About:

Intermetatarsal Neuroma (Morton’s Neuroma) is an irritated/enlarged nerve, which most commonly occurs between the third and fourth toes (second most common location is between the second and third toes). If left unchecked the increased irritation/enlarging of the nerve can cause the nerve to become thickened making it easier to agitate.

• The female to male ratio for people suffering from Morton’s Neuroma is 5 to 1
• The age range is predominately people from the ages 15-50

Intermetatarsal neuroma (Morton's Neuroma)

Symptoms:

• Most people suffering from Intermetatarsal Neuroma describe the discomfort as a burning pain in the ball of the foot. Some also classify it is an aching or shooting pain in the balls of the feet.
• Others may feel a numbing sensation in the toes. (Particularly 3rd and 4th toe)
• Pain that is not immediately relieved by resting (takes several minutes or even up to hours for the pain to subside).

What causes it?

-Improper footwear

• Shoes that are too tight around the toes
• Binding toes together, hence, compressing the nerves
• Narrow shoes (High heels)

-Increasing the amount of body weight applied directly to the ball of the foot. (Standing on your “tiptoes”)

-Foot Trauma

• High impact activities (running, jogging, jumping, etc.)

-Previous foot injuries

-Abnormal foot movement caused by:

• Hammertoes
• Flatfeet
• Bunions
• Excessive flexibility

Solutions (Non Invasive):

-Different Shoes:

• One of the first things to check is: are your shoes “cramming” your toes together?  If so, you may want to look into another pair of shoes with a wider toe box.

-Metatarsal Pads:

• A metatarsal pad can be very helpful in alleviating any pressure on the nerve that causes pain. It does this by both lifting and separating the metatarsal bones. Metatarsal pads are a great solution because they allow you to easily take them from shoe to shoe.  (Some insoles have sufficient metatarsal pads)

-Introducing Arch support

• Arch support, or insoles where arch support is already present, is somewhat similar to metatarsal pads relieving the pressure on the nerve.

-Stretching

• Stretching your calf and foot.

-Cold Compressions

• Place a cold compress on the irritated foot for 10-15 minutes with a cloth between the compress and your skin

-Over the counter anti-inflammatory Medicines

• ibuprofen or aspirin (consult your doctor before taking any anti-inflammatory medicines).

-Massaging your foot

• Try to gently massage your foot to increase blood flow and to reduce the inflammation.
• You can also combine the cold compress with a massage. This can be accomplished by either massaging your foot with ice cubes or by freezing a plastic cup of water and massaging your foot for a few moments. (Remember to always have a protective layer between your skin and the ice)

-RELAX:

• Yes it can be that simple to just sit down and put your feet up and take it easy.   Relaxation will help reduce the stress on the foot and can cause any inflammation to subside.

Avoid:

• Squatting
• Downhill walking/running
• Pointy, tight or high heeled shoes
• Getting on your “tiptoes”

Sources:

Mayo Clinic staff, . “Morton’s neuroma.” Maya Clinic. 07Oct.2008. Mayo Clinic, Web. 8 Mar 2010. .

Nissl, RN, BS, Jan . “Morton’s Neuroma.” WebMD. 27 Oct. 2008. ealthwise, Incorporated, Web. 8 Mar 2010. .

“Intermetatarsal Neuroma.” Permanente Medical Group, Inc.. Permanente Medical Group, Inc./ Kaiser Permanente, Web. 8 Mar 2010. .

“Mortons Neuroma.” Myfootshop.com. Myfootshop.com, Web. 8 Mar 2010. .

Pribut, DPM, Stephen M. “Neuroma Pain: Cause and Treatment .” Dr. Stephen M. Pribut’s Sport Pages . 02 Feb 2010. Dr. Stephen M. Pribut’s Sport Pages , Web. 8 Mar 2010. .

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RxSorbo insoles are specifically designed to absorb shock and provide protection for the body. The insoles fit inside any boot and are a quick and easy way to increase the comfort level of any riding boot as well increase the amount of time one may be willing to spend on the slopes. These insoles have stood the test of time and are quickly becoming necessary items amongst runners, athletes, police officers, warehouse workers, and a multitude of individuals whose work or hobbies demand them to be on their feet. NASA, Wilson Sporting Goods, movers of the Liberty Bell, have reaped the benefits the shock absorbing properties of Sorbothane. Now avid snowboarders can make their riding more fun, less painful, and generally more enjoyable by simply choosing to use a high quality insole.

Novice riders may not have enough control of the board, can be severely affected by the excessive movements, and could therefore benefit from some shock absorption. More advanced riders are likely to spend time attempting tricks. Half pipe, rail, and other maneuvers using obstacles greatly increase the pounding effect on the body. The type of rider attempting these moves will immediately appreciate the cushioning and protection from Sorbothane insoles. Laboratory tests have proved that Sorbothane® absorbs up to 94.7% of impact shock. The high energy and high impact demands of snowboarