Orthotics for Morton's Neuroma

[Anniesantiago]

So I've been doing a LOT of research online and I'd like to try orthotics for this pesky Morton's Neuroma.
However, that opens up another can of worms. Who can I trust?

Does anyone have a trustworthy source for orthotics in the United States?
There are SO many.
I called one place and they wanted to charge me over $1000 for something to put in my danged shoe! ???!!!
Any recommendations?

 

[jerbear]

See a professional podiatrist.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

So I've been doing a LOT of research online and I'd like to try orthotics for this pesky Morton's Neuroma.
However, that opens up another can of worms. Who can I trust?

Does anyone have a trustworthy source for orthotics in the United States?
There are SO many.
I called one place and they wanted to charge me over $1000 for something to put in my danged shoe! ???!!!
Any recommendations?

If not already done, I think that I might choose to find a Sports or Athletic Podiatrist, someone whose practice specializes in the needs of athlete's, runners, etc.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Thanks, but no insurance, and am simply looking for an insert.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

Thanks, but no insurance, and am simply looking for an insert.

I understand your concern. . . it can get expensive to see a medic. There are a number of orthotic-style OTC inserts which may work, but it will be trial and error to find one that is just right. Morton's exhibits in different ways for different folks, and that differentiation increases because of differing gaits and alignments of the foot to the shoe. Suggestions from others may not work in our specific instance, but it will give you a variety of options to get you started.

You should be able to find something that helps; I only mentioned the sport's podiatrist angle to reduce the time of a search, and to have an ability better customize a solution.

Heck, with no huge problems other than metatarsalgia in my right foot, finding an agreeable third party insert is as much of a hunt as a good fit for a pair of shoes I cannot imagine how frustrating it must be for you to find what you need. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

 

[Kiwi-family]

Annie
One of my sons has severely over pronated feet and ended up seeing a functional neurologist. She’s also a chiropractor and kinesiologist and prefers limited intervention where possible. She explained a podiatrist would be likely to prescribe hard plastic orthotics for such an extreme condition but she believed leather orthotics would serve him better as they allow the muscles to work instead of rest. Being handmade in the States, they were not cheap (US$400) but truly revolutionised our son’s life. Instead of constant pain, he can now hike and even be on his feet all day.
Of course your condition is not the same but it might be worth investigating (googling!!) whether leather orthotics might help you.
Maybe that can narrow down your search too.

 

[Kevin D.]

Hello Annie, I had a Morton's removed after I did the Frances in 2016. Before the surgery I was given an orthotic for 6 months It took the pressure off the Neuroma. I got it from a podiatrist. It was a very hard plastic orthotic. Insurance didn't cover it but it was only $35
You might go into a podiatrist office and ask if you can purchase one.
Or try one from a good running shoe store.
One more thing. Make sure you get a shoe that's 1 size too big. My shoes were to small.
Altras have a wide toe box.or Topos.
I used to wear 11.5 now I wear 12.5 all the time.
And dont walk to far. Do shorter distances 15 or 20 km.
These are just suggestions from my own experience.
I did walk the Frances again in may 2019.
No foot problems.
BUEN CAMINO!

 

[Anniesantiago]

Hello Annie, I had a Morton's removed after I did the Frances in 2016. Before the surgery I was given an orthotic for 6 months It took the pressure off the Neuroma. I got it from a podiatrist. It was a very hard plastic orthotic. Insurance didn't cover it but it was only $35
You might go into a podiatrist office and ask if you can purchase one.
Or try one from a good running shoe store.
One more thing. Make sure you get a shoe that's 1 size too big. My shoes were to small.
Altras have a wide toe box.or Topos.
I used to wear 11.5 now I wear 12.5 all the time.
And dont walk to far. Do shorter distances 15 or 20 km.
These are just suggestions from my own experience.
I did walk the Frances again in may 2019.
No foot problems.
BUEN CAMINO!

Thanks Kevin. This is the type of advice I'm looking for.
I already wear New Balance SL-2 shoes with wide deep toe box and that helps.
I need something to LIFT the pressure off the neuroma.
I will try to find a podiatrist here and buy an orthotic - I hadn't thought of just asking to buy without an appointment but maybe it's possible here in Palm Springs.
Joe and I have planned out our March/April walk and are trying to keep our distances around 20K.
I'm not beyond nabbing a bus or taxi if I need to.

I've heard that with surgery, the neuroma can return, so I'm not really wanting that (yet).
I tend to form keloids also, which is a concern with surgery. It could end up worse than now, which is pesky, but not what I'd consider "serious."
Anyway, thanks so much!

 

[Anniesantiago]

Annie
One of my sons has severely over pronated feet and ended up seeing a functional neurologist. She’s also a chiropractor and kinesiologist and prefers limited intervention where possible. She explained a podiatrist would be likely to prescribe hard plastic orthotics for such an extreme condition but she believed leather orthotics would serve him better as they allow the muscles to work instead of rest. Being handmade in the States, they were not cheap (US$400) but truly revolutionised our son’s life. Instead of constant pain, he can now hike and even be on his feet all day.
Of course your condition is not the same but it might be worth investigating (googling!!) whether leather orthotics might help you.
Maybe that can narrow down your search too.

Thanks so much!
Was your son "fitted" or the orthotic or did he just order online?
Do you happen to have a website or link or name?
Thanks again!
Annie

 

[peregrina2000]

Hello Annie, I had a Morton's removed after I did the Frances in 2016. Before the surgery I was given an orthotic for 6 months It took the pressure off the Neuroma. I got it from a podiatrist. It was a very hard plastic orthotic. Insurance didn't cover it but it was only $35
You might go into a podiatrist office and ask if you can purchase one.
Or try one from a good running shoe store.
One more thing. Make sure you get a shoe that's 1 size too big. My shoes were to small.
Altras have a wide toe box.or Topos.
I used to wear 11.5 now I wear 12.5 all the time.
And dont walk to far. Do shorter distances 15 or 20 km.
These are just suggestions from my own experience.
I did walk the Frances again in may 2019.
No foot problems.
BUEN CAMINO!

I know nothing about Morton's neuromas, but I do know about hard plastic orthotics. They were certainly the cause of my tarsal tunnel (the foot equivalent of carpal tunnel) many years ago when I walked the Norte. Pounding the pavement and a hard plastic orthotic are not a match made in heaven. The hard plastic can cause a lot of other problems if used when walking long distances, especially if there is a lot of asphalt. So I would be careful about that. Since switching to silicone orthotics, and becoming obsessive about avoiding asphalt at any cost on the camino, I have not had a repeat problem.

Hoping you find something that works, Annie. Buen camino, Laurie

 

[Kiwi-family]

I’ll get a name for you this evening Annie (Thursday morning right now).
Josiah (my son) had pictures made of his feet (could I be right in remembering it to be thermal imaging? I’ll call the surgery and find out) They sent the pics to the guy in the US who made each one specifically. I’ll get his name too.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I know nothing about Morton's neuromas, but I do know about hard plastic orthotics. They were certainly the cause of my tarsal tunnel (the foot equivalent of carpal tunnel) many years ago when I walked the Norte. Pounding the pavement and a hard plastic orthotic are not a match made in heaven. The hard plastic can cause a lot of other problems if used when walking long distances, especially if there is a lot of asphalt. So I would be careful about that. Since switching to silicone orthotics, and becoming obsessive about avoiding asphalt at any cost on the camino, I have not had a repeat problem.

Hoping you find something that works, Annie. Buen camino, Laurie

Thank you Laurie.
I know how hard pavement can be.
That stretch into Cuenca about did me in last year.

I have spoken with the folks at New Balance and ordered an insert that I used two years ago. It takes a lot of pressure off the front of the foot, and I think if I put pads underneath it, it might do the job for now. I still plan on looking into orthotics - I'll keep in mind your advice about silicone when I do.

 

[Penbaysail]

Most orthotics end before the ball of the foot, and the neuroma lies just beyond the ball of the foot, so there’s not always a direct benefit from orthotics. An extra wide shoe (like Altra or Hoka One wide) plus double neoprene insoles (like Spenco Rx Comfort + Spenco Polysorb) take a lot of pressure off the neuroma and allow the forefoot to spread comfortably. Buy the insoles larger to match the width of the shoes and cut off the front end to match the length. Total cost for both insoles should be about $30.

 

[TaijiPilgrim]

So I've been doing a LOT of research online and I'd like to try orthotics for this pesky Morton's Neuroma.
However, that opens up another can of worms. Who can I trust?

Does anyone have a trustworthy source for orthotics in the United States?
There are SO many.
I called one place and they wanted to charge me over $1000 for something to put in my danged shoe! ???!!!
Any recommendations?

I read that you have contacted New Balance already, but I want to say that I have had a neuroma in my left foot for over 5 years. I use a New Balance insert that is supportive and especially for metatarsal issues. With these I have walked the Frances, the Ingles, about half of Le Puy, Hadrians Wall, and Wainwright's Coast to Coast without flare ups from the neuroma. I am currently traveling so I cannot provide the specific model no. I will send when I return home. Good luck!

 

[Sparrow in Texas]

@Anniesantiago , During my first camino I had every painful foot problem known to pilgrims. Afterwards I did go to a sports doctor and learned some stretches, also had custom inserts made which did not help. What made the difference for me was shopping on theinsolestore.com. Their website had lots of information about various foot conditions and they suggested a few insoles to try based on my feet. The insoles that have walked with me painlessly through 2 caminos are Powerstep Pinnacle Plus. They have a built in metatarsal pad which cushions the forefoot and helps the Mortons, good arch support and a rounded supportive heal cup. I am not prescribing, just mentioning some features in over the counter insoles that might be helpful.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I read that you have contacted New Balance already, but I want to say that I have had a neuroma in my left foot for over 5 years. I use a New Balance insert that is supportive and especially for metatarsal issues. With these I have walked the Frances, the Ingles, about half of Le Puy, Hadrians Wall, and Wainwright's Coast to Coast without flare ups from the neuroma. I am currently traveling so I cannot provide the specific model no. I will send when I return home. Good luck!

Hi there. Yes, I called my New Balance store yesterday and reordered an insert I've used several Caminos. It is the Motion Control insert and really lifts the the pressure off the neuroma. But I'd still be interested in knowing which one you are using. Thanks!

 

[Anniesantiago]

@Anniesantiago , During my first camino I had every painful foot problem known to pilgrims. Afterwards I did go to a sports doctor and learned some stretches, also had custom inserts made which did not help. What made the difference for me was shopping on theinsolestore.com. Their website had lots of information about various foot conditions and they suggested a few insoles to try based on my feet. The insoles that have walked with me painlessly through 2 caminos are Powerstep Pinaccle Plus. They have a built in metatarsal pad which cushions the forefoot and helps the Mortons, good arch support and a rounded supportive heal cup. I am not prescribing, just mentioning some features in over the counter insoles that might be helpful.

Thank you Sparrow! I'll certainly look into this. (Oh yes! I looked at their website yesterday. Thanks)

 

[Chris Gi]

Thanks Kevin. This is the type of advice I'm looking for.
I already wear New Balance SL-2 shoes with wide deep toe box and that helps.
I need something to LIFT the pressure off the neuroma.
I will try to find a podiatrist here and buy an orthotic - I hadn't thought of just asking to buy without an appointment but maybe it's possible here in Palm Springs.
Joe and I have planned out our March/April walk and are trying to keep our distances around 20K.
I'm not beyond nabbing a bus or taxi if I need to.

I've heard that with surgery, the neuroma can return, so I'm not really wanting that (yet).
I tend to form keloids also, which is a concern with surgery. It could end up worse than now, which is pesky, but not what I'd consider "serious."
Anyway, thanks so much!

I see you are in Palm Springs. In San Diego we have The Good Feet Store in several locations. They are amazingly helpful with all sorts of foot problems. There maybe a store closer to PS but it might be worth the 2 hour drive to San Diego if not.

 

[babylon2505]

So I've been doing a LOT of research online and I'd like to try orthotics for this pesky Morton's Neuroma.
However, that opens up another can of worms. Who can I trust?

Does anyone have a trustworthy source for orthotics in the United States?
There are SO many.
I called one place and they wanted to charge me over $1000 for something to put in my danged shoe! ???!!!
Any recommendations

There is a foamy triangle shape that can sit under the neuroma. But difficult to place
See a professional podiatrist or a sports place that does custom orthotics . You may not need orthotics if you don’t need the arch support

 

[Anniesantiago]

I see you are in Palm Springs. In San Diego we have The Good Feet Store in several locations. They are amazingly helpful with all sorts of foot problems. There maybe a store closer to PS but it might be worth the 2 hour drive to San Diego if not.

Ooooooohhhhhh, I looked into The Good Feet store in Portland. They wanted over $1000 for orthotics! Not in my budget by a long shot. But thanks!

