Hey, I'm new here.. I'm a senior in high school and on my school's rowing team, and have been experiencing complications with a neuroma in my left foot for about 9 months now. It's been a huge problem because rowing is a sport where you are constantly pushing off with your legs, not to mention we do a lot of running and ergometer training. I had a cortisone shot in February of this year, but my problem came back by the spring and now it's worse than ever.

My doctor said the only thing I can really do now is get surgery. Fall crew season ends in early November, and winter season begins after the new year. If I get the surgery in mid- to late November, should I be ready for weight lifting and erg training by early January?

Also, what are the complications with this surgery? The pain is really getting in the way of my athletic performance, but the last thing I want is to have this surgery in the middle of the year and be forced to sit out all winter and spring season of my senior year because of a fluke in my surgery.

Thanks so much to anyone who can help me.

There is much information that you need. Where are you and what kind of doctor did you see? It needs to be a sports med doc - whether ortho or podiatrist. This is quite often an athletic injury and needs to be treated as such. I had one removed almost 5 years ago. Considering the recovery time, you might want to put it off till after the final season. It will take up to a year for it to COMPLETELY heal. That being said, you'll be able to a lot at 2
months but it may not be what you need to compete.

Next, the cortizone shots will do nothing for this condition other than as a diagnostic tool to determine that you really do have a neuroma. Alcohol injections, 3-4 over a couple of week time span might help. Otherwise, it needs be removed.

DO NOT have a ligament release nor a nerve decompression. Only have it removed. And only by someone who has done a lot of these and who has a good success rate for it. Ask around. If you are in a town with a pro football or basketball team or a 1-A college athletic program, find out who they use for this. And be specific when you call the front office or athletic department. Don't ask who they use for feet - ask who they use for Morton's Neuroma.

In the mean time, you might also try a pad in your shoe. I got one from my doc and it worked for a while. Eventually, I had to have it removed. Rowing doesn;t concern me so much as you can find a way to do that...it's the running that's going to be problematic. You might have to switch to an elliptical machine for a while...something where you don;t "pound" on the area.

Keep us posted and good luck!

I agree with Titchou!!!

DO NOT GET Liagament release surgery. Take it from someone who is still suffering 2 years later. Now I need to have the nerve portion removed...

Keep us posted....

I would highly suggest that you don't have another cortisone injection, even if your doctor says it will help your condition. Cortisone has the potential of causing atrophy to soft tissues, meaning that the fat pad in your foot could become thinner, and this is that last thing you want to happen.

Also, I don't believe that a cortisone injection can be used as a tool for diagnosing a neuroma, as Titchou stated. I've done a lot of research into cortisone injections.

If you're going to put off getting neuroma surgery, definitely make sure you wear comfortable shoes (no high heels) with good cushioning for your foot. Try to avoid activities that put a lot of pressure into the ball of your foot...that's not going to be easy with the type of sport you participate in, however.

Dr. Brodkin in TX, Drs Gottfryd and Gould in AL all use cortisone injections as an aid to diagnose neuromas. I got this directly from them...not reading about it.

Well first of all, I'm pretty sure the cortisone was not used to diagnose the neuroma in my case. My orthopedist diagnosed it before I had the shot, but he thought it was only tiny and the pain would fade after I had the cortisone. Of course it ended up being a bigger problem than he anticipated. When I went back (the same appointment at which he suggested surgery) he asked if I wanted another shot just for the pain, but I chose not to get one because it wasn't really worth it the first time.

I'm also definitely not getting that ligament surgery if I do get surgery done. My orthopedist said they were just going to cut the nerve out completely. I have my appointment with the specialist to discuss surgery on November 6, the day my crew season ends, I'll keep you posted :)

Oh but I have one more question...how probable is it to have neuromas in both feet?

They can diagnose it from the "clicking" when they manipulate the foot (squeeze it). The cortisone injection is in addition to that as a diagnostic tool. If it takes care of the problem permanently, then it wasn't a neuroma. If it doesn/t, then it is. And yes, you can have one in both feet...kind of unusual but not unheard of. Good luck!

Well I have had my appointment, and I am getting my neuroma removed on December 6. My doctor was extremely nice and has done thousands of these surgeries so I feel really comfortable about it. The best part is that he says I won't need crutches and that I'll be free to exercise and do whatever I want in two weeks post-surgery, which is perfect because I didn't want to miss too much of my off-season lifting/workouts. I can't wait to get back to training, pain-free :)

2 weeks sounds very optimistic. The healing times could vary dramatically, from 6 weeks to longer. I would suggest that you ask your doctor if you could speak to a couple of patients who have had the surgery. Many patients have reported that their podiatrists were very optimistic. Better to have realistic expectations.

To be quite honest, my doctor told me the actual complete healing time was 12-18 months. And it was right at 12 months before I NEVER noticed any issues. You will have swelling for quite some time...off an on. The healing with this surgery is not linear but up and down. In other words, it can feel great for a few day and then not so good. it's a nerve that has to heal so...
And yes, you should be able to walk out of the hospital but you will have swelling that you will have to learn to deal with...slowly put your weight down evenly on that foot each time you start to walk. This may take as mch as a minute or two to accomplish....especially in the first week or so. Take is slowly. I was at work the next day but it was very slow going...but never took anything more than Aleve for pain. Good luck!

Are you going to have the surgery thru the top of the foot or thru the bottom? Mine was thru the bottom, good thing , it was soo big it would have been hard to get it out thru the top. healing time for bottom is much longer as you can't put weight the foot. I also had another type of neuroma develope on the top of the foot. It's not normal, but it can happen. Hope it goes well for you, and keep us posted.
Mary
:angel:

Thanks for all your honest answers.. I'm really hoping for the best with this. It was a hard decision to make (whether or not to do the surgery) because I don't want to ruin my senior rowing season, but the pain is pretty intense as it is so the surgery is a risk I'm willing to take. I'll let you all know how it goes.

