Neuroma problems and clipless

[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.

[KnottedYet]

I have a neuroma in my left foot. I "treat" it by being very careful with my shoe choices, wearing good insoles, putting metatarsal pads in my bike shoes. I love my Frogs because they are totally free float. My hip and knee are also very happy. I also stretch the leather of my shoes with a dowel or broom handle so my toes don't get any pressure. Lots of rest breaks when my foot needs it.

There are lots of exercises for the intrinsics of the foot to help support the area of the neuroma, but they aren't going to make the neuroma go away.

[bike4ever]

I made the decision for surgery when it kept interferring with my cycling. It was completely frustrating to have the foot go painfully numb after only 10 miles of riding. Mine was also on my right foot, and I was having issues with extended driving.

[Lise]

I don't have a diagnosis yet, but saw my doc who referred me to a podiatrist (note to self: make the appointment!) My two middle toes left foot go numb when running or cycling. Pain on the top of the foot unless my shoes are laced very loosely. This is also the foot with a big bunion, which is currently hurting pretty much. Think I can just screw this foot off and get a new one attached? I keep trying to tell it to act more like its sister, the right foot, but it's belligerantly defiant on this point. I'll follow this thread, since I'm really unlikely to put up with surgery. I work on my feet, and have never been willing to take the time off needed just for foot surgery. Certainly not when it's finally decent weather out.

[bike4ever]

I was living in Pittsburgh at the time my foot was being a big pain. I just did it during the winter. I actually had the neuroma surgery in December with double bunion on the same foot in February.

I also work on my feet since I am in the bike industry. One day my podiatrist saw me riding down the street with my big, black boot on my foot - he kind of freaked out. I just changed my pedals from clipless to a larger, bmx style platform pedal.

[Lise]

Ha! That's a great image. I can just see me with one big flat pedal and one clipped in. Encouraging to hear that you work on your feet. I need to be able to walk pretty fast from one place to another in the hospital if a patient's going to deliver...but maybe I can do it with a big boot on. And a big plastic shoe cover over it for deliveries. You give me hope. Maybe this winter. I'd hate to lose that time from running (is that seriously me saying that? I have changed so much), but it would be worth it to not have the bunion pain and numb toes. L.

[bike4ever]

Lise -

I'm 4 plus years past surgery. It is so nice not to wake up with a painful foot. Technically I was young to have the surgery (37 at the time), but it was so worth it. Good luck - if you choose surgery, do it in the off season.