In the last few months I have started experiencing pain that I have self-diagnosed as Morton’s Neuroma - though I have not confirmed my suspicion with a doctor. My right foot would hurt so bad (at least two times a day) that I had to drop everything, take my shoes off and massage my foot until the pain went away. I started looking online for causes and treatment for Morton’s Neuroma and I found myself going down the rabbit hole of: barefoot shoes, zero drop and wide toe boxed footwear. The first thing that I did was to go out and buy the cheapest pair of barefoot shoes (with a wide toe box) that I could find. The shoes that I found only ended up costing me $30. and they have come to be the most comfortable pair of shoes/slippers that I own. Then I came across this video and it has been a game changer for me. I ordered the metatarsal pads that you recomended and a couple pairs of the cheapest toe spacers that I could find. So far, what seems to work best for me is barefoot shoes with metatarsal pads. I have not had any major pain since I started using this combination. And, if by chance, that the ball of my foot ever seems to get hot or aching I put on my toe spacers and I get instant relief. *I have also been in the habit of using the toe spacers in my spare time at least twice daily (when I wake up and in the evening). ****Most recently, I purchased a pair of Lem’s Boulder Summit Boots (and metatarsal pads) for hiking, considering that I live in the Mark Twain National Forest and I walk through creeks and on jagged rocks daily. The tread on them is awesome but, so far, trying to cram toe spacers in them is not working for me. Only time and experimenting will tell at this point. I don’t claim that what works for me will work for everyone, but the 3 tips that you share in this video have helped me tremendously. Thanks Dr. Houlihan!
This is awesome! Thanks for sharing, and I'm glad the video was helpful for you. Thanks for the info on the Lems too, I bought the original boulder boots about 5 years ago and it's time to replace them, but I definitely want a pair wide enough to fit my toe spacers inside too
@@DrHoulihan LEMS BOULDER SUMMIT UPDATE: Before I bought the Boulder Summit Waterproof Boots I did as much research on them as possible. According to the Lems site they are advertised as having the widest toe box that they have to offer, even a bit wider than the regular Boulder Boots, which was the main reason that I decided to try them. So, I was a little disappointed when I could not immediately fit toe spacers in them comfortably when I first got them. The good news is that after the first couple weeks of wearing them hiking and letting the leather break in I was able to wear toe spacers inside the boots for longer periods of time. And now, after about 1.5 months I have started wearing toe spacers in them daily, sometimes all day long (with metatarsal pads) and my foot pain has basically went away. *I imagine the only con would be whether or not you mind having more tread. The stack height on these feel more like an actual boot, so they might not be for the minimalist, barefoot shoe purist. But it seems to be a pretty good solution for what I was specifically looking for: mainly eliminating pain. I have come to wear these boots daily for hiking, and even when I am out running around town. I have not had any other barefoot boots to compare them to but they have come to be the most comfortable pair of footwear that I own.
In addition to adding the metatarsal pad to the top of my shoe inserts, immediately below the ball of the foot under the spot where the neuroma is, I cut a one inch square hole out of the insert. This hole removes all of the pressure from the bottom of the shoe at the neuroma's location.
@@fleadoggreen9062 You have to press around the bottom of your foot to locate the most painful spot. Under that spot just start with a 1/2 inch wide square cut out of the shoe insert. The goal it to reduce as much pressure under the neuroma as possible. It did not help much the very first time I got the neuroma. I had to get a steroid injection then.
@@akkuverma2328 So I went to a physical therapist who has seen hundreds of people with Morton's Neuroma. He zeroed right in on the running shoe I was wearing. He pointed out that the sole was a hard stiff rubber. They are the Brooks Beast model. This model was known for causing foot problems! Plus even though I had bought a triple extra wide size, he thought it still was too narrow for my foot. He said the best running/walking shoe brand for Morton's Neuroma was the HOKA. They have extremely soft cushioned soles and a very wide toe box. I called Brooks and explained that I had just bought these shoes like six months ago and they were causing my foot pain. They were aware of the situations and informed me they changed the rubber in the Beast model to a very soft cushy one. They exchanged my six month old shoes for a new pair of The Beast with that softer sole. I did use a shoe stretcher for a month to widen them a little bit. My foot pain went away with these new soles. FYI. I did try on the HOKA brand. One of their models regular width is another 1/4 inch wider than these 3x Brooks! The next shoes I get will be that wide HOKA model. It has a super cushy sole.
I’ve used all of these methods to get myself to the finish line of an ironman. They didn’t completely eliminate the pain but I was able to mitigate it to a point that I was able to train and race. After spending hours in PT office, going to podiatrist, and lots of wasted money on shoes these tips you have given are also the same things that I used and still use. Good advice!
@@RicoAndJodie I’m now five years later training for another one and the neuroma is still there but I have no pain 3-4 months into training. Bike shoes are as important as running shoes. I have a cheaper pair of shimano in a wide size that I got during my training for my first one. They def made a big difference. I actually shocked how good it is this time around. I learned a lot the first time. I also switched to a pair of altra paradigm which are a stability shoe that they make. The altra shoes have def helped but the stability version of these has helped me to not roll off the side of my foot and irritate it further. Any questions feel free to ask. I also swear by the a-line foot beds. Expensive but that have a good built in metatarsal pad.
@@ironore8677 thanks for the input! I was looking at the altra paradigms today, so you would say its worth it? Thanks for mentioning the cycling shoes because my foot indeed hurts most after cycling. Did you just size up by half a size? Or are there actually cycling shoes with wide toe boxes?
@@RicoAndJodie so I used to buy my shoes too small so when I say I sized up I really did but didn’t. Shimano makes a wide size and I’d say they are the best. I used to have to take my shoe off and rub my foot after a couple hours. I also wear boots at work and I switched to keens and that helped. How far out is ur race?
Wow. This helped immediately. Possibly temporary, but at least I can walk today! I already had Altra shoes with no drop, but the pad and the toe separators were what I was missing. Thanks!
The flat sole is a no go when you need arch support and have facia problems. Flat for me hurts worse. I can't even go barefooted. I have to have cushion with arch support. Spacers yes but there is no way to go over an hour in those things. I have found that using an insert with that section of the neuroma cut out works best for me. Wide toe box for sure. Mine was caused from sleeping with my feet stacked and cricketing.
@@sjeluitjens plz briefly tell me how you are managing and from how much time you are facing the neuroma,s issue? I want to know is it manageable or life ruining😮💨
I only use spacers between toes where the MN is affected. Doesn't require me to need such wide shoes. And I use hapads for the metatarsal support. They come in two sizes and can be put in every pair of shoes on the cheap.
I stopped wearing socks and the pain went away. I am going to try the socks with individual toe holes ("toe socks") to see if these are helpful. I also have found some sock companies where the socks are almost like soft hosiery and so there is no compression of toes. No socks has made all the difference for me, like a miracle, finally able to wear my shoes with no pain. I hope this helps someone.
I think wearing cushioned socks 24/7 has contributed to this plus overweight plus wealk gluts, knees, calves, plantar fascitis, metatargia (proning feet)
Thank you for the informative video, tried different metatarsal pads with limited relief, and using the toe separators help for short term. Will keep plugging away to get relief, had first cortisone shot in September, helped a lot, but starting to act up again. I get to wear sandals 99% of the time which helps.
