I'm interested in some opinions on this. I've been out of running for the last 6-7 months with a foot injury. I've had x-rays, mri, diagnostic ultrasound, nuclear bone scan, etc. I've seen >>5 doctors - sports med, podiatrists, and orthapedic. From what I gather, I most likely have morton's neuroma, although none of the tests show this clinically. I've had 2 cortisone shots (1 ultrasound guided), both which were completely ineffective. I still feel a sharp pain in the middle of my foot every time I land with any impact. At this point, I'm considering surgery, but as a last resort. Here's a list of stuff I've tried and haven't tried...
Tried:
Metatarsal pad - tried this and it gave some relief, but not the answer.
Less barefoot walking around the house - same thing.
Ice - not sure that icing helps at all.
Physical therapy - seemed to help my strength, but more injury prevention for next time, not helping the injury I had.
Boot - I spent about 4 weeks in a boot trying to stay off it. This made my forefoot feel better, but also gave me achilles tendonitis (went away in less than a week). In the long run, I don't think this helped.
New (wider) shoes - This may have been the most effective thing I've done. I got wider running shoes and wider cycling shoes. Both seem to help, but still don't seem to make the problem go away.
Cortisone injection - ineffective.
Stuff I haven't tried yet:
Lacing the shoelaces upside down - seems silly, but the silly stuff has worked best so far.
Acupuncture - I've had > 3 people recommend acupuncture. Not sure if there is real science behind this. Most doctors completely dismiss this.
Shockwave therapy - looking to learn more.
Radiofrequency - looking to learn more.
EPAT - looking to learn more.
Alcohol injection - worried about permanent numbness and many of the same concerns as surgery. If I'm going to go this route, I'd rather lose another couple weeks (with surgery) and be sure that it's effective.
Surgery - my understanding of this is that they physically remove the nerve or nerve bundles that are causing the problem.
Concerns re: surgery and alcohol injection:
Is surgery a guarantee to eliminate the pain?
If you have surgery, will you be able to run again?
What are the side effects? Will there be permanent numbness or anything else that would make running more difficult?
What is the recovery?
I'm interested to hear opinions from any doctors (sports, pod, ortho) out there who are familiar with this, and also from anyone who has had any of the more aggressive treatments that I haven't tried yet.
_______________________________________________________
John Kenny, Pro Triathlete, USAT Certified Coach - http://www.frenchcreekracing.com
Philly Masters and Open Water
Swim and Multisport Events
Tried:
Metatarsal pad - tried this and it gave some relief, but not the answer.
Less barefoot walking around the house - same thing.
Ice - not sure that icing helps at all.
Physical therapy - seemed to help my strength, but more injury prevention for next time, not helping the injury I had.
Boot - I spent about 4 weeks in a boot trying to stay off it. This made my forefoot feel better, but also gave me achilles tendonitis (went away in less than a week). In the long run, I don't think this helped.
New (wider) shoes - This may have been the most effective thing I've done. I got wider running shoes and wider cycling shoes. Both seem to help, but still don't seem to make the problem go away.
Cortisone injection - ineffective.
Stuff I haven't tried yet:
Lacing the shoelaces upside down - seems silly, but the silly stuff has worked best so far.
Acupuncture - I've had > 3 people recommend acupuncture. Not sure if there is real science behind this. Most doctors completely dismiss this.
Shockwave therapy - looking to learn more.
Radiofrequency - looking to learn more.
EPAT - looking to learn more.
Alcohol injection - worried about permanent numbness and many of the same concerns as surgery. If I'm going to go this route, I'd rather lose another couple weeks (with surgery) and be sure that it's effective.
Surgery - my understanding of this is that they physically remove the nerve or nerve bundles that are causing the problem.
Concerns re: surgery and alcohol injection:
Is surgery a guarantee to eliminate the pain?
If you have surgery, will you be able to run again?
What are the side effects? Will there be permanent numbness or anything else that would make running more difficult?
What is the recovery?
I'm interested to hear opinions from any doctors (sports, pod, ortho) out there who are familiar with this, and also from anyone who has had any of the more aggressive treatments that I haven't tried yet.
_______________________________________________________
John Kenny, Pro Triathlete, USAT Certified Coach - http://www.frenchcreekracing.com
Philly Masters and Open Water
Swim and Multisport Events