Hello All,

I've been reading this thread about neuromas with interest as I've recently been diagnosed with one, and had a cortisone shot 2 days ago. Still swollen and uncomfortable, so hope tomorrow is better! The doc told me he usually only does 1 cortisone shot, then moves to surgery. He does endoscopic decompression; releases the ligament instead of removing the nerve. I notice a couple of you say DO NOT do this; I'm curious why? The doc portrayed it as the latest, less invasive surgery, preserving the nerve. I wonder how the ligament is released? I've read that it causes shifting and clicking in the bones of the feet. Any info greatly appreciated. Becky

Morton's neuroma usually involves a nerve which has been traumatized over a long period of time with subsequent damage and scar tissue. When the deep transverse metatarsal ligament is cut, you are still left with an abnormal painful nerve. In my case the nerve had settled into a cozy spot surrounded with protective tissue. As soon as the ligament was cut the nerve moved around and the pain was unbearable. After that I had the nerve removed, sent to a lab, and sure enough it consisted of abnormal tissue. Ask your doc if he/she is using the Koby method. This method is done "blind". Imagine having a sharp object near a nerve in an area you cannot see.

Ask your doc how many of these he/she has done and then ask to speak with 3 patients. I found out the hard way that it is 'buyer beware' when it comes to electric podiatric procedures.

I hope you find the best possible solution for your pain.

i've had several neuroma surgeries. don't do the ligament (koby) release. there is a ligament that goes basically across the front of the toes to connect them together and hold the foot in it's postition. when they cut the ligament they allow the two toes to loose that togetherness. i wish I never had itdone. I had the first neurmona removed because the lign. didn't work. it was removed from the bottom of the foot. from there I've had 4-5 other surgeries,on the foot. It was due to something totally different, just happened to have been set off by the surgery. after 11 days in the hospital, and 2 months on the vacpac I'm on the road to recovery. Just found out 2 days ago that it looks like I have developed a hugh neuroma in the 2nd main nerve in the bottom. Just had a cortizone shot and it is much better. I've had, over the last couple of years, about 20 of these shots. this is the best one yet. they don't cure it, but it can help with the swelling and pain. I don't recommend most people get that many shots. It can have a lot of side effects. I'm just weird.. but always, if you trust your doctor, listen to him..

DO NOT do the ligament release or decompression. You are asking for long term trouble. Have the neuroma removed. You'll be better off. I don't know where you are but try to find a sports med doc. they do a lot of these.

Everywhere I have read has said not to do the ligament surgery. Personally, my doctor did not even mention it or offer it as an option for me. But I don't know if some people can be better candidates for it than others or not.

I also have yet another question.. What is all of your experiences with the anaesthesia? I'm just curious how conscious you can be during the process. My doctor told me I would be "in a haze" during the operation, but I don't really know what that entails.. My only surgical experience is getting completely knocked out to have my wisdom teeth pulled, so I have no idea what it's going to be like this time around.

I was under general anesthesia...my choice...I didn't want to know what was going on. Walked out about an hour later...never had any issues.

Hey everyone, I just had my surgery today. Everything went well, even though the neuroma ended up being bigger than my doctor had expected and much deeper in the ball of my foot. I'm not sure what neuromas are supposed to look like, but my doctor said that mine was a little bigger than the size of a quarter and completely entangled in a mess of nerves that he said basically looked like spaghetti. Good times, right :)
But, all is good now. I've been home since 1pm, icing my foot and keeping it propped up, but my foot is still a little numb so we'll see how bad the pain is later haha.. anddd it doesn't help that I have to go into school tomorrow for an 8am test that I can't make up.
Anyways...... I guess I'll post if anything interesting occurs!

You should be fine. I went to work the next day. Just be careful to stand SLOWLY on the foot....letting the swelling dissipate SLOWLY....can't emphasize that enough...slowly....

Ahh hey guys, I'm posting yet again. I just got my stitches out on Monday and it seems to be healing fine.
I'm just wondering, from what you all have heard or from your personal experience, how long did it take for the swelling to go down and the pain to go away? My foot is still pretty huge (I can't fit into a normal shoe comfortably yet) and wherever the area isn't numb there is really sharp pain. Which of course was to be expected, I was just wondering how long it should last?
Thanks...again.

I never had any pain with my surgery. Never took anything stronger than Aleve. And at two weeks there was some swelling but not much..though I did wear slip on Merrell's for several weeks afterwards as conventional flat soles weren't comfortable. What does your doctor say? I would think your current situtation is not the norm.

I wish I could help. After the first neurmona surgery (thru the bottom of the foot) I was NWB for 6-8 weeks. It stayed swollen for several more months,but before it was normal I had another surgery. I'm 5 months from my last surgery and the foot only starts to swell when I am up and around for 3-4 hrs.
Titchou, my doc has recommended Merrell shoes to start with. (used crocs last apt. doc said NO NO NO...) where did you get them? He told me that Nordstrums would carry them. they do see very expensive. I'm presuming that as doc said I can't wear regular shoes, that I can consider this a medical expense. are the slip on ones easiest? they have so many types. don't know if I should go with a slip on or regular?
Mary
:angel:

Any type of foot surgery will cause swelling. Talk to your doctor if you think the swelling is excessive. I think every patient is different and everyone experiences different reactions to surgery, even for the same surgery.

Mary, do you have a DSW Shoe Warehouse in your area? Or any other "shoe outlet" type of store? DSW usually has a selection of Merrells. Prices are much better than retail.

bunion,
I sure do have a DSW. great to know. It is only about 20 min. from my house, so I'm gonna go tomorrow and see if I can find something. It hard walking in the black cast shoe and trying to find something for the other foot that matches the height. If I wasn't waiting for the blacksmith to come and trim the horses feet, I would go out now and find them. again,,many thanks
Mary
:angel:

DSW has a huge selection! Even if you don't find Merrells, I think you should be able to find something comparable. good luck!

Titchou- my doctor said that it appeared to be healing fine. He also said that I am free to do whatever I want because I can't hurt the neuroma, it's just a matter of how much pain I can handle while the scar tissue builds up. My foot hurts the most when I walk for more than a minute or so, like walking from class to class at school is painful as is walking around the mall, etc. I have the same kind of pain I did when I would walk extensive distances with my neuroma, only its sharper and more sore. And it's not really getting any better. I am scheduled to go back to the doctor on Jan. 29 for a follow-up but my rowing team starts intense cardio practices on Jan. 8, which is why I am concerned.

Wish I could give you more ideas but I just didn't experience that with mine. I forget how big mine was but he did say it was large.

bunionLovah,
Wow, I went to DSW yesterday and found a great pair of Merrells shoes. Mule type, but they don't look as bad as most of the others. I wore them in the store for about 15 min. they felt great. I have less pain with them then with even the rocker shoe. they are a beige and are like most mules (shape wise). I tried Bore and I didn't think they felt as good as the others. I'm so glad to find out that DSW carries what I need. thank you
Mary
:angel:

I have had 3 separate neuroma surgeries. Two on my right foot and one on my left foot.