Thank you Doctor. I recently suffered from a Liz Frank injury and because of it I have lots of hardware in my foot. I also have Morton’s neuroma and have found getting a wider shoe box plus wearing support pads under the neuroma area has helped me a lot. I am trying very hard not to expose myself to any more foot surgeries so what ever I can do relieve the pain and discomfort is most helpful. Thank u
I recently developed MN in my left foot. It came suddenly, literally woke up one morning with it. Severe pain! I watched several YT videos on self care, and came up with this: I use a single gel toe spacer between my 2nd and third toe. Then I use a metatarsal pad, mine are the self stick felt ones that are tear drop shape. I place the pad just beyond where my toes start on the bottom of the foot. Pad placement location is crucial. Anyway, I suggest you just experiment with different things. My pain is gone, and I am back to normalcy. I would use surgery or injections as a last resort.
Minimal shoes are what caused my Morton's Neuroma in the first place, so I'm nervous about trying those again. I actually threw them out because of it.
I wear wide shoes with "Toe Sox" to separate those piggies and also insert a pair of the orthotic insoles, "PowerStep Pinnacle Plus Met" into all of my shoes & slippers. I rarely think about my Morton's Neuroma issue.
Thank you for your helpful video. I have both planter fasciitis and now MN. I have flat feed and arch support helps alleviate back pain. Can I wear barefoot shoes and use metatarsal pads with arch insoles?
Well explained video I used to have the metatarsal pain and started wearing for years, the Altras wide toe box zero drop It really helped tho the quality seems to have been decreased. and still wear them today . However the other day I slipped on a new pair of Hoka Speedgoats I had laying on the shelf in the box and the pain came back instantly. I am assuming the shoe manufacture make that much difference? Where can I purchase those insoles with built in meta pads? Thanks
Yes, great ideas - they work in general. I have a question - when hiking the pain turns on especially downhill. I have tried spacers and pads but they don’t work for long. I do take cortisone shots that help greatly to hike but aren’t a permanent solution. Is yjere anything else I can do? Thanks !
@ my Morton’s neuroma is no longer a problem, as long as I continue to wear my Birkenstock sandals, shoes and boots, as they take all the pressure off of my neuroma! Buy them if you have a neuroma!!
@@Knowledge-b6o is it really possible you can live without your neuroma being a problem? From how much time do you have neuroma by the way? I am scared as I have seen people saying it gets worse with time and have no actual solution but surgery,which itself is unpredictable.
My issues are when I run, after about 1.5 miles my right foot starts to go numb with mild pain. I am extremely flat footed and have 5 different pairs of running shoes to try and alleviate the issues. I also tried the sticky pads for the area you described. I haven’t had luck with that. I will try a pair of zero drop shoes and the toe foam spreaders. Thats for the tips.
Things that have helped me with Morton’s Neuroma: 1- Indiba Laser 2- Multi Radiance Laser 3- Rolfing to traction and separate toes, muscles and ligaments to open up foot 4- Bikram yoga postures and practice to strengthen surrounding ligaments & muscles 5- I also did Shockwave Curious if anyone has done Prolotherapy?
@@akkuverma2328 Anout 70 percent better- been going to yoga consistenly and doing cold therapy also now...Dreaming and working on reversing completely...Want to start hiking mountains again..
You are so right! I tried barefoot shoes for a couple of days now and I could walk all day long from the very beginning. The space allows my toes to do their work, I can feel it with every step!
it’s crazy bc the podiatrist i went to abt the neuroma pain told me the complete opposite and i listened for about 2 months until i realized it wasn’t getting better big waste of $ trying to find shoes. been wearing altra escalante racers n it’s good so far with a pad on the insole
@@DrHoulihan Not entirely though i have some days, it’s been a pain trying to get here tho at least i can finally walk usually at least 88% of the time without pain but weightlifting + the neuroma pain was very difficult to deal with. Could you make a video on shoes you’d recommend other than vivobarefoot?
How about a over the counter insole with a Met pad built in? Also I run ultra races up to 100 miles. My fear regarding toe spacers would be they may give me blisters between the toes. Perhaps wear the spaces over toe socks? Thoughts?
@vagnsteen5130 Both good ideas. I don't run much, but I will put spacers over toe socks if I do it for any meaningful duration. And assuming the built in met pad is positioned appropriately for your foot that should work well
I wear the metatarsal pads and they help tremendously. My doctor told me to wear a shoe with a rocker towards the front (ie Hokas). I have not tried toe separators. I will have to try them. Thanks for the video but alas I would like to wear shoes that are cute.
I have been struggling with this pain for decades. The last time I went to the doctor I got 3 cortisone shots in one year and it did nothing. I'm about to cut in to my foot myself. Sometimes it hurts so badly after only being on my feet for 10 min. I have been wondering if these zero shoes would help at all. Thank you for this vid. I will have to try all 3 things and hopefully it will help.
@@ndn8shn999 are you using standard shoes or a wide toe box shoes such as Altra, Zero, etc? I'm liking the recommendation of a zero drop shoe with the met pad (the Altra Torin 7 is a zero drop should would plenty of cushioning), so I'm wondering if an insole is necessary with that combination. I have regular width shoes with a not so wide toe box (this morton's neruroma pain is new to me), so if I don't need to dump those shoes and can use an insole like PowerStep with a met pad then that would prevent me from having to get rid of those shoes.
Great information presentation!! I will try the steps you recommended. I was mistaken. I thought I had metatarsal issues, ball of foot pain. But when you mentioned about an awkward step a pop.. light bulb came on. Thanks for the insights
Dr. Great video!! New subscriber!! For the past 3 months, I feel like I’m stepping on something, on my right foot. I have no other symptoms! I’m doing all of the MN stretches. I noticed my right calf (same side as my ball of foot lump feeling is on) is very tight! Tighter than my left side!! Do you think if I continue to do my exercises that the feeling like I’m stepping on something will go away? Also, why don’t I have any other symptoms, or pain? I’m NOT complaining!! THANK YOU!!!! ❤
I bought thick heal cushioned flip flop just the heal part was thick then it tapered down towards the toes thinner cushion but still had some thickness and had arch in the center. I cried when I realized the pain was gone. I wore everyday until they broke a year later because I’d walk fast in them and everywhere ,felt great!! They were also rather light. Felt like I was walking on the clouds! I need a shoe like that again I can’t find anything that was just like that I may remake something similar for my foot. The pain is awful I tried everything else expensive shoes don’t work inserts help but not like that pair of simple flip flop
Thank you. What do you do when you have plantar Fascitis on one foot and Morton's N on the other. I need cushioning due to the PF and extremely bad knees. The flat shoes are not supportive enough.
Thank you. Metarsalgia and developed pain between toes, especially toe beside little toe. ( Left foot).I buy expensive Hokas and New Balances. Heard rocker,thick, soles and stability are good. Started to rethink as relief seems to last but a few months.The Hoka arahis now are squeezing little toe after washing. However sole appears to be comfortable . Now I have pain in between toes. In Arahi's ,feels too narrow. I guess I have to reconfigure my shoes now. Spent so much money already and I'm still in pain.
@@DrHoulihanThank you Dr. I have tried the metarsal pads but I have few very wide toe boxes.The shoes with wide toe need more length. Foot measures 8.5,I'm told to wear 9M sneakers.i thought kids size 7 was okay. It may have been the start of my problems. .Sports store recommended 9M Now I don't know what to do with myself. Pain is so excruciating in Morton's neuroma affected toe( beside little toe.) What size do I wear,do I wear flat shoes? I will try what you recommended. I can't walk on my left foot pain free.
Socks are fine as long as they don't cramp your foot in the shoe. Sometimes finding your size is trial and error, different brands will have different fits. Splay, Altra, Wildling, and Xero have pretty wide toe boxes, have you tried any of those?
@@DrHoulihan I have not. Thanks for recommending. I have tried the toe socks( separate toe spaces,) however,I was unsure if I was doing harm. I literally wore for a few hours and decided to try them again. Dr.What do you think of socks made to separate toes?
I have a Morton’s neuroma in my right foot. I am transitioning to Xero barefoot shoes (~6 weeks), use toe spacers and am doing a 12 week foot strengthening program. my neuroma still acts up a bit so I was beginning to think I won’t be able to fully transition or use for long hikes, etc. BUT after watching this video I wonder if the metatarsal pads may be the missing piece? Can you give me more information on that piece. They seem to come in varying sizes and shapes. I did find Pedag on Amazon but unsure which to try.
In my journey to deal with this (both feet, right worse than the left) I’ve been looking for footwear solutions. It seems most wide toebox shows are defined as barefoot shoes. From what I gather, those with MN should have footwear with minimal to zero drop, there should be some level of cushioning in the forefoot and a wide toe box. So, my question is, where do I find a good source of information on current footwear that fit this criteria? It seems most barefoot footwear options may have the wide toe box and may have minimal drop but…… they are typically have dry little to no cushioning.
I have been dealing with bilateral neuromas for many years. I had an ultrasound by a radiologist who was trained in bottom of foot US that told me I no longer had any fat pads left on the bottom of my feet. I have a really hard time finding a comfortable shoes. Any advice? I just turned 73 and really like to walk, exercise and be active. Thanks
If you live in United States, i know that in Michigan there is the best foot clinic , and , i think they are working with the last tecnique about Morton's disease, and it is the criosurgery. Don't do the mistake that happened to me in 2018 , they amputated the second and third nerves of my left foot , and since then my life became the hell on this earth . Radiofrequency is a good system to struggle Neuroma , but must be done by a very expert doctor , my companion had radiofrequency done by a dickhead and her life has been destroyed, she's suffering of pain that she almost not able to walk , and she's only 63 years old . If you are from U.K. , search for the Neuroma center in London , they use criosurgery and seems a revolution ( in a positive meaning) about foot treatments . Hope you will feel better , all the best to you, Patrick from Italy
Something snapped inside my left foot when I went upstairs I didn't put my foot fully on step and used too much force on the front part of my foot. It feels sore and tender inside near middle of big toe and second toe and when I walk and bend my left foot I feel a clicking inside and can sometimes hear it. What is it? I'm not sure it's motor neuroma. There isn't any pain at bottom just feel a clicking sometimes. What type of indoor shoes would u recommend. My crops are too big. The backs of my feet are narrow so my feel roll inwards and a private podiatrist said I have flat feet and bit of plantar fasciitis. I try to lean on the outer edges but that puts strain on my legs. I struggle to find footwear to support my combination feet.
What is your rekommendation for me? I have Mortons AND Plantar Fasciit. Rest!!!!?? That would kill me. Before i use Hooka, but now i use Altra. / Thomas
I'm looking into getting a pair of Altra's Torin 7 shoes (zero drop, plus plenty of cushioning when I'm on my feet for hours at work). Since it already has a wide toe box, would the standard regular width work if I'm wearing toe spacers? I'm not feeling the bright blue color on the wide option for the Torin 7. Thanks for all your help!
I call bullshit to this whole video. My Morton's neuroma is the worst when I go barefoot. I've tried correct toes and they don't work for me either. I will try the metatarsal pad because I haven't done that yet
I’m sorry you are going through this!! There is a fabulous video on RUclips, from Proactive Therapy, that speaks on MN. Please watch that video about exercises!! Also, metatarsal pads are a game changer!!! Good luck hun.
@Dr.Houlihan. How are you? Thank you for your informative videos. Question,I find that wearing the met pad directly on my foot itself gives relief- But not for very long. It's frustrating moving the pads on the insoles to find right spot. Bought the pedag brand,but I'm moving them too much so they lose adhesiveness. Is it not recommended to put it directly on my foot? The gel kind stick well to them. The Pedag,I'm not liking. Another thing,ordered a minimalist shoe from a vivobarefoot through Global E. Are they legit,on logo,they have clear circles not red. Now I'm worried 😳
I believe the met pads are intended to be placed adhesive side down on the insoles of your shoes based on the convex shape- I have the same issue getting them in the right location too, it usually takes a few tries. As far as the vivo shoes I am not familiar with Global E so I am not sure if they are reputable or not
@@DrHoulihan Thank you, DR. My improvement has been seen with Physical therapy and Hoka Arahi 6 sneakers.I opted to not do surgery to remove neuoma. Physical Therapy makes such a huge difference.
Hand up anyone watching this video already in vivos & toe-spacers & feeling smug ✋😁 great video, if i’d found this when you posted it it would have saved me £100’s in ineffective treatments 😂👍
Partially at least, i havent got the pads, maybe i should? But i have been taping my foot which helps. Would you have a different recomendation if it was capsulitis? That’s what my podiatrist diagnosed capsulitis but for some reason MN seems more likely to me? It’s been a rough couple of years trying to get to the bottom of this pain in the a$$ * i mean foot! 😂😅 @@DrHoulihan
Hello, So I only souffert this when cycling. I've spent slot on shoes and bike fits too but lose feeling in my foot after around 30mins. As a bike racer this is not good. I have scoliosis and degenerative disc's L4,5 S1 which impinge the nerve in my spine. Is there a link here? I've been walking with my right foot in the 10 past the hour for years. Sports custom insert doesn't help either 🙈
There could be a link depending on the pattern of numbness, but typically biking puts the lumbar spine in a relative position of flexion which would release pressure on the nerves rather than compress them. Not always absolute though. Are your bike shoes the real narrow type that clip on the pedals?
@@DrHoulihan Hello Dr. I have recently purchased new shoes (Lake) with a wider toe box than the standard 90mm across the Metatarsals. The new ones are 98mm and I'm waiting for a podiatrist to make a custom insole. 🤞
Will I e er be able to jump rope again 😢, thanks for the video All these good shoes have super high heels I’m like I need cushion under the ball of my feet , I get zapped in my toes my middle3 toes thanks
My dr. Told me to tape my toes I have it in both feet at 2 and 3 and left is 9cm and right is 8cm. Well it caused more pain. SMH. I has tow spacers she said not to use so I returned them. Wth.
Video called Proactive Therapy. Best video ever!!! You need to get metatarsal pads, a RUBZ ball and do the exercises every day!!! You won’t believe the improvement. Good luck!!!!
Hi! Thank you for this video! I have been recently diagnosed with Mortons neuroma and this has been all new to me. When I was seen by the podiatrist, it was recommended to me to change my shoes and also get arch support inserts. I was fitted for some wide Asics (as I had been wearing narrows shoes for a prolonged period of time) along with getting the firmest PowerStep arch support inserts (as I also have been over pronating/arch collapsing basically). This change has been somewhat helpful, but I have been seeking additional solutions. Would you recommend the toe spacers and metatarsal pads in addition to wearing my arch support inserts in my shoes? I definitely still need arch support and wouldn't want to swap out the inserts I have currently. Your feedback in greatly appreciated!!
Lots to unpack with this one! I would certainly recommend toe spacers, but only if the shoes you wear are wide enough to accommodate them. In my experience, there aren't really any mainstream shoe companies that produce a shoe wide enough for a normally shaped human foot, let alone with toe spacers in place. I would investigate the SHAPE of your Asics as well to ensure they are widest not at the MTP joint but at the end of the shoe near the toes. You can add metatarsal pads if needed, but they may not be necessary with anatomically shaped shoes and toe spacers in place. I'm not sure exactly the role the arch support plays in your scenario, would need more info but definitely yes to toe spacers and wider shoes 👍
@@DrHoulihan Thank you so much for your reply! I definitely appreciate the feedback! Looking at my Asics, it is definitely not wide at the end of my shoe near my toes but instead wide at the MTP joint. This might be why my neuroma hasn't been able to be relieved. Since the end of my shoe is not wide, I guess I would not be able to use the toe spacers. What shoes do you recommend that has a wide toe (for a somewhat reasonable cost)? I would definitely like to invest in shoes right for me, as I am currently a full time PT student on my feet all day. Thank you!
@melissamcc8473 I review a ton of different shoes on my channel if you want more details, but some of my favorites right now (at reasonable cost) are Tolos, Splay, Altra (only one thay still has substantial cushioning), Feelgrounds, or Xero Shoes
I find this information to be essential for pain management but as soon as I go see a doctor, they recommend completely different shoes, no toe spacers and custom orthotics that usually cost hundreds of $$
Shots are a temporary fix so if you're desperate, you can do that as long as you go in with the understanding that it's not a permanent solution. The surgery from what I understand is a decent option as long as you understand the inherent risks. I would also evaluate the way these 3 solutions have been implemented because in my personal experience they alleviate my pain 100%
Surgery might be worth it for some people, but not for me. I had a sesamoidectomy with two slight incisions in the nerves for my neuromas. Now I have to go back for surgery to have deeper incisions to completely eliminate the nerve pain after it returned. It's a very long recovery.
I'm not sure about these ones specifically but according to Google, there are some products available at wal mart, walgreens, and more specialty places like REI or roadrunner sports
@@DrHoulihan Can Morton's Neuroma go away 100% and never return again without surgery? I had a series of shots 5 times and 90% of the pain went away with a lingering pain here and there. With the quick tips you provided us with your video is it possible to get rid of the condition all together for the rest of someone's life? Or the pain continues to return here and there? Just curious. Thank you.
@Krissy Densing From what I understand, once the neuroma forms the only way to truly eliminate it completely is surgically. There are modifications you can do to reduce inflammation and acute irritation to the area which may result in a relative decrease in size but I do not know of any instances of spontaneous resolution of the neuroma itself
@@DrHoulihan wow! You worded your explanation so eloquently and so well understood. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping to guide me. You made a lot of sense. Happy New Year's to you and your family. God bless you!
@jar2979 I used to wear Keen before I went all the way barefoot, they have a good sized toe box but still thick and rigid. Which might be fine depending on what you need
I cannot find a pair of zero drop’s that have a thicker sole. The only shoes that help me are Croc’s, which I believe are zero drop, have the correct large shoe box and whose sole has the perfect shock absorption for walking on concrete. Any suggestions for a zero drop with a thicker less flexible sole? I also use Spenco arch insoles. They’re quite good.
Hi thx for your tips but I got those pads and I can’t walk even 1km with them and yes I’ve placed them at the right spot. I’ve also gotten custom orthopedic inner soles but I’m not sure if I believe in them as they have a raised arch but was told to ware them in both shoes but it hurts my arch on my foot without the MR injury. Also the height of my arches wasn’t measured and these custom inner soles wasn’t made for my feet they are mass produced :( the only thing that had helped me is going zero drop foot shape with Altra stability Paradigm 6 and I also have a Vivo bare foot but 3mm sole is just to tin I been more cushioning. But my question is what in your opinion could be a recommended cushion type. I mean I think I like the P6 30mm stack height with Altra’s Ego Max foam but I’m not sure if a harder foam like the Lone Peaks 24mm stack and Ego foam would be better. So basically is a softer foam better than a harder foam. I also walk an average of km25 per day. Thx for reading and replying.
Theres no right answer for everyone, the vast majority of walking I do is either with no cushion or 3-5mm outsole on most of my shoes. If it's still bothering me I add the met pads and if that doesn't do it and I'm really walking a lot I go for Altra with some more cushion.
In the last few months I have started experiencing pain that I have self-diagnosed as Morton’s Neuroma - though I have not confirmed my suspicion with a doctor. My right foot would hurt so bad (at least two times a day) that I had to drop everything, take my shoes off and massage my foot until the pain went away.
I started looking online for causes and treatment for Morton’s Neuroma and I found myself going down the rabbit hole of: barefoot shoes, zero drop and wide toe boxed footwear. The first thing that I did was to go out and buy the cheapest pair of barefoot shoes (with a wide toe box) that I could find. The shoes that I found only ended up costing me $30. and they have come to be the most comfortable pair of shoes/slippers that I own. Then I came across this video and it has been a game changer for me. I ordered the metatarsal pads that you recomended and a couple pairs of the cheapest toe spacers that I could find.
So far, what seems to work best for me is barefoot shoes with metatarsal pads. I have not had any major pain since I started using this combination. And, if by chance, that the ball of my foot ever seems to get hot or aching I put on my toe spacers and I get instant relief. *I have also been in the habit of using the toe spacers in my spare time at least twice daily (when I wake up and in the evening).
****Most recently, I purchased a pair of Lem’s Boulder Summit Boots (and metatarsal pads) for hiking, considering that I live in the Mark Twain National Forest and I walk through creeks and on jagged rocks daily. The tread on them is awesome but, so far, trying to cram toe spacers in them is not working for me. Only time and experimenting will tell at this point.
I don’t claim that what works for me will work for everyone, but the 3 tips that you share in this video have helped me tremendously. Thanks Dr. Houlihan!
This is awesome! Thanks for sharing, and I'm glad the video was helpful for you. Thanks for the info on the Lems too, I bought the original boulder boots about 5 years ago and it's time to replace them, but I definitely want a pair wide enough to fit my toe spacers inside too
@@DrHoulihan LEMS BOULDER SUMMIT UPDATE: Before I bought the Boulder Summit Waterproof Boots I did as much research on them as possible. According to the Lems site they are advertised as having the widest toe box that they have to offer, even a bit wider than the regular Boulder Boots, which was the main reason that I decided to try them. So, I was a little disappointed when I could not immediately fit toe spacers in them comfortably when I first got them. The good news is that after the first couple weeks of wearing them hiking and letting the leather break in I was able to wear toe spacers inside the boots for longer periods of time. And now, after about 1.5 months I have started wearing toe spacers in them daily, sometimes all day long (with metatarsal pads) and my foot pain has basically went away.
*I imagine the only con would be whether or not you mind having more tread. The stack height on these feel more like an actual boot, so they might not be for the minimalist, barefoot shoe purist. But it seems to be a pretty good solution for what I was specifically looking for: mainly eliminating pain. I have come to wear these boots daily for hiking, and even when I am out running around town. I have not had any other barefoot boots to compare them to but they have come to be the most comfortable pair of footwear that I own.
In addition to adding the metatarsal pad to the top of my shoe inserts, immediately below the ball of the foot under the spot where the neuroma is, I cut a one inch square hole out of the insert. This hole removes all of the pressure from the bottom of the shoe at the neuroma's location.
So u cut out where the arch of ur foot is ? Like the middle of the foot ?
