McPick
03-09-2006, 11:45
Morton’s Neuroma is a painful condition in the ball, and usually 4th toe, of the foot. It is caused when a certain nerve between the 3rd and 4th toes is compressed between the bones. There are many web site that describe this condition in detail, including: http://www.podiatrychannel.com/mortonneuroma/ (http://www.podiatrychannel.com/mortonneuroma/).
Those who live with (suffer) Morton’s Neuroma know that the slightest change in footwear, or even a normal twist of the foot while walking or jogging, can cause this nerve to send an immediate, sharp and painful reminder of its presence. (Sometimes I can almost hear a ‘click'…)
I first became aware of this condition when I was a little kid, wearing those very unforgiving leather ski boots. (Thank goodness for the ‘flow’ products.) The balls of my feet were compressed, the nerves would be pinched and my 4th toes were often numb. (Yes, both feet.) I’ve learned over the years to shop for wider shoes and to break them in slowly, to minimize (never eliminate) this painful occurrence.
Here’s an example of how even the slightest change can affect this nerve. While hiking recently, I wore a VERY thin pair of silk socks under my regular smart-wool-type hiking socks. After only a few yards I felt the long-known warning signs from my neuromas. It was just that quick. I immediately stopped and took off the silk socks and put my hiking socks and shoes back on. The pain was gone. I’ve been amazed over the years, at how a seemingly insignificant change inside my shoes can matter, one way or the other, to these nerves.
Although I’ve never tried a custom-fitted orthotic device, I have placed numerous items between my 3rd and 4th toes, to keep them spread apart. (This really helps.) Interestingly, the item that has worked the best for me is a small, carefully folded piece of paper towel. (No joke.) I’ve learned to tie my shoes or boots carefully, leaving plenty of room in the toe box so as not to compress the balls of my feet.
I’ve also learned that leaving the toe box of the shoe too loose can have the same, painful affect on these nerves. I think the pain occurs in this instance because the front parts of my feet have too much room to move.
I’d like to try some of the inserts, as described in MisterSweetie’s “Good Insoles” thread below: http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=13405 (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=13405) However, I must admit that just the THOUGHT of adding something more to an already crowded space in my shoes causes my dang Morton’s Neuromas to fairly tingle with anticipation. (They are always lurking… Always!)
I don’t fear them for my upcoming AT thru hike. But I know I’ve got to be as aware of them as I am of every other piece of gear in my pack.
Anybody have any thoughts on this subject? If you are affected by this condition, what’s helped (or hasn’t helped) you?
Those who live with (suffer) Morton’s Neuroma know that the slightest change in footwear, or even a normal twist of the foot while walking or jogging, can cause this nerve to send an immediate, sharp and painful reminder of its presence. (Sometimes I can almost hear a ‘click'…)
I first became aware of this condition when I was a little kid, wearing those very unforgiving leather ski boots. (Thank goodness for the ‘flow’ products.) The balls of my feet were compressed, the nerves would be pinched and my 4th toes were often numb. (Yes, both feet.) I’ve learned over the years to shop for wider shoes and to break them in slowly, to minimize (never eliminate) this painful occurrence.
Here’s an example of how even the slightest change can affect this nerve. While hiking recently, I wore a VERY thin pair of silk socks under my regular smart-wool-type hiking socks. After only a few yards I felt the long-known warning signs from my neuromas. It was just that quick. I immediately stopped and took off the silk socks and put my hiking socks and shoes back on. The pain was gone. I’ve been amazed over the years, at how a seemingly insignificant change inside my shoes can matter, one way or the other, to these nerves.
Although I’ve never tried a custom-fitted orthotic device, I have placed numerous items between my 3rd and 4th toes, to keep them spread apart. (This really helps.) Interestingly, the item that has worked the best for me is a small, carefully folded piece of paper towel. (No joke.) I’ve learned to tie my shoes or boots carefully, leaving plenty of room in the toe box so as not to compress the balls of my feet.
I’ve also learned that leaving the toe box of the shoe too loose can have the same, painful affect on these nerves. I think the pain occurs in this instance because the front parts of my feet have too much room to move.
I’d like to try some of the inserts, as described in MisterSweetie’s “Good Insoles” thread below: http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=13405 (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=13405) However, I must admit that just the THOUGHT of adding something more to an already crowded space in my shoes causes my dang Morton’s Neuromas to fairly tingle with anticipation. (They are always lurking… Always!)
I don’t fear them for my upcoming AT thru hike. But I know I’ve got to be as aware of them as I am of every other piece of gear in my pack.
Anybody have any thoughts on this subject? If you are affected by this condition, what’s helped (or hasn’t helped) you?