 

[Carolethecatlover]

Well, here in Australia, we have leather orthotics made in Germany available. (I actually used to make my own orthotics for MN, on the spot for my patients). For MN you should need a coin ...don't know US coins...a 2cm/1inch one...coin sized dome raised about 1cm/half an inch under the point of pain. Electrocautry is the treatment of choice...burns out the trapped nerve between the bones. Heals quickly, yes, may return, but takes years, and if you don't STAND on hard concrete and wear shoes a size or two bigger, you'll find it may never return. Sometimes just goes with exercise, ie, long walks LOL and wider shoes.
You don't need a full foot orthotic, just a 'dome' stuck to the shoe bed. or a tee line of tape on the foot. But I am coming from a world where podiatrists are not doctors, are inexpensive, and if you are over 65 or have a chronic condition, paid for by the Govt. So we look for inexpensive effective solutions.

 

[JBSoakitup]

Hi - I empathize with your situation. 3 weeks b4 my first Camino last year i developed a miserable and paralyzing neuroma in my left foot. I immediately saw my podiatrist who recommended a shoe with a 6mm drop from heal to toe and not an ankle boot as the pressure around the ankle was also contributing to the foot pain. I have a high arch and need that support, he fit me with over the counter full foot orthotics (Redi-Thotics) including the additional little pad under the metatarsal area to help lift that area and separate the toes. He also cut a triangle area out of the bottom of the orthotic (will try and post another photo) to assist more with the spreading of the toe bed.
I got rid of my wide toe bed Keen boots because they were not helping me... I made a mad dash all over the place in search of a 6mm drop shoe (most clerks didn’t know what i was talking about!) and found the ON trail shoes at a full service running shoe store where they were quite knowledgeable.
I know all feet are different and what worked for me might not for you but hopefully something here assists. I walked 700 miles and not one neuroma flair up or a blister! I love these ON shoes (Swiss company) and i bought a men’s versus women’s to assist in width. As soon as i returned i bought another exact pair!
I wish you soooo much luck.... if you can see a podiatrist i would highly recommend it - i got lucky as my podiatrist has a similar foot with high arch etc... so he could direct me easily - I will hope the same for you!!!!
Ps.... not sure I’m posting these photos correctly- fingers crossed.

 

[gloria lowe]

Have you considered a steroid shot? It only cost me the doctor appt charge and the medicine. Also, Amazon sells neuroma pads. I tried some and they did help but the shot lasted for a year without any pain. Good luck. If you have insurance it should be covered.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Have you considered a steroid shot? It only cost me the doctor appt charge and the medicine. Also, Amazon sells neuroma pads. I tried some and they did help but the shot lasted for a year without any pain. Good luck. If you have insurance it should be covered.

Yes. I have done a lot of research and feel that cortisone shots cause more damage in the long run than I'm willing to take. But thanks

 

[Peligro]

@Anniesantiago , During my first camino I had every painful foot problem known to pilgrims. Afterwards I did go to a sports doctor and learned some stretches, also had custom inserts made which did not help. What made the difference for me was shopping on theinsolestore.com. Their website had lots of information about various foot conditions and they suggested a few insoles to try based on my feet. The insoles that have walked with me painlessly through 2 caminos are Powerstep Pinaccle Plus. They have a built in metatarsal pad which cushions the forefoot and helps the Mortons, good arch support and a rounded supportive heal cup. I am not prescribing, just mentioning some features in over the counter insoles that might be helpful.

I bought the exact same insert from the exact same site. I have a Morton’s Neuroma which was diagnosed after I walked Leon to Sarria in January. I wore the insert Sarria to Santiago in July and though my feet were sore and tired, the Morton’s was much better. I notice now that when I wear the insert my foot is much better and when I wear dress shoes my foot starts hurting with very little walking. So I concur with Sparrow.

 

[camino07]

Hi Annie. This sounds unbelievable but its true. I had a very painful Morton's Neuroma a few years ago about 3 weeks prior to a Camino and was offered a steroid injection which I refused. However I accepted acupuncture to the area and it somehow cured it and never had a problem since.