@@fleadoggreen9062 You have to press around the bottom of your foot to locate the most painful spot. Under that spot just start with a 1/2 inch wide square cut out of the shoe insert. The goal it to reduce as much pressure under the neuroma as possible. It did not help much the very first time I got the neuroma. I had to get a steroid injection then.
@@keyboardtek hi ,how's it now?
@@akkuverma2328 So I went to a physical therapist who has seen hundreds of people with Morton's Neuroma. He zeroed right in on the running shoe I was wearing. He pointed out that the sole was a hard stiff rubber. They are the Brooks Beast model. This model was known for causing foot problems! Plus even though I had bought a triple extra wide size, he thought it still was too narrow for my foot. He said the best running/walking shoe brand for Morton's Neuroma was the HOKA. They have extremely soft cushioned soles and a very wide toe box. I called Brooks and explained that I had just bought these shoes like six months ago and they were causing my foot pain. They were aware of the situations and informed me they changed the rubber in the Beast model to a very soft cushy one. They exchanged my six month old shoes for a new pair of The Beast with that softer sole. I did use a shoe stretcher for a month to widen them a little bit. My foot pain went away with these new soles. FYI. I did try on the HOKA brand. One of their models regular width is another 1/4 inch wider than these 3x Brooks! The next shoes I get will be that wide HOKA model. It has a super cushy sole.
This gives me new hope. I hadn't considered zero-drop shoes and toe spacers. Appreciate the time and effort you put into this!
Glad to help!
I’ve used all of these methods to get myself to the finish line of an ironman. They didn’t completely eliminate the pain but I was able to mitigate it to a point that I was able to train and race. After spending hours in PT office, going to podiatrist, and lots of wasted money on shoes these tips you have given are also the same things that I used and still use. Good advice!
Glad it has worked for you! Sometimes less is more
Im so happy to read theres hope as Im currently in the same position of training for an Ironman and now my pain is flairing up
@@RicoAndJodie I’m now five years later training for another one and the neuroma is still there but I have no pain 3-4 months into training. Bike shoes are as important as running shoes. I have a cheaper pair of shimano in a wide size that I got during my training for my first one. They def made a big difference. I actually shocked how good it is this time around. I learned a lot the first time. I also switched to a pair of altra paradigm which are a stability shoe that they make. The altra shoes have def helped but the stability version of these has helped me to not roll off the side of my foot and irritate it further. Any questions feel free to ask. I also swear by the a-line foot beds. Expensive but that have a good built in metatarsal pad.
@@ironore8677 thanks for the input!
I was looking at the altra paradigms today, so you would say its worth it?
Thanks for mentioning the cycling shoes because my foot indeed hurts most after cycling. Did you just size up by half a size? Or are there actually cycling shoes with wide toe boxes?
@@RicoAndJodie so I used to buy my shoes too small so when I say I sized up I really did but didn’t. Shimano makes a wide size and I’d say they are the best. I used to have to take my shoe off and rub my foot after a couple hours. I also wear boots at work and I switched to keens and that helped. How far out is ur race?
Wow. This helped immediately. Possibly temporary, but at least I can walk today! I already had Altra shoes with no drop, but the pad and the toe separators were what I was missing. Thanks!
Glad it worked for you!
The flat sole is a no go when you need arch support and have facia problems. Flat for me hurts worse. I can't even go barefooted. I have to have cushion with arch support. Spacers yes but there is no way to go over an hour in those things. I have found that using an insert with that section of the neuroma cut out works best for me. Wide toe box for sure. Mine was caused from sleeping with my feet stacked and cricketing.
Hi, how much you are able to manage your neuroma and how much time you have been facing it?
@akkuverma2328 just this year. Some days are worse than others.
@@sjeluitjens plz briefly tell me how you are managing and from how much time you are facing the neuroma,s issue? I want to know is it manageable or life ruining😮💨
@@sjeluitjens hi ,plz reply
I only use spacers between toes where the MN is affected. Doesn't require me to need such wide shoes. And I use hapads for the metatarsal support. They come in two sizes and can be put in every pair of shoes on the cheap.
I stopped wearing socks and the pain went away. I am going to try the socks with individual toe holes ("toe socks") to see if these are helpful. I also have found some sock companies where the socks are almost like soft hosiery and so there is no compression of toes. No socks has made all the difference for me, like a miracle, finally able to wear my shoes with no pain. I hope this helps someone.
I think wearing cushioned socks 24/7 has contributed to this plus overweight plus wealk gluts, knees, calves, plantar fascitis, metatargia (proning feet)
Omg this was super informative!! Thank you!
My pleasure!
Thank you for the informative video, tried different metatarsal pads with limited relief, and using the toe separators help for short term. Will keep plugging away to get relief, had first cortisone shot in September, helped a lot, but starting to act up again. I get to wear sandals 99% of the time which helps.
Best of luck! 99% sandals sounds amazing
Another help is to wrap together 2,3 and 4,5 toes together... You can do IT with a Electric tape.... This Make space between 3 and 4 toues
Use white EC tape IT LEAVES no residue
My MN is on my right foot but between my 2nd & 3rd toe. If you tape the toes would you tape the 1st and 2nd and then the 3rd & 4th?
Absolutely first rate info. Thank you. I have MN in both feet and on the journey trying to figure out if I should do cryosurgery or KobyGard (MIND).
Thank you Doctor. I recently suffered from a Liz Frank injury and because of it I have lots of hardware in my foot. I also have Morton’s neuroma and have found getting a wider shoe box plus wearing support pads under the neuroma area has helped me a lot. I am trying very hard not to expose myself to any more foot surgeries so what ever I can do relieve the pain and discomfort is most helpful. Thank u
Best of luck!
I recently developed MN in my left foot. It came suddenly, literally woke up one morning with it. Severe pain! I watched several YT videos on self care, and came up with this: I use a single gel toe spacer between my 2nd and third toe. Then I use a metatarsal pad, mine are the self stick felt ones that are tear drop shape. I place the pad just beyond where my toes start on the bottom of the foot. Pad placement location is crucial. Anyway, I suggest you just experiment with different things. My pain is gone, and I am back to normalcy. I would use surgery or injections as a last resort.
Minimal shoes are what caused my Morton's Neuroma in the first place, so I'm nervous about trying those again. I actually threw them out because of it.
I wear wide shoes with "Toe Sox" to separate those piggies and also insert a pair of the orthotic insoles, "PowerStep Pinnacle Plus Met" into all of my shoes & slippers. I rarely think about my Morton's Neuroma issue.
Thank you for your helpful video. I have both planter fasciitis and now MN. I have flat feed and arch support helps alleviate back pain. Can I wear barefoot shoes and use metatarsal pads with arch insoles?
Well explained video I used to have the metatarsal pain and started wearing for years, the Altras wide toe box zero drop It really helped tho the quality seems to have been decreased. and still wear them today . However the other day I slipped on a new pair of Hoka Speedgoats I had laying on the shelf in the box and the pain came back instantly. I am assuming the shoe manufacture make that much difference? Where can I purchase those insoles with built in meta pads? Thanks
Yes, great ideas - they work in general. I have a question - when hiking the pain turns on especially downhill. I have tried spacers and pads but they don’t work for long. I do take cortisone shots that help greatly to hike but aren’t a permanent solution. Is yjere anything else I can do? Thanks !
I CHANGED TO BIRKENSTOCK FOOTWEAR AND IT CHANGED MY LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi ,plz help by explaining
@ my Morton’s neuroma is no longer a problem, as long as I continue to wear my Birkenstock sandals, shoes and boots, as they take all the pressure off of my neuroma! Buy them if you have a neuroma!!
