rroof, hopefully your out there as I need a little help (or anyone else who has dealt with a similar problem) - I did a search and have seen that you are a big fan of met pads for this issue (I ordered some today).
Background:
I’ve got a fairly significant morton’s neuroma in my left foot that only becomes a ‘real problem’ at 10 miles and beyond. I am of the opinion that it is made worse by the fact that I run with orthotics (thanks to having had plantar fasciitis and a fully release in my right foot about 4 years ago). I think the orthotics act as a ramp and as I run force my foot to migrate down toward the toe. I’ve tried to compensate by tightening my shoe but that only compounds the problem (as you already know). I’m training for the Houston Marathon on 30 January.
I saw a podiatrist today (one whom obviously didn’t really care about my training/racing desires) whom recommended that I just not run beyond ten miles…wtf? At any rate, he had little good to say about met pads and really thought I should either try the cortisone injections or surgery if it got any worse. I’m not a fan of either treatment option he recommended and he was of little to no help beyond that.
Question:
I’m already using an orthotic and now it looks like I’m going to add a met pad under the orthotic to correct the condition (I currently use the Road Runner Sports Neutral Cushion insoles in my NB 1064s). All of this just adds more weight and height to what goes in my shoe (I also have a high instep) and I really don’t want to do that either. Is there a better insole option that incorporates an arch support for a neutral gait with a met pad that doesn’t weight a ton???
Thanks up front to anyone who either cares to read this and/or provide insight.
Absolutely yes, use a met pad. They can and often do work very well for SOME people, but you are the classic one that it does help (high arch foot, pain only after extended activity, etc.) No harm if it doesn’t! There are many OTC devices that I like (I like Sole orthotics for runners with a “high arch” foot, not so good for flatfoot type runners), but they don’t have a built in met pad. You can simply add one on top (not the bottom as you had posted).
Nothing wrong with a corticosteroid nerve block, esp if you need one to get in some long runs or just before the marathon to help you through it. Won’t likely fix the problem, but can have a big impact on your race/training until you come up with a better long term solution (i.e. after your marathon training). Surgery is rarely needed with your description, but always there as an option if it gets worse or everything else fails.
PM me if you need any further details (oh, and I suggest eventually finding another doc of whatever variety that understands/treats type-A athletes)
Thanks for getting back to me so quickly, can’t tell you how much I appreciate the help. This is my first marathon and I’m a little concerned about it to say the least. I did 17 miles on Monday and the last three were abject misery. Don’t think I’ll be signing up for another one in the near future - too much training time and is pulling me away other training.
I have a normal arch now thanks to the orthotics, I’ve tried the Sole orthotics and they simply had too much arch support.
The met pads I ordered came from http://www.myfootshop.com/detail.asp?ProductID=729 on their site they recommend either attaching their met pads to the bottom of the foot or the insole - that’s where the bottom of the insole came from (I have no idea either way).
Based on your comments re: corticosteroid injection, I might just go ahead and let him do it. I initially thought this was a bad idea based upon my experience with PF, many folks who said they had the shots for PF commented that it just masks the pain and doesn’t resolve the issue (I didn’t take them) - guess that fear carried over into this issue. At any rate, the long term affects don’t seem nearly as bad as with PF so maybe the injection would be a good idea.
Again, thanks for the advice Doc and yes, I will be looking for a better podiatrist in the near future!
Yes, you can use the felt pads directly to the bottom of the foot, but that gets to be a hassle in a hurry, so putting it on top of some type of OTC orthotic that you can tolerate (again, the Sole type ones have a very high arch unless heat molded down and aren’t well tolerated by many with a “low” volume foot). There are OTC softer orthotics, like a Lynco, that has one built it as well, but it is nice to have a few so you can move it around some as needed.
Corticosteroid injections for a neuroma vs. plantar fasciitis(osis) are for very different reasons with very different side effects, long term options, etc. Best of luck! Hope you don’t get bit by the marathon bug after your first that many of us did :-/