I had neuroma surgery on both feet at the same time 10-11 years ago. DON'T do both feet at once! Anyway, I had pain right after surgery and it has gotten progressively worse. I now have stumps on the neuromas and they are very painful. Much more pain than before. I just had tarsal tunnel release and plantar fasciitis release and asked the surgery to do the neuroma on that foot at the same time but he wouldn't. He said it was too much surgery and once I have recovered from this surgery he will inject the neuroma with alcohol. Sounds extremely painful to me. I had one cortisone shot and swore they would never ever stick another needle in my foot like that. The heel shots for the plantars fasciitis were that bad! I am curious why a foot doc said no Crocs. Mine said Crocs are actually very good for your feet? Weird.

yes you can have it in both feet, I have 3 in one foot and 2 in the other, I am suppose to have surgery next week and I am so scared, have you had this surgery yet????hOw did it go

how was the surgery i need to know as i am having it done next week HELP!!!!!

Hi,
I am about to have my second neuroma surgery on Tuesday - the surgeon suspects this is a regrowth of the original, a stump or that thre were in fact two and they only removed one.
Now I know what I am in for this time and I am not looking forward to the experience. I know that not everyone has the same experience, but this is my advice on suffering neuroma surgery;
1.Keep you foot raised as high as possible - when you have to drag yourself to the toilet, lower the foot extremely slowly and if possible hop with it raised.
I suffered from a very large neuroma and the subsequent hole left behind would fill with blood when your foot was down and the pain was mindblowing.
2. Accept that this will take some time to heal and even when the throbbing lessens - still keep your foot up. I went back to teaching only 4 weeks after surgery - a move I believe probably increased the risks of the regrowth.
3. Make sure you have stacks of books, get cable, a laptop with wifi so that you can email and internet surf/shop
4. Invest in two way radios so that you can let your partner know your every whim. My husband has cursed the day we bought them!!!!!
Good luck with your surgery. Remember, mine is only one experience, some people have very little pain at all.

thanks for getting back to me, I am so scared I can't stop crying I only hope I have the right dr. I have 3 in one foot and 2 in the other, he told me that it is only possible to remove 1 1/2 in each foot I have had this for about 6 years, I am a flight attendant and it has become very painful to work with. How long do you think I would need to be off given my job???? He will do one foot then 6-8 weeks later do the other!!!!!What pain pill were given!!!!I hope your surgery goes well please keep me posted

Ok, is the incision going to be on the top or bottom of your foot? That makes ALL the difference in the world. I had one removed from my left foot with a top incision. I was off work only that day. Swelling was a small issue and I had to learn to stand on the good foot and then SLOWLY put full pressure ont he other one to slowly dissipate the swelling. I drove 350 miles the second day after surgery. Dressing changed at one week; stitches out at two. Was probably wearing normal footwear a month after surgery. Truthfully, this was a breeze for me. I never took anything stronger than tylenol or aleve. A sports med ortho who does only feet did mine. Best of luck.

See what I mean about different experiences, Titchou had a much better time with her surgery, and I am sure that it more normal. If you feel very anxious, don't forget to ask for a pre-med and the fab cream they put on your hands so you don't feel the needle (I hate that).
You work on your feet like me (I teach - little ones, so no sitting at a desk for me) I took four weeks the first time, it wasn't long enough and I hobbled about the classroom on crutches. This time the dr says a minimium of 6 weeks. I don't want the thing growing back again. Dr says he has done about 500 neuroma ops - this is the 5 time someone has had one grow back and only once has it grown back three times. I don't want to be patient number 2 on his record. Hope that helps.

thanks for writing back, I can't believe how good it feels to talk to someone who has had this done, I guess what is really bothering me is that the dr. that I am going to use to do feet, now he does ankle and knee only but kept me as a patient becuase I started with him I learnt this from his secretary, how bad would it be for me to ask him how many he has done, it will take me a year to get another referal and then another year to have the surgery, he is from a well know hospital and travels all over the world to lectures, am I just getting cold feet, I hate feeling like this, but am so scared after reading all the different stories on the web! I really appreciate all the info oh by the way he is doing it from the top of my foot!

My advice is ask - these are your feet after all and you have every right to ask away before letting someone at them. I discovered a wonderful orthopedic surgeon after a car accident. I see him privately, as the NHS took to long to refer me. He is a marvel. The bunion surgery was done NHS as it was not urgent, I didn't mind waiting 8 months. I wish I had paid. This surgeon was rude, arrogant, abrupt and was not interested in discussing my situation. My surgeon, who is doing my neuroma next week ( I have know him since 1999) is a different matter. I can ask him anything and I know I will get a straight answer. Nothing is too much trouble to explain.
You are better off with the top of the foot op as this will heal faster and leave you with fewer problems, from what I understand.
It is scary, but it does help being able to talk to others. I am currently seeking advice on the bunion which is not healing properly - thanks to discussion on this board, I feel less worried.

just to make you feel better, i was just over at a friends house she had bunion surgery a couple of years ago she said even 3 months later she did know why she had done it, but by the 5 month she was back to walking normal and feeling great about the surgery, please let me know how your surgery goes on Tuesday I will be thinking of you!!!

Thanks -you too. I had the other bunion done 10 years ago and didn't have this much bother. When is your operation? Good luck with it. We can keep each other company as we recover!
Isn't the web wonderful, you are Ontario, Canada and I am in Cambridge, UK - miles apart as well as time zones, finally finding someone to talk to about our feet woes. It's been good talking to you.:wave:

My operation is on Feb12 yes is has been great talking to you to-day, it is funny one min. I'm all pumped then the next I'm a mess!!!!! My flights take me to London all the time, it is like my second home, I feel better and look forward to recuperating with you!!!Please keep in touch p.s. how long must you elevate and keep ice on?????

I never elevated nor iced. They didn't tell me to. I know i must be the exception - at least on this board - but I owuldn't have a problem doing it again. It really was no worse than getting a tooth filled.

titchou, i sure hope I have the same experience as you did, would really love to have your doctor!!!!Anyone else have a good experience????Thanks

Hi mortonsfeet, I never used ice in my recovery, it was never suggested, but the elevation was for at least two weeks. This time probably more. The physio used a groovy inflatable leg and foot thingy to help drain the sweling from my foot, this helped.
Titcho, I have to ask, as you experience seems awe-inspiring to me - how big was your neuroma?

I never asked! Didn't seem relevant once it was gone. I had 4 or 5 stitches on the top of my foot and down between the toes. They told me from the beginning I would be walking out of the hospital. I did elevate it that day just because it felt better to do that. And when I was sitting at my desk at work I'd put it on top of the trash can. But otherwise, I never bothered much with it. Like I said, I went to a sports med doc and they get you up and moving right away. They are used to working on athletes who need to get back in the game, so to speak.

:) Hi BBW!! When I was going to have this done a few years ago then Scars broke out and was canceled, I was talking to a female dr. in the States who had a horrilbe time she felt that if she could have agressivley iced through the bandages she would have had better results, she told me to have them taken off before leaving the hospital and ice for 72 hours maybe ask your dr. about this, I guess the reason I am so not up for this operation, like the dr. said your having foot surgery you have 3 neuromas and I can only take out half your problem!!!!!!I is very large, the one he can't touch is btw the big toe which when having my ultrasound the radiologist told me she had never seen!!!!Like my husband said I have to be different, then after the first operation 6-8 weeks later go for the next foot!!!!2007 has not been fun so far!!!

Has anyone ever tried ultrasound therapy for Mortons Neuroma and if so did it work? Also what about a Sports Dr. versus a podiatrist? What different treatments would a sports Dr. use. I have tried everything you can think of. The weird part is that I have no pain, only numbness and a bit of tingly on a small are on the ball of foot where I had sclerosing injections administered that did no good at all. Could be that i have Metatarsalgia, which is a bit similiar.:confused:

Hi MF!
I shall definitely ask about ice. Your husband and mine sound similar. Mine always says if anything is going to happen, then it will happen to me. My surgeon over the years we have known each other, says the same. I currently hold his neuroma size record. In a previous shoulder surgery, I became the only patient of his in 15 years to have stretched the scar to 1cm wide - seriously I look like I have an epaulet!
Still, it pays to have a sense of humour about these things. From all accounts, Titchou's experience is perhaps more the norm, unless you have a more complicated situation such as yours, or mine.
Mine came about in the first place from trying to become the sporty type. I took up running and three months later I'm having surgery. Sport, in my personal view, is not good for my health!!!!!!

I had surgery for my morton's neuroma on December 6 soo it has been about 2 months. I am still in a LOT of pain, I have been practicing with my rowing team and it's still very painful to do the workouts. I recently went back to my podiatrist for a check up and he gave me inserts for my running shoes and is sending me to physical therapy.. my doctor claims everything is fine but is there any way he could perhaps have left part of the neuroma in my foot or that something is wrong? I feel like I got a crappy doctor.. he refuses to address my pain as anything other than healing. He also "accidentally" left a stitch in my foot after the removal appointment; now my scar in that area is lumpy and not pretty :mad:

Dancinboots.. I'd say go to a sports doctor.. I wish I'd gone to one because they probably would have been able to address my problem better since I am an athlete. And I'm also supposed to be getting ultrasound therapy when I go to physical therapy, so I guess I will let you know how that turns out, but all my friends who have had it for their knees or their back says it feels great and works great.

audioboxer15 you have scared me I can't beleive how much differnce there is in this type of surgery, my doctor said i will be ok back to work as a flight attendant in 6 weeks after the second surgery, the thought of the swelling in flgiht, and walking is making me scared, I am on my feet for 14hours ata time I do Hong kong and long haul I am going for this surgery in the next week, I am about ready to cancel it I have looked into my doctor and he is a foot orthopediatric surgeon so feel a little better but what is the differnce with the sport doctor part???? looking for answer QUICK!!!!

I went to a sports med ortho who does only feet. I like my podiatrist and he does good work. My reasoning was that I wanted to be able to jog again and wear heels. That was not what my podiatrist wanted! His idea of success was just being able to jog a little. I just felt that a sports med doc who deals with athletes wouldbe more of a mind like I was. And that's why I went to him. This is basically a running injury - as well as due to the pointy high heels - and I wanted someone who could get me up to speed ASAP.

haha aww mortonsfeet, I didn't mean to scare you! My podiatrist told me there was something like a 12% risk that my surgery wouldn't be a total success; I took that chance because I had been dealing with the neuroma for almost a year and going into my final season as a high school athlete I wanted to be able to perform at 100%. Looking back, though, I probably wouldn't have done the surgery because it seems that I am now worse off than I was before.

The odds are in your favor for the surgery being a success...but I guess if I were in your situation I would gauge the pain and decide if it is something you can live with or something that really needs to be taken care of now. I would also definitely just make sure you are comfortable with your doctor (I wasn't tooooo thrilled with mine) and weigh all your options before you go under the knife.

mortonsfeet,
Don't panic. I know several people who have had the surgery and a couple of them were only out of work a few days. If he is doing the surgery thru the top of the foot it should be ok. Mine was thru the bottom of the foot, and that means no walking for quite a while. My doc was a pod/surgeon. I trust him as he has done quite a few of these. i did run into other problems, but it was not him, it was my own body. Hope that helps
Mary

audioboxer15 I have been dealing with 3 in one foot and 2 in the other for the last 5 years, they will only take out 1 in each foot maybe 1 1/2 I am trying to decide if it is worth getting only part of my problem out, I know someone who it took a year to feel better so there is still hope for you, keep me posted on how your recovery is going

that sounds really awful, I'm suffering from just one I can't imagine 5.. I will keep you updated for sure, I start physical therapy on Wednesday so hopefully this will help some of my problem. Keep us all updated as well mortonsfeet!!