@@Knowledge-b6o is it really possible you can live without your neuroma being a problem? From how much time do you have neuroma by the way? I am scared as I have seen people saying it gets worse with time and have no actual solution but surgery,which itself is unpredictable.
@ DO NOT HAVE THAT SURGERY!! IT DOES NOT WORK!!! PLEASE BUY BIRKENSTOCK SANDALS AND LET ME KNOW HOW YOUR FOOT FEELS!!
Awesome information! Thank you for sharing!!
My issues are when I run, after about 1.5 miles my right foot starts to go numb with mild pain. I am extremely flat footed and have 5 different pairs of running shoes to try and alleviate the issues. I also tried the sticky pads for the area you described. I haven’t had luck with that. I will try a pair of zero drop shoes and the toe foam spreaders. Thats for the tips.
There could be a number of things contributing to numbness, I would recommend seeing a PT versed in foot/ankle. Gait Happens has some good resources
Things that have helped me with Morton’s Neuroma:
1- Indiba Laser 2- Multi Radiance Laser 3- Rolfing to traction and separate toes, muscles and ligaments to open up foot 4- Bikram yoga postures and practice to strengthen surrounding ligaments & muscles
5- I also did Shockwave
Curious if anyone has done Prolotherapy?
Hows your feet now
@@akkuverma2328 Anout 70 percent better- been going to yoga consistenly and doing cold therapy also now...Dreaming and working on reversing completely...Want to start hiking mountains again..
You are so right! I tried barefoot shoes for a couple of days now and I could walk all day long from the very beginning. The space allows my toes to do their work, I can feel it with every step!
Thank you for your all good informations. I will try the 3 steps.
it’s crazy bc the podiatrist i went to abt the neuroma pain told me the complete opposite and i listened for about 2 months until i realized it wasn’t getting better big waste of $ trying to find shoes. been wearing altra escalante racers n it’s good so far with a pad on the insole
I'm glad you found relief! Reliable information can be hard to come by unfortunately
@@DrHoulihan Not entirely though i have some days, it’s been a pain trying to get here tho at least i can finally walk usually at least 88% of the time without pain but weightlifting + the neuroma pain was very difficult to deal with. Could you make a video on shoes you’d recommend other than vivobarefoot?
@@Jasmine-hk4qo recommend for what activity specifically?
@@DrHoulihan training
@@Jasmine-hk4qo Of the shoes I have, I like kinis barefoot, Merrell vapor glove, vibram fivefingers, skinners socks, and of course any of the vivos
How about a over the counter insole with a Met pad built in? Also I run ultra races up to 100 miles. My fear regarding toe spacers would be they may give me blisters between the toes. Perhaps wear the spaces over toe socks? Thoughts?
@vagnsteen5130 Both good ideas. I don't run much, but I will put spacers over toe socks if I do it for any meaningful duration. And assuming the built in met pad is positioned appropriately for your foot that should work well
My MN is on my right foot but between my 2nd & 3rd toe. If you tape the toes would you tape the 1st and 2nd and then the 3rd & 4th?
I wear the metatarsal pads and they help tremendously. My doctor told me to wear a shoe with a rocker towards the front (ie Hokas). I have not tried toe separators. I will have to try them. Thanks for the video but alas I would like to wear shoes that are cute.
I have been struggling with this pain for decades. The last time I went to the doctor I got 3 cortisone shots in one year and it did nothing. I'm about to cut in to my foot myself. Sometimes it hurts so badly after only being on my feet for 10 min. I have been wondering if these zero shoes would help at all. Thank you for this vid. I will have to try all 3 things and hopefully it will help.
Best of luck! My pain used to be awful too but now I hardly notice
@@ndn8shn999 are you using standard shoes or a wide toe box shoes such as Altra, Zero, etc? I'm liking the recommendation of a zero drop shoe with the met pad (the Altra Torin 7 is a zero drop should would plenty of cushioning), so I'm wondering if an insole is necessary with that combination. I have regular width shoes with a not so wide toe box (this morton's neruroma pain is new to me), so if I don't need to dump those shoes and can use an insole like PowerStep with a met pad then that would prevent me from having to get rid of those shoes.
Great information presentation!! I will try the steps you recommended. I was mistaken. I thought I had metatarsal issues, ball of foot pain. But when you mentioned about an awkward step a pop.. light bulb came on.
Thanks for the insights
Best of luck!
Great vid , cheers mate
Dr. Great video!! New subscriber!! For the past 3 months, I feel like I’m stepping on something, on my right foot. I have no other symptoms!
I’m doing all of the MN stretches. I noticed my right calf (same side as my ball of foot lump feeling is on) is very tight! Tighter than my left side!!
Do you think if I continue to do my exercises that the feeling like I’m stepping on something will go away?
Also, why don’t I have any other symptoms, or pain? I’m NOT complaining!!
THANK YOU!!!! ❤
I bought thick heal cushioned flip flop just the heal part was thick then it tapered down towards the toes thinner cushion but still had some thickness and had arch in the center. I cried when I realized the pain was gone. I wore everyday until they broke a year later because I’d walk fast in them and everywhere ,felt great!! They were also rather light. Felt like I was walking on the clouds! I need a shoe like that again I can’t find anything that was just like that I may remake something similar for my foot. The pain is awful I tried everything else expensive shoes don’t work inserts help but not like that pair of simple flip flop
Sometimes less is more!
Thank you. What do you do when you have plantar Fascitis on one foot and Morton's N on the other. I need cushioning due to the PF and extremely bad knees. The flat shoes are not supportive enough.
What are the foot strengthening exercises? What about supplements?
I ordered a post surgery shoe with hard bottom and it does wonders for this. Doesn’t really allow a bend at the metatarsal area. Ugly but works
What if you also have severe heel pain? Not plantar fasciitis, perhaps a bursa?
Thank you. Metarsalgia and developed pain between toes, especially toe beside little toe. ( Left foot).I buy expensive Hokas and New Balances. Heard rocker,thick, soles and stability are good. Started to rethink as relief seems to last but a few months.The Hoka arahis now are squeezing little toe after washing. However sole appears to be comfortable . Now I have pain in between toes. In Arahi's ,feels too narrow. I guess I have to reconfigure my shoes now. Spent so much money already and I'm still in pain.
Have you tried metatarsal pads? And having a wide toe box is a must
@@DrHoulihanThank you Dr. I have tried the metarsal pads but I have few very wide toe boxes.The shoes with wide toe need more length. Foot measures 8.5,I'm told to wear 9M sneakers.i thought kids size 7 was okay. It may have been the start of my problems. .Sports store recommended 9M Now I don't know what to do with myself. Pain is so excruciating in Morton's neuroma affected toe( beside little toe.) What size do I wear,do I wear flat shoes? I will try what you recommended. I can't walk on my left foot pain free.
Are socks good or bad? I can't tell.
Socks are fine as long as they don't cramp your foot in the shoe. Sometimes finding your size is trial and error, different brands will have different fits. Splay, Altra, Wildling, and Xero have pretty wide toe boxes, have you tried any of those?
@@DrHoulihan I have not. Thanks for recommending. I have tried the toe socks( separate toe spaces,) however,I was unsure if I was doing harm. I literally wore for a few hours and decided to try them again. Dr.What do you think of socks made to separate toes?
