Morton's Neuroma

[loumoo]

I started having pain in ball of right foot, then pin,s and needles and later sharp needle -like nerve pain down my 2nd and 3rd toes.My socks feel like they are constantly bunched up around my toes and my foot gets very hot and itchy by the end of the day. When I went to private podiatrist he immediatly diagnosed MN. After a few unsucessful weeks of orthotics and sensible shoes and rest from normal walking (I'm a nurse) he suggested I go to GP and ask for an ultra sound scan. The radiologist couldnt see anything but said it sounded like the diagnosis was correct from my symptoms. He put me down for a MRI Which I had 3 days ago , only to be told that apart from a bit of swelling there is nothing abnormal. ! Unfortunately this has all been done through my GP so have not actually seen a orthopaedic specialist yet which will take months. Where do I go now.?

[Whiteeagle]

LooMoo

MRI's do not always show Morton's Neuromas, nor do ultra sounds tests. I had a Mortons Neuroma excised 3 weeks ago based on clinical symptoms only as all the above tests were negative.
I have been writing to another forum on this site for months and this has almost closed now. I was drawn by your posting because I went through hell trying to get a diagnosis and after months of no one wanting to help me I was finally told by a more experienced surgeon that tests do not always show MN.

Find an experienced foot surgeon and be prepared to travel out of your way to do so. I ended up borrowing money and paying for a private podiatric surgeon with an excellent reputation, as all the foot specialist orthopaedic surgeons were booked out 12 months in advance.
In Australia there is a shortage of experienced foot surgeons. Make a booking to see someone good even if you have to wait. Do your research.
Good Luck
Ro

[loumoo]

Ro,

Thanks for your comments.
I've now got a date to see the specialist June 27th, I'm counting the days as this pain /condition doesnt improve .Just hope I dont get the run around that you had . This is the UK so here's hoping!
But if the last entry is anything to go by I should'nt build my hopes up.

Hope your recovery is going ok.

Loumoo

[Whiteeagle]

Hi Loomoo

Please let me know how you go with the specialist, I would be most interested.
Perserverance is the word here. You know your foot pain best of all and you know something has to be done. Most doctors have no idea about this type of pain where pain killers do nothing. If this speialist can't help, find another as eventually you will find the right person who knows enough. My neuroma that was excised 3 weeks ago was confirmed by patholgy and was a significant size! It was between the first and second toes which is unusual.

This forum and some of the contacts I made as a result have helped me through the last months. I hope I have given you some hope and positive guidance, ultimately it is up to you to make the right decisions for yourself.

Good luck and I look forward to hearing from you at the end of the month.
Ro

[jacqui00]

Hi Loomoo

I have been diagnosed with Morton's Neuroma of the left foot . Diagnosed by having an x-ray the condition has been so painful at times i cannot wear enclosed shoes or even put a bed sheet over my left foot. I had a consultation with my consultant on 3rd July 08. He has confirmed it is morton's Neuroma, and because of the severity of it, has deformed my second toe i will have to have surgery to every toe side of the foot ball of the foot. He checked my right foot as i have the same symptoms starting in my right foot. He diagnosed it was now happening in my right foot, and will have to have the same procedure within 6 months of the first op.

I have signed the consent forms for the op on NHS waiting list could be a wait of 3 months, i am going on holiday next month so don't mind waiting. I also have Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy of the Right knee, due to an Arthroscopy 11 years ago not got full mobility of the knee. Could have caused the problems with my feet! Asked the consultant for pain relief would not apply cortisone, did not want to cause an infection before op just dose up on paracetomol at the moment. Have had to resign from work 3 weeks ago due to ill health, also have now Hypertension, Oedema could be an autoimmune disease causing my ill health at the moment. My orthopedic surgeon Dr Taba will not operate untill i have been diagnosed. Have an appointment with an Endocronologist on 6th August 08.

If you have had your op yet? Please let me know how you get on. How are you coping with work. Has the MN effected your other foot.

Good luck

jacqui00