 

[Darby67]

I have no idea about Morton's Neuroma, but I at times get awful pain from a dropped metatarsal in my left foot. I've been using these for a few years on top of OTC inserts and when put in correctly they make my feet feel heavenly. In looking at the description they are also recommended for M'sN. Sizing is important and a perhaps a professional can help you figure that out rather than testing. If they are not place properly...as I found out early in my 2019 camino...awful. I was having dark fantasies of removing toes by Pamplona.

Test, adjust, test, adjust before you do a them on a fresh set of inserts. Once adjusted I was ready to walk pain free.

EDIT: my comment that the metatarsal pads were also recommended for M'sN may have been incorrect...got that from Amazon. Hapad also has these that they say are specific for M'sN:

https://www.hapad.com/products/forefoot-corrections/neuroma-pads

Below I will leave the link for the other pads. They have made walking enjoyable again for me instead of feeling like I was walking on a marble. Hoping whatever solution you find works!

Metatarsal Pads | Hapad

www.hapad.com

 

[Anniesantiago]

Hi Annie. This sounds unbelievable but its true. I had a very painful Morton's Neuroma a few years ago about 3 weeks prior to a Camino and was offered a steroid injection which I refused. However I accepted acupuncture to the area and it somehow cured it and never had a problem since.

Thank you! I believe in acupuncture.
How many treatments did you have? I'm near Palm Springs right now and my acupuncturist is in Portland. I will be going there for Thanksgiving. Maybe I'll try to get in and see him.

 

[camino07]

I only had the one treatment with acupuncture then went off and walked the VDLP.

 

[Former member 49149]

I only had the one treatment with acupuncture then went off and walked the VDLP.

You are a lucky person.. I too 'believe in' acupuncture. Spelling that out, my experience with two lovely Chinese doctors who live in Dublin has been such that if I ever need to go back, I do. The needles aren't bad, but the herbs... let's just leave it at that!

 

[rowdygirl]

So I've been doing a LOT of research online and I'd like to try orthotics for this pesky Morton's Neuroma.
However, that opens up another can of worms. Who can I trust?

Does anyone have a trustworthy source for orthotics in the United States?
There are SO many.
I called one place and they wanted to charge me over $1000 for something to put in my danged shoe! ???!!!
Any recommendations?

I walked the Camino Portuguese in May and deal with the same issue as you with my feet. First, buy wide shoes! I had Altra trail runners with a natural foot shape. They also have a zero rise from back to front
so they don't put added pressure on the ball of your foot. I then took out the foot lining and inserted Orthoheel inserts at the advice of my chiropractor. No problems with my feet for 170 miles!

 

[easygoing]

I wear Super feet extra cushion (pink, mens are orange) Altra shoes a size larger and this pad. I have to tape the pad in place with a little KT tape because the sand I get in my shoes interferes with the reusable adhesive. Superfeet are available many places .Here is the link for the pads:
want to recommend this product at Amazon.com Dr. Foot's Ball of Foot Cushions Forefoot Support Pain Relief Soft PU Gel Massage Insole - 4 Pieces by DR. FOOT Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FZ5XB46/?tag=casaivar02-20
I've walked the Camino 7 times without a problem with this combination.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Thanks everyone for your help.
I seem to have found my answer, with NB Motion Control inserts with added padding beneath. I've been walking the past few days and things are better. Looking forward to acupuncture and hoping this will resolve. Thanks again.

 

[TaijiPilgrim]

I read that you have contacted New Balance already, but I want to say that I have had a neuroma in my left foot for over 5 years. I use a New Balance insert that is supportive and especially for metatarsal issues. With these I have walked the Frances, the Ingles, about half of Le Puy, Hadrians Wall, and Wainwright's Coast to Coast without flare ups from the neuroma. I am currently traveling so I cannot provide the specific model no. I will send when I return home. Good luck!

Annie, here is the New Balance insole I use Supportive Cushioning IUAS3810. What was the model you ordered? Let me know how you do. I might want to try the ones you ordered!

 

[Anniesantiago]

I ordered the IMC3210 Motion Control.
I've used it for several years - they just didn't have it when I bought my shoes this year, so I ordered it last week via mail. They actually have them on Amazon for less, but I was afraid of getting a knock-off so I ordered directly from NB. They look similar to the ones you ordered, except on yours the heel looks higher. I need more of a dropped heel.

 

[Thornley]

I know nothing about Morton's neuromas,

Think of that hard lump on the hand of anyone you know Laurie that has Carpal Tunnel.
Its not the same but that's what it felt like to me when i first had this ailment.