I have a Morton’s neuroma in my right foot. I am transitioning to Xero barefoot shoes (~6 weeks), use toe spacers and am doing a 12 week foot strengthening program. my neuroma still acts up a bit so I was beginning to think I won’t be able to fully transition or use for long hikes, etc. BUT after watching this video I wonder if the metatarsal pads may be the missing piece? Can you give me more information on that piece. They seem to come in varying sizes and shapes. I did find Pedag on Amazon but unsure which to try.
What do you think of the RFA - the "hot needle" approach? I think I am going forward with it.
@@scottg3472 It's pretty successful from what I understand
In my journey to deal with this (both feet, right worse than the left) I’ve been looking for footwear solutions. It seems most wide toebox shows are defined as barefoot shoes. From what I gather, those with MN should have footwear with minimal to zero drop, there should be some level of cushioning in the forefoot and a wide toe box.
So, my question is, where do I find a good source of information on current footwear that fit this criteria?
It seems most barefoot footwear options may have the wide toe box and may have minimal drop but…… they are typically have dry little to no cushioning.
…. also, what footwear options are there for golf?
Try Altra or Lems (can personally vouch for), Topo, Keen, or newcomer Flux Footwear
Thank you that helps a lot
I have been dealing with bilateral neuromas for many years. I had an ultrasound by a radiologist who was trained in bottom of foot US that told me I no longer had any fat pads left on the bottom of my feet. I have a really hard time finding a comfortable shoes. Any advice? I just turned 73 and really like to walk, exercise and be active. Thanks
If you live in United States, i know that in Michigan there is the best foot clinic , and , i think they are working with the last tecnique about Morton's disease, and it is the criosurgery. Don't do the mistake that happened to me in 2018 , they amputated the second and third nerves of my left foot , and since then my life became the hell on this earth . Radiofrequency is a good system to struggle Neuroma , but must be done by a very expert doctor , my companion had radiofrequency done by a dickhead and her life has been destroyed, she's suffering of pain that she almost not able to walk , and she's only 63 years old . If you are from U.K. , search for the Neuroma center in London , they use criosurgery and seems a revolution ( in a positive meaning) about foot treatments . Hope you will feel better , all the best to you, Patrick from Italy
I need high cushion shoes, can the toe part be elevated a bit higher?
Pls send me names of manufacturers of the proper shoes designs and accessories for treating Morton’s neuro problems
Something snapped inside my left foot when I went upstairs I didn't put my foot fully on step and used too much force on the front part of my foot. It feels sore and tender inside near middle of big toe and second toe and when I walk and bend my left foot I feel a clicking inside and can sometimes hear it. What is it? I'm not sure it's motor neuroma. There isn't any pain at bottom just feel a clicking sometimes. What type of indoor shoes would u recommend. My crops are too big. The backs of my feet are narrow so my feel roll inwards and a private podiatrist said I have flat feet and bit of plantar fasciitis. I try to lean on the outer edges but that puts strain on my legs. I struggle to find footwear to support my combination feet.
When icing, do I ice the top of my foot or the bottom?
What is your rekommendation for me?
I have Mortons AND Plantar Fasciit.
Rest!!!!??
That would kill me.
Before i use Hooka, but now i use Altra.
/ Thomas
See my video about plantar fasciitis
I'm looking into getting a pair of Altra's Torin 7 shoes (zero drop, plus plenty of cushioning when I'm on my feet for hours at work). Since it already has a wide toe box, would the standard regular width work if I'm wearing toe spacers? I'm not feeling the bright blue color on the wide option for the Torin 7. Thanks for all your help!
I've never had a problem fitting toe spacers in Altra's of any kind
I call bullshit to this whole video. My Morton's neuroma is the worst when I go barefoot. I've tried correct toes and they don't work for me either. I will try the metatarsal pad because I haven't done that yet
I’m sorry you are going through this!! There is a fabulous video on RUclips, from Proactive Therapy, that speaks on MN. Please watch that video about exercises!! Also, metatarsal pads are a game changer!!! Good luck hun.
Thankyou
@Dr.Houlihan. How are you? Thank you for your informative videos. Question,I find that wearing the met pad directly on my foot itself gives relief- But not for very long. It's frustrating moving the pads on the insoles to find right spot. Bought the pedag brand,but I'm moving them too much so they lose adhesiveness. Is it not recommended to put it directly on my foot? The gel kind stick well to them. The Pedag,I'm not liking. Another thing,ordered a minimalist shoe from a vivobarefoot through Global E. Are they legit,on logo,they have clear circles not red. Now I'm worried 😳
I believe the met pads are intended to be placed adhesive side down on the insoles of your shoes based on the convex shape- I have the same issue getting them in the right location too, it usually takes a few tries. As far as the vivo shoes I am not familiar with Global E so I am not sure if they are reputable or not
@@DrHoulihan Thank you, DR. My improvement has been seen with Physical therapy and Hoka Arahi 6 sneakers.I opted to not do surgery to remove neuoma. Physical Therapy makes such a huge difference.
Hand up anyone watching this video already in vivos & toe-spacers & feeling smug ✋😁 great video, if i’d found this when you posted it it would have saved me £100’s in ineffective treatments 😂👍
Well I'm glad you're already on the right track!
Partially at least, i havent got the pads, maybe i should? But i have been taping my foot which helps. Would you have a different recomendation if it was capsulitis? That’s what my podiatrist diagnosed capsulitis but for some reason MN seems more likely to me? It’s been a rough couple of years trying to get to the bottom of this pain in the a$$ * i mean foot! 😂😅 @@DrHoulihan
Any advice for someone with a failed surgery? I heard the success rate on the 2nd surgery isnt great.
Have you tried any combination of the ideas in this video?
Can you run with the metatarsal pads?
I have 4e brooks Ghost and arch support but do not relieve pain
The width is not as important as the shape, have you tried any of the recommendations in this video yet?
Is there a gym shoes that I can comfortably wear with toe spacers?
Vivobarefoot, Tolos, Xero Shoes all work pretty well
Hello,
So I only souffert this when cycling. I've spent slot on shoes and bike fits too but lose feeling in my foot after around 30mins. As a bike racer this is not good.
I have scoliosis and degenerative disc's L4,5 S1 which impinge the nerve in my spine. Is there a link here?
I've been walking with my right foot in the 10 past the hour for years.
Sports custom insert doesn't help either 🙈
Sorry, I was using a French keyboard to type 😅
There could be a link depending on the pattern of numbness, but typically biking puts the lumbar spine in a relative position of flexion which would release pressure on the nerves rather than compress them. Not always absolute though. Are your bike shoes the real narrow type that clip on the pedals?
@@DrHoulihan
Hello Dr.
I have recently purchased new shoes (Lake) with a wider toe box than the standard 90mm across the Metatarsals. The new ones are 98mm and I'm waiting for a podiatrist to make a custom insole. 🤞
@@stuarthammond2030 what's the purpose for the insole?
@@DrHoulihan
Arch support and metatarsal pad I believe.
Can you run or powerwalk with all this in place!?!?
Absolutely! I do it every day
Will I e er be able to jump rope again 😢, thanks for the video
All these good shoes have super high heels I’m like I need cushion under the ball of my feet , I get zapped in my toes my middle3 toes thanks
My dr. Told me to tape my toes I have it in both feet at 2 and 3 and left is 9cm and right is 8cm. Well it caused more pain. SMH. I has tow spacers she said not to use so I returned them. Wth.
Video called Proactive Therapy. Best video ever!!! You need to get metatarsal pads, a RUBZ ball and do the exercises every day!!! You won’t believe the improvement. Good luck!!!!
