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.

[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.

[pipergirl]

Wow, its nice? to know others out there have the same problem. Mine really starts hurting badly by the time I ridden around 35. Since I'm dealing with PF right now, which doesn't bother my biking but is what took me off the roads running,I was sooo pissed about the neuroma problem! I have learned to love the biking but it takes so long to get a decent workout. However, spinning definitely keep me sane. Since I'm only working 20 hour weeks right now, I can go for longer rides ...over 35. I wish the neuroma only caused numbness but it becomes so painful! I am considering the surgery...we'll see. My PT also says that most folks get the neuroma in the first place because of pronation problems...I'd have to agree with that. My left foot pronates badly. I did have a casting for new orthotics. My old ones don't seem to address the forefoot issue very well. I am having my bike shoes worked on. I will probably go clipless soon. Thanks for any and all advice about that. Large platform, definitely.