Neuroma problems and clipless

[pipergirl]

OK ladies...I am having a problem with a neuroma in my left foot. I have been a long time long distance runner but fairly new (6 months) at longer distances with my Giant OCR. Since turning 50 , I have had to do more cross training and drop my running miles some. My neuroma doesn't bother me with running distances under 12 miles but biking is a different story. Once I hit 25 -30 miles biking, the neuroma is just awful. I have been putting in around 170 miles per week but the pain is pretty bad toward the end of my rides. I have never had any cort. shots....and am considering going clipless to help even out the weight of my left foot. After reading up...I'm wondering about tension and amount of float...what do ya think? Anyone ever have this same problem? Would it really help to go clipless?

[bcipam]

Have had neuroma problems for years. Until I have surgery my left foot wil always urt but not as much since I switched to Dura Ace pedals on my road bike and Time ZControl on the MTBike. The wider flatform has helped distribute the pressure more evenly.

[pipergirl]

I spoke with a friend of mine who has had the surgery. Says you have to be off your feet for atleast three weeks. I f you go on top of the foot , more problems getting to the actual nerve but you can work out. I am considering a cortisone shot. Have you had one? I know they say you shouldn't have more than three, or scar tissue problems will arise. The idea of NOT being able to do any cardio for three or more weeks is frightening!!! How much tension do you have in your clipless? I hear the LOOK is good too for wide platform.

[bcipam]

I spoke with a friend of mine who has had the surgery. Says you have to be off your feet for atleast three weeks. I f you go on top of the foot , more problems getting to the actual nerve but you can work out. I am considering a cortisone shot. Have you had one? I know they say you shouldn't have more than three, or scar tissue problems will arise. The idea of NOT being able to do any cardio for three or more weeks is frightening!!! How much tension do you have in your clipless? I hear the LOOK is good too for wide platform.

I've never actively treated the neuroma. I had it diagnosed, was told my options and have learned to live with the pain. My friends who have had surgery have said it was worth the effort. I just don't like surgery. Did the shots, they worked... for awhile.

Look pedals are what the Dura Ace pedals are based upon. Good wide platform. Might solve your problem or at least make it better.

[Crankin]

My husband had the surgery for nueroma about 4 years ago. He had it at the end of January. I think he was in bed for 2 days, on meds, but then went to work on crutches. He was working out at the gym after 3-4 weeks, including spin class. Anything sooner wouldn't have been possible; he was still in pain. He started cycling outside in March and did the bike leg of a pentathalon in the middle of April (Tuckerman's Ravine; a nine mile climb of hellish proportions).
He still needs to be very careful about what shoes he wears, as it was walking long distances in NYC in dress shoes that did him in. Cycling doesn't seem to bother him at all, though.

[bike4ever]

I tried the cort shots - horrible. I opted for surgery. My surgeon went in through the top. He felt the recovery was quicker. It does leave you with a funny feeling toe; but I would definitely recommend it as soon as your weather turns cold.

In the meantime, try to wear the appropriate shoes without putting pressure on your toes. Also any of the wide platform pedals will distribute the weight better. If you choose to go clipless, you will need to be extremely careful about cleat placement. You don't want to irritate it more than necessary.