Will neuroma go away, or is this combo necessary forever? Comment on injections.
It won't go away on its own. From what I understand, injections or surgery are the only options that would shrink or remove the neuroma
Hi! Thank you for this video! I have been recently diagnosed with Mortons neuroma and this has been all new to me. When I was seen by the podiatrist, it was recommended to me to change my shoes and also get arch support inserts. I was fitted for some wide Asics (as I had been wearing narrows shoes for a prolonged period of time) along with getting the firmest PowerStep arch support inserts (as I also have been over pronating/arch collapsing basically). This change has been somewhat helpful, but I have been seeking additional solutions. Would you recommend the toe spacers and metatarsal pads in addition to wearing my arch support inserts in my shoes? I definitely still need arch support and wouldn't want to swap out the inserts I have currently. Your feedback in greatly appreciated!!
Lots to unpack with this one! I would certainly recommend toe spacers, but only if the shoes you wear are wide enough to accommodate them. In my experience, there aren't really any mainstream shoe companies that produce a shoe wide enough for a normally shaped human foot, let alone with toe spacers in place. I would investigate the SHAPE of your Asics as well to ensure they are widest not at the MTP joint but at the end of the shoe near the toes. You can add metatarsal pads if needed, but they may not be necessary with anatomically shaped shoes and toe spacers in place. I'm not sure exactly the role the arch support plays in your scenario, would need more info but definitely yes to toe spacers and wider shoes 👍
@@DrHoulihan Thank you so much for your reply! I definitely appreciate the feedback! Looking at my Asics, it is definitely not wide at the end of my shoe near my toes but instead wide at the MTP joint. This might be why my neuroma hasn't been able to be relieved. Since the end of my shoe is not wide, I guess I would not be able to use the toe spacers. What shoes do you recommend that has a wide toe (for a somewhat reasonable cost)? I would definitely like to invest in shoes right for me, as I am currently a full time PT student on my feet all day. Thank you!
@melissamcc8473 I review a ton of different shoes on my channel if you want more details, but some of my favorites right now (at reasonable cost) are Tolos, Splay, Altra (only one thay still has substantial cushioning), Feelgrounds, or Xero Shoes
Would you recommend surgery if all else fails?
If the benefits outweigh the risks, yes
I find this information to be essential for pain management but as soon as I go see a doctor, they recommend completely different shoes, no toe spacers and custom orthotics that usually cost hundreds of $$
Love your videos! Where can I find your exercises for Morton's Neuroma? Thank you!
I have a video with a few general exercises also posted to my channel
What if you try all three but the pain doesn’t go away?
What are your takes about the needle shots and/or surgery? Worth it?
Shots are a temporary fix so if you're desperate, you can do that as long as you go in with the understanding that it's not a permanent solution. The surgery from what I understand is a decent option as long as you understand the inherent risks. I would also evaluate the way these 3 solutions have been implemented because in my personal experience they alleviate my pain 100%
Surgery might be worth it for some people, but not for me. I had a sesamoidectomy with two slight incisions in the nerves for my neuromas. Now I have to go back for surgery to have deeper incisions to completely eliminate the nerve pain after it returned. It's a very long recovery.
Can those pads be found in a regular pharmacy/drugstore?
I'm not sure about these ones specifically but according to Google, there are some products available at wal mart, walgreens, and more specialty places like REI or roadrunner sports
@@DrHoulihan Can Morton's Neuroma go away 100% and never return again without surgery? I had a series of shots 5 times and 90% of the pain went away with a lingering pain here and there. With the quick tips you provided us with your video is it possible to get rid of the condition all together for the rest of someone's life? Or the pain continues to return here and there? Just curious. Thank you.
@Krissy Densing From what I understand, once the neuroma forms the only way to truly eliminate it completely is surgically. There are modifications you can do to reduce inflammation and acute irritation to the area which may result in a relative decrease in size but I do not know of any instances of spontaneous resolution of the neuroma itself
@@DrHoulihan wow! You worded your explanation so eloquently and so well understood. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping to guide me. You made a lot of sense. Happy New Year's to you and your family. God bless you!
@Krissy Densing Happy new years!
Good one
What’s your opinion on Birkenstocks?
Usually decent width overall but very stiff and the most popular model (the Arizona) restricts toe splay
Thank you …OK, your thoughts on Keen? I have a pair of walking shoes that feel good.
@jar2979 I used to wear Keen before I went all the way barefoot, they have a good sized toe box but still thick and rigid. Which might be fine depending on what you need
@@DrHoulihan thank you 😊
I cannot find a pair of zero drop’s that have a thicker sole. The only shoes that help me are Croc’s, which I believe are zero drop, have the correct large shoe box and whose sole has the perfect shock absorption for walking on concrete. Any suggestions for a zero drop with a thicker less flexible sole? I also use Spenco arch insoles. They’re quite good.
Altra is usually my go-to. I don't own any, but I have also heard Topo Athletic is similar
Thank you Dr. Houlihan. Yes, seems Altra's was also suggested to me by others. I will look into both brands. Much appreciated. @@DrHoulihan
Links to the products?
www.correcttoes.com/metatarsal-pads.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw9J2iBhBPEiwAErwpeTCoz3yrULno7AwQfwpBN6Z_sNBkKmas9_SXuFLasNMF5tj4C735FxoCraEQAvD_BwE
correcttoes.com/shop/correct-toes/correct-toes.html
But what of you have achilles tendinopathy too, zero drop heal is going to make that worse
Hi thx for your tips but I got those pads and I can’t walk even 1km with them and yes I’ve placed them at the right spot. I’ve also gotten custom orthopedic inner soles but I’m not sure if I believe in them as they have a raised arch but was told to ware them in both shoes but it hurts my arch on my foot without the MR injury. Also the height of my arches wasn’t measured and these custom inner soles wasn’t made for my feet they are mass produced :( the only thing that had helped me is going zero drop foot shape with Altra stability Paradigm 6 and I also have a Vivo bare foot but 3mm sole is just to tin I been more cushioning. But my question is what in your opinion could be a recommended cushion type. I mean I think I like the P6 30mm stack height with Altra’s Ego Max foam but I’m not sure if a harder foam like the Lone Peaks 24mm stack and Ego foam would be better. So basically is a softer foam better than a harder foam. I also walk an average of km25 per day. Thx for reading and replying.
Theres no right answer for everyone, the vast majority of walking I do is either with no cushion or 3-5mm outsole on most of my shoes. If it's still bothering me I add the met pads and if that doesn't do it and I'm really walking a lot I go for Altra with some more cushion.
I developed a MN after wearing barefoot shoes for 4 years!
the last tip does not work for everyone. Not for me.
Let’s not forget socks. Some sport socks want to squeeze your toes together to provide support but they create neuroma problems
Women need nicer shoes this will not work for me what else can I do?
Check out anyasreviews.com she has a lot more resources for women
Allora le balace
Vanno bene ok
Those shoes will not work at my job. My shoes must be slip proof, waterproof and safety toe so those shoes would be pointless.
@loriolson3191 I've heard red wing king toe are pretty wide, haven't tried myself but may accommodate toe spacers
Wearing those shoes is what makes my neuroma hurt the worst!
Have you tried the other 2 tips?
@@DrHoulihan Yes, the met pads are what bring the most relief but am still hoping to find a permanent cure.
@bbartel1978 Surgery is always an option if you have exhausted all conservative treatments and nothing had helped
Your dads shoes😂😂😂