BBW: Hope your surgery went well to-day I have been thinking of you and hoping your o.k. let me know how it went:MF

Hi MF - it was great to come home and find your post. I am doing okay. The surgeon was wonderful. He took xrays of both feet and checked out the bunion - everything is now healing well, although he says I will in time need a joint transplant and may need the staple removing. The neuroma was a bit of a mystery. No scar tissue had formed where he expected and had to dif very deep until he found a flat, hard mass which he is pretty sure is nerve tissue, but won't be sure until he has been tested. He has removed a length of about 2 inches. The pain is considerably less than I experienced previously at this stage. I actually feel more sicky than in pain. I think this is due to the quantity of morphine and volterol! So far, so good. Going for a check up on Friday. How are you feeling? BBW

BBW: So glad things went well to-day, sure hope I get the same drugs!!!! Did they find the neuroma??Hate to say this but I feel I am coming down with a cold can they still operate or am I trying to find a way out of this surgery!!!!Do you need crutches to walk and how will you bath???I'm a newbie at this sort of thing!!!!MF

Hi MF, it's 3.30 am and the drugs wore off and woke me up, so here I am painkillers in hand, laptop in the other!
Yes they did find the neuroma. Just reread my previous post - so many mistakes (I blame the morphine)
Funny you should mention getting a cold - yesterday morning I woke up sneezing and with a runny nose - I was beside myself because they will not operate if you have a cold. However, I battled on and by the time we got to the hospital, it stopped. I did have a very visible hot flush, but then it all settled down. Perhaps it was the anticipation.........
I am on crutches - NWB for the moment - wearing the DARCO wedge heel boot (look up Darco on the web, so you can see what they look like). To be honest, I won't contemplate a full bath for a few days - just a wash with my foot up on a chair. The key is to elevate or the bruising and swelling, for me, is serious. When I am brave enough (or desperate enough) for a bath, here's what you do; sit on the edge, use you arms to lean back onto the other edge and lower your bottom into the bath, then swing your good leg in and dangle/prop the bad one up on the edge or chair, now run the bath and relax - reverse to get out. (forgot to mention that you wrap it in several plastic bags and tape first AND make sure you have someone around.
Hope that helps, keep the questions coming, it’s keeping my mind occupied.
BBW

You can get a "cast cover" to pull over your foot so you can bathe or shower. Worked great for me!

Any ideas of where to get one in the UK?

How are things going to-day BBW hope the meds are still Working!!!!!MF

Any ideas of where to get one in the UK?


Well, my doctor gave me mine. But they sell them in drug stores here. It's a rubber boot shaped thing that you pull over your foot/cast and it closes tightly around the leg below the knee to keep it dry.

I have to laugh at the mental image of myself trying to get into the tub to take a bath using that method. Actually, I did try it, and ended up laughting so hard I couldn't do it. You know how it is, once you start laughing sometimes you can't stop. even today it makes me laugh. Some sights should never been seen by anyone. LOL
Mary

Pleased to have provided a few good laughs - have to admit that my bath escapades have made my husband cry with laughter.

Hi MF - Day three dawns after the surgery. I slept better last night thanks to the wonder that is diazapam (6 hours straight!!) I am managing to put my foot down and do a sort of weight bearing shuffle with the crutches as NWB is simply too painful on the recovering bunion foot. Finally stopped feeling sick although my throat is still sore from the tube. I hazard a guess that I may have stumbled upon the road to recovery.......

Hi BBW: Happy to hear your on your way to recovery, I sure hope I get some sleeping pills too, when do you think you will be walking around on it, is it a must that I get crutches????? My cold is o.k. trying not to go anywhere as it is so cold outside, what do they consider a cold before they don't operate???Glad you feeling betterMF

Hi MF
I don't know how bad your cold has to be, but I guess if they feel if might affect your breathing during anaesthetic then it becomes a problem. As for cructhes, I think that depends on how you are after the op. They are not so bad. Stay warm and I hope your cold gets better soon. BBW

How are things going BBW are you still on the meds?????I got my surgery time for Monday 1:45 which is 6:45 your time hope your doing better.MF

Hi MF,
I'm doing really good. Read my post on ASICS. Good luck for Monday - you will be fine. Keep in touch. BW

BBW What or where can I find your post on ASICS do you mean the running shoesThanksMF

Hi MF,
It's the thread called ASICS trainers. I guess trainers and running shoes are the same thing - just a transatlantic language thing!
I'm still in love with them this morning and considering buying them in black too.

Good luck with your surgery tomorrow MF. Thinking of you and keeping everything crossed for you.
BBW

Thanks BBW I am terrified, MF

MF - so how did it go? Bet you're glad its over. Keep your foot up, take the pain meds and get online as soon as you feel up to it. BBW

Audioboxer 15

Just wondering if you had the ultrasound treatment yet and if so how did they work for you? What I have is a Neuroma with numbness and tingly feeling in ball of foot besides a bunched up sock feeling. I will be searching out a sports doctor in my area. Since I do not have pain that I keep reading about, I am hoping I can find another means of relief besides surgery. I have already done, cortisone and sclerosing injections, which is why I am interested in checking out a different means, like a sports doctor.

BBW: Spent the whole day at the hospital to have the surgery cancelled, it is a trauma hospital and I got bumped along with three other people. My doctoro was the only one who came down and said sorry, the others were told to resched., he is going to try and do it Wed morning 630 but we have a huge storm coming this afternoon all the signs are telling me to run!!!!Will keep you posted. Still Mortons Feet

Hey MF - what bad luck.....that so sucks. I hope that everything goes ahead as planned tomorrow. Today is one week since my op. Progress is slow, bruising is quite outstanding. I have been keeping a photo diary so that I can look back on this joyous period of life in years to come! BBW
PS Still love my ASICS shoes

Hi MF - any news?

Hi BBW Well it is over, I don't have a lap top so will make this fast, I was a mess yesterday with the pain med. did not sit well on my stomach to say the least, just had a sponge bath, and heading for my recliner and keeping the foot up, I can't tell much right now but the pain is not too bad I stoped the meds and taking advil which is like asprin, it is throbbing so going to get it up I had the right foot done, the one with three he could only take one out so I hope he got the one the hurts the most, time will tell he said no driving for six weeks how long should i keep it elevated???? How are you doing????Hope all is well.

Hi MF, glad to hear its all over and you are not feeling too bad. Best advice I can give you right now is to control the pain, not let it control you - so take the meds as prescribed on the hour and keep your foot above your heart whenever possible.
I am hobbling about, managing in the shoes I told you about, but I cannot go far - hurts too much. My foot is green and blue. My husband took me to the shops and pushed me round in a wheelchair, which I hated. He is right though, I am not ready to walk that far yet and I was going crazy stuck inside. I am having as much trouble with the bunion surgery on the other foot which now hurts more than immediately post op! BBW

I am due for surgery in four weeks. I hope I can last that long. Walking on the ice and snow is hard. Any suggestions to help me get through till then? My foot feels much better after I take off my shoe and put on my slipper, but can't work in it.

Any help please.

Thanks

Try wearing ASIC running shoes - my surgeon told me about them, they have special gel pads which make walking with a neuroma easier and have made a big difference to my recovery after surgery.

