the stuff and went back to my orthopedic doctor who didn't seem very helpful. I switched to a foot and ankle doctor who is also a skier. He started me on a series of cortisone injections which helped, but the biting, stinging pain has always come back after a month or so. I am about at the end of that option because the cortisone can permanently damage and reduce healthy tissue in the area causing other issues. I have custom orthotics in my ski boots and had some made for my street shoes which has helped some, but not eliminated the problem. I live on the lake and spend a lot of time in sandals and flip flops in the summer, which really increase my pain. So, my next step is called sclerosing. The doctor does a series of 3 - 8 injections a week apart of an alcohol solution. This basically deadens and kills the nerve in the offending area, but also results in numbness in that area. It is a very low risk procedure that is over 80% effective. I'm going to have it done after ski season is over. I guess the biggest risk of surgery is after they cut the offending nerve, it can sometimes try to grow back and curl in on itself making the problem worse than before surgery, so I am very hopeful the sclerosing will be successful. My doctor is Dr. Bierman and he has an office in Covington, but I believe he has a couple other offices in the area.

CD, thanks for that info. Very helpful as well. Yeah luckily for me day to day is fine (assuming I haven't aggravated it from skinning). And now that this metatarsal pad seems to be making some progress I am feeling a little better about this. When I get my appt made I will ask about the sclerosing procedure. I really want to do what I can to avoid surgery. Know a couple people who have had and had a hard time afterwards.

I had the surgery done on my right foot several years back where they took the nerve out. Doc said it was supposed to be the size of a spaghetti noodle and it was the size of his pinkie. Not good. It's been great ever since.

I just recently had ankle surgery on the left foot and while they were in there they did a newer version of Morton's surgery where they release a ligament that puts pressure on the nerve. Less tingly issues and supposedly no ill effects for skiing, climbing, biking or ball room dancing.

Metatarsal pad adjustments are great, so is modifying the toe box of your boots and shoes. Before you work with Doctor/surgeon, I recommend getting boot specialist involved, Jim Mates is an excellent resource.

Metatarsal pad adjustments are great, so is modifying the toe box of your boots and shoes.  Before you work with Doctor/surgeon, I recommend getting boot specialist involved, Jim Mates is an excellent resource. 

Thanks. I have been working with Martin up at Crystal and he has been a great help. Its not just skinning that aggravates it (skinning is just what causes the worst pain) so I do need some more "work" done. Met with a doctor yesterday and am going to get some other footbed work done for my other footwear and also going move forward with the steroid injections.