Hi there BBW sorry i could not get to the computer with update, things are not so good, felt better day 2 than day 3 and day 4 well still have not been able to bath going to try to-day in the tub which will be a little hard, I had to stop the pain meds as they were making me ajetated and not good when husband has been a doll. I am just taking tylenol helps abit but when I put my foot down it throbs when will this stop!! I am bruised and the incesions does not look too pretty, I hate to say this but at this point I wish I never had this done, I just wonder if I had the right dr. hopefull time will make things better but feeling SAD!!!!How long should I keep it elevated?????

I am due for surgery in four weeks. I hope I can last that long. Walking on the ice and snow is hard. Any suggestions to help me get through till then? My foot feels much better after I take off my shoe and put on my slipper, but can't work in it.

Any help please.

Thanks

I would really make sure you have the right DR. check him out ask how many of these he has done, this is not fun have you tryed cortizone shots and orthotics???? This type of surgery is one you don't jump into took me 6 years to surrender, and I still don't know if I did the right thing, I don't want to scare you but once it is done there is no turning back, It has only been 4 days for me things will get better, Just make sure you have the right DR. even if you have to wait to get in!!!!!!MF

Mortonsfeet: I second checking out the doctor wholeheartedly! I did with mine and had a great outcome. If the siurgery is done correctly, you should be able to walk out of the surgery center...not like a well person, but at least walk. There will be swelling and bruising and the incision will look awful. THat's normal. But you should be able - with the incision ont he top of the foot - to slowly put the foot down, slowly distribute the weight, dissipate the swelling and walk. I would say getting into position to walk took about 60 seconds each time for about 4-5 days. After that, I could just walk slowly.
I was told to only elevate it the first day and never told to ice. I was off work only the day of surgery. My surgeon was Dr. John Gould here in Birmingham, AL.

Hi MF, what you are feeling is normal, I think. It can take days for the throbbing to stop, becauase the hole left from removing the neuroma fills with blood when you lower it. gradually is will form a clot and hence throb less. My foot looks worse 12 days after surgery than it did three days after as the bruising comes out. Mine is a delightful shade of green, purple and and black. Stick with it. I find any pain meds with ibruprofen in make me sick, so I stick to paracetamol and codeine combinations with volterol to reduce inflammation. YOU WILL GET BETTER!! BBW

I have been working on the three neuromas for a year. One in the left foot, and two in the right. Started off with anti inflamatories, then injection into the largest. The shot lasted three months. Had another shot, with no results. Already had orthos.

I was trying to last till the summer when school was out but when the larger one gets hurting the way I walk effects the others. Dr says the sooner the better. Spring break with a week before and after I hope.

My shoes are New Balance wide width, soft insoles great shoes. The main problem is the whole foot swells by the end of the day.

Very nervous about the whole thing, the surgery has been planned for almost 9 weeks. This last week my foot has been really hurting.

Thanks for the info.

BBW: When did you start walking on your foot and does any of your toes feel numb. When can I stop elevating??? Feel a little depression starting???? There is no way I can go in for the other foot in 6 weeks???How are you coming along????

Hi MF - I began to walk in my trainers after three days, but only very slowly, carefully, with crutches and certainly not far. Without the trainers, I don't walk, more a sort of wobble/hobble. The toes either side of the neuroma should feel numb as the nerve has been removed. I am still keeping my feet up for most up the day and it will be two weeks on Tuesday since surgery. Know what you mean about the depression - I have feel feeling very down myself, trapped indoors, fed up with the pain and generally being miserable - you are not alone in that! I have two hospital appointments this week - one for the bunion and one for the neuroma, so I hope to have news of progress soon. One thing I have been doing is keeping a photo diary of my foot journey, partly because unless you go through it, no-one else seems to fully grasp what its like and in case I decide to complain about my bunion surgery!

Thanks BBW: let me know what happens at the appts, I guess I am asking too much not even a week but there is no way I could put pressure on it!!!!

BBW & MF: Just occured to me - do you have a surgical boot? One of those velcro closure, solid bottom walking boots? It seems you may not since you are talking about wearing trainers. If that's the case, no wonder you can't walk! Have no idea how you could without the boot!

Titchou - my surgeon wanted me out of the wedge boot after three days - he says that the sooner you can put the foot down, no matter how slowly or gingerly, the better to speed recovery. I am still looking at 6 weeks plus off work and plenty of time with my feet up as I can only bear trainers on for so long. I am doing much better this time round thanks to the trainer. The wedge boot makes the rest of my body ache when I move round because you are twisted and the mechanics are all wrong.BBW

well...guess it's just the difference between the UK and USA. I wasn't in one of those large wedge boots....just the short wrap around with velcro type. And it was great to walk in. Had it for my cheilectomy too....as well as a stress fracture last summer...

Hi. I had surgery for removal of neuroma 12 years ago and am now having recurrent problems. Your response to surgery was like mine...problems from the start. I was in pain for a year and the ortho surgeon was totally miffed. Now I am scared to death to have surgery again but have tried many things and am now working with a different Dr. who sounds as if he may be able to help.

BBW: How did the drs visits go, yesterday i gingerly got my foot down for a few mins, it was a week yesterday, does yours still throb when you lower your foot, like the blood is rushing down my is still doing this????Yours has been over 2 weeks what are you able to do now???Hope all is well. MF

Hi MF - I am not surprised your foot still throbs - if you had a big neuroma removed it will take maybe another week for a clot to form and fill that space. I saw the bunion dr on Tuesday and am not very happy with being dismissed when I am sure there is a problem - it simply shouldn't hurt like it does. Still I am washing my hands of that dr and handing the problem over to the dr who did the neuroma - seeing him tomorrow for stitch removal. I can get about in trainers from room to room and crtuches for any distance, but my foot swells up and the bruising spreads and becomes livid if my foot is down for any length of time. Fill you in some more after tomorrow's appointment. BBW

How did the drs visit go??? I am walking in a slip on orthopedic sandel now for a few mins at a time but still have that rush, and foot goes blue are you still elevating at night and how long must I do this did you ice at all???Hope all is well MF

Hi MF - I saw my dr yesterday and had the stitches out. I am quite pleased that the scar is fairly neat and about 2 inches long. The bruising is fairly horrific though across my toes, side of my foot and underneath. Dr said I had been half good! Although I have not been out walking with the crutches, but in a wheelchair for shopping trips, just having my foot lowered has resulted in bruising and swelling - so I will be more careful.
As to elevating - I still do this whenever I am resting and and at night and will do so for several more weeks. I was able to buy another pair of ASICS in black and and hal size smaller - yippee.
More interesting though was that I told him about my post bunion surgery problems and he said that I have a couple of potential problems- I may have to have the hardware removed and have work on the joint for early arthritis - BUT these have to be carried out separately. I have to give the foot another 4 weeks to settle and hope that it sorts itself out.
I am a hobbling foot disaster!! My bank balance is quivering in fear of more big hospital bills. Keep me posted on your progress BBW

Well to-day i got my stitches out, and everything looks fine, I asked him why he could not take the one out beside the one that he did and he said it would cause problems with the blood flow, has anyone out there had 2 out in the same foot with no problems??? I am walking in my orthopedic sandels with socks, very cute can not get into shoes yet, he wants to see me in 2 weeks and will discuss getting the other foot done, I am still elevate and ice how are things going BBW!!!

Hi MF. Glad to hear that you are healing nicely. I am improving, well the neuroma foot is anyway - let's not go there on the other. I am still hopeful that nature may intervene before I need more surgery. I can get about in the house, although I still lurch in a cowbot/penguin fashion. I still use crutches when I go out. Scar looks better every day and the bruising is finally fading. Hope you continue to do well - keep me posted. BBW

BBW: I am up and walking with my orthopedic sandels with lots of arch support without them no way!!!Bruising is almost all gone and back to doing most things around the house I don't know how much the operation has helped as there are still 2 neuromas still in the foot, hope this was not a waste of time I guess I will find out when I am able to get normal shoes on, how are things with you????MF

Hi MF. Great news on your progress. My neuroma foot is healing nicely. As my lump was very deep I still have bruising 4 weeks after surgery. Because my other foot is not right I still need crutches if I am out and about. I tested how I was doing yesterday by trying some housework - by the evening I realised that I was not ready for that - I was right back to agony and tiny hobbling footsteps. Still, I have another 2 weeks to wait and see if mother nature will take care of my bunion before deciding if I go back under the knife to correct it AGAIN. Take care. BBW

how does the surgeon know where the neuroma is exactly. I feel as if I may have two. Apparently these do not show up on xray. I am currently giving my chiropractor 4 weeks to see if he can give me some relief. If not, I am seriously thinking of surgery.

Hi - you can have a scan to look for the neuromas, but they don't always show up, so the surgeon usually knows by the symptoms and the 'click'. They only appear in certain places in the foot (so I understand) so there are a limited number of places they can be. Hope that helps.

Hey BBW: How is it going???? Are you back to work yet??? I am not doing so good When I started using the foot more I flared up the nerve in the other neuroma I am getting a little down, as the dr said he does not want to take it out!!! I feel I have done more damage taking out the one,am I just jumping to conclusions??? Has this happened to anyone else out there???MF

Hi MF - sorry to hear you are having a lousy time. I am almost 7 weeks post op now and still have some bruising and a lump on the sole of my foot. It is taking longer to heal second time around. My surgeon is happy with the progress. If I were you and feel strongly - see another surgeon.
My other foot - bunion disaster - rumbles on and I sought a second opinion. The upshot of which is another operation on the 12th to remove the screw and staple, release ligaments and generally look at what was done. it looks like there is a chunk of bone missing and possible necrosis ( I think that's how you spell it). This means another 8 weeks off work - I so miss my class.
Best wishes and keep me posted. BBW

how does the surgeon know where the neuroma is exactly. I feel as if I may have two. Apparently these do not show up on xray. I am currently giving my chiropractor 4 weeks to see if he can give me some relief. If not, I am seriously thinking of surgery.

I just had the surgery 8 days ago, so far so good, I am a marathon runner.It seems odd that you went to a Chiropracter...Usually foot issues are handled by a poditrist...I underwent 8 weeks of conservative care before having the surgery, an MRI showed the Doctor the exact spot/nerve that was effected.I would reccomend a second opinion with a foot specialist.Good luck!

Barb....you will find people here that tell you podiatrists helped them but they destroyed my life...

I have used chiropractic for years and it has helped me...if your DC can do anything for relief it will carry much less risk than a podiatrist's surgery.

If you insist on surgery my opinion go to an Orthopedic MD not a podiatrist...you still risk getting worse with surgery however. Last resort when you cannot live with it anymore...and know the odds are not high you will be better after....you can even be worse!! And this isn't a 5% chance like they say...it is much more likely than that. I had orthos tell me not to have surgery...but podiatrists that swore on their mother's graves they could make it better and had explanations as to why the orthos were wrong (and i didnt know any better so i trusted them)

They are businessmen out to make money like cosmetic surgeons who do boob jobs....not healers...dont forget that and good luck.

I had a visit with my Orthopedic Surgeon a few days ago and it appears I, too, will be having surgery to remove a Morton's neuroma. I went online tonight to research this type of surgery and found this website! I'll be honest, I'm not sure if I'm excited to get the neuroma removed, or scared to death about some of the things I've read on these threads! But I had an ACL replacement a little over a year ago and can't imagine anything being as excruciating as that. Please tell me that (compared to the ACL replacement) this will be a cakewalk and I'll feel a whole lot better!

Hi Soccerplayer99: If you have only one and a orthopod is doing the surgery, make sure his speciality are feet and you should be o.k. If I had only one i would have been fine, I had the operation but i still have two in the same foot and it is not 100%. Good luck and if you have any more questions don't be afraid to ask. I don't know what I would have done if I had not had someone to share this with.

Barb....you will find people here that tell you podiatrists helped them but they destroyed my life...

I have used chiropractic for years and it has helped me...if your DC can do anything for relief it will carry much less risk than a podiatrist's surgery.

If you insist on surgery my opinion go to an Orthopedic MD not a podiatrist...you still risk getting worse with surgery however. Last resort when you cannot live with it anymore...and know the odds are not high you will be better after....you can even be worse!! And this isn't a 5% chance like they say...it is much more likely than that. I had orthos tell me not to have surgery...but podiatrists that swore on their mother's graves they could make it better and had explanations as to why the orthos were wrong (and i didnt know any better so i trusted them)

They are businessmen out to make money like cosmetic surgeons who do boob jobs....not healers...dont forget that and good luck.

WHat do you mean they ruined your life,what happened to your foot, did they take out the nerve??? What does your foot feel like now, how long ago did you have the operation???

Looks like Wednesday is the big day...for surgery, that is! Wish me luck! I'm sure I'll have lots of questions after the surgery!

Good luck! The surgery was a breeze for me. Walked out of the surgery center, went to work the next day, drove 350 miles the day after that by myself. It will swell but you'll learn to slowly stand on it and dissipate the swelling. THe doc's assistant showed me how and it worked great. Keep us posted.

How is your recovery? I am weighing options. Just had 3rd injection since last September. Doc will give another injection but also gave me names of surgeons. How much does it affect ablility to wear shoes after recovery? Right now I can't go barefoot, (which for me is awful) and I can't really wear cute shoes. Don't care about heels but, I don't want to wear crocs and boat shoes forever.

How is your recovery? I am weighing options. Just had 3rd cortisone injection. Doc says we have almost exhausted all conservative measures but, wants me to continue with injection if I can. She did give me names of 2 surgeons. After everything I read I am very concerned about surgery. I don't want to be worse after the surgery and I don't want to be limited to boat shoes forever.
Hi MF - sorry to hear you are having a lousy time. I am almost 7 weeks post op now and still have some bruising and a lump on the sole of my foot. It is taking longer to heal second time around. My surgeon is happy with the progress. If I were you and feel strongly - see another surgeon.
My other foot - bunion disaster - rumbles on and I sought a second opinion. The upshot of which is another operation on the 12th to remove the screw and staple, release ligaments and generally look at what was done. it looks like there is a chunk of bone missing and possible necrosis ( I think that's how you spell it). This means another 8 weeks off work - I so miss my class.
Best wishes and keep me posted. BBW

Hi, I have had neuroma surgery twice - it regrew! I was told that this was always possible, I was just unlucky. The first time was awful and hurt like hell. The second time hurt a lot less but I am still recovering and surgery was 6 Feb. I won't be back into my cute shoes for a few more months. Since joining this forum, I have discovered that neuroma surgery is a very individual experience and there are no guarantees about the pain or recovery. Good luck, whatever you decide.

Hey MF - how are you doing?
BBW

How is your recovery? I am weighing options. Just had 3rd injection since last September. Doc will give another injection but also gave me names of surgeons. How much does it affect ablility to wear shoes after recovery? Right now I can't go barefoot, (which for me is awful) and I can't really wear cute shoes. Don't care about heels but, I don't want to wear crocs and boat shoes forever.

I had one removed about 5 years ago and had a very uneventful recovery. I wear whatever shoes I want - dance, jog, whatever. No problems. Make sure your doc has done this procedure MANY times. I suggest a sports med doc because this tends to be a sports related injury - runners have this problem a lot. If you have a pro football or basketball team near you - or a major college athletic program - call and find out who they use for this. Whoever it is should do you a good job. Keep us posted.

I have been asking different people about the neuroma suregery. How is your recovery going. I have been given names of 2 surgeons, but I am scared to have the procedure done. I have had 3 cortisone shots. The last one was yesterday. It hurt more then the other ones. I am afraid of the decompression surgery for fear it will cause problems with other toes. But I am also concerned it will grow a stump neuroma with the neurectomy. Are you back in cute shoes yet? I am just really not sure what to do.
Good luck! The surgery was a breeze for me. Walked out of the surgery center, went to work the next day, drove 350 miles the day after that by myself. It will swell but you'll learn to slowly stand on it and dissipate the swelling. THe doc's assistant showed me how and it worked great. Keep us posted.

Tata: See my post right before yours...we replied at about the same time. Yes, I wear cute shoes....heals, slings, sandals, boots, whatever I want. And oyu shouldn't be having the cortisone shots. They only relieve the inflamation temporarily. Alcohol shots can kill the nerve but I think you are beyond that now. The surgery is easy...recovery can take up to a year and will be up and down. Just be sure of the doc...as I said, se previous post.

Did you have the nerve removed or the decompression?
Tata: See my post right before yours...we replied at about the same time. Yes, I wear cute shoes....heals, slings, sandals, boots, whatever I want. And oyu shouldn't be having the cortisone shots. They only relieve the inflamation temporarily. Alcohol shots can kill the nerve but I think you are beyond that now. The surgery is easy...recovery can take up to a year and will be up and down. Just be sure of the doc...as I said, se previous post.

The nerve removed. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you have a decompression done. It does not work. And cutting the ligament will give you trouble down the road as the bones will not be held together properly. You'll have two problems instead of one. If your doc is pushing for that procedure, find another doc ASAP. I know of no one who has posted on this board or another one I moderated a while that had a successful outcome with this procedure. And of all the people I personally know who had this condition, none had this procedure. Everyone has had it removed. Of course, most of the people I know used my doc.

Hey Joe and Veronica South,

I am in your area, closer to you Veronica and wondering how you are to date Joe (also what caliber of marathoner you are, I may have a story for you!) And Veronica I am in Agoura Hills so am interested in who your Doctor may be.

I have had 3 cortisone shots and there has been no mention of any kind of alcohol shot, Should that concern me? I have had orthodics and a neuroma pad for 6 months plus now. Seems to me I am closing in on surgery. I have not explored Ultra sound either...any other "Alternitive Remedies" out there?

Rob

There is much information that you need. Where are you and what kind of doctor did you see? It needs to be a sports med doc - whether ortho or podiatrist. This is quite often an athletic injury and needs to be treated as such. I had one removed almost 5 years ago. Considering the recovery time, you might want to put it off till after the final season. It will take up to a year for it to COMPLETELY heal. That being said, you'll be able to a lot at 2
months but it may not be what you need to compete.

Next, the cortizone shots will do nothing for this condition other than as a diagnostic tool to determine that you really do have a neuroma. Alcohol injections, 3-4 over a couple of week time span might help. Otherwise, it needs be removed.

DO NOT have a ligament release nor a nerve decompression. Only have it removed. And only by someone who has done a lot of these and who has a good success rate for it. Ask around. If you are in a town with a pro football or basketball team or a 1-A college athletic program, find out who they use for this. And be specific when you call the front office or athletic department. Don't ask who they use for feet - ask who they use for Morton's Neuroma.

In the mean time, you might also try a pad in your shoe. I got one from my doc and it worked for a while. Eventually, I had to have it removed. Rowing doesn;t concern me so much as you can find a way to do that...it's the running that's going to be problematic. You might have to switch to an elliptical machine for a while...something where you don;t "pound" on the area.

Keep us posted and good luck!
If you have a neuroma...do NOT use the elliptical. One doctor told me it's the worst thing for your foot b/c it's repetitive and you don't even realize the damage you're doing. My neuroma flares when I'm on the elliptical. If anything, walk on the treadmill or do the bike if you have to, but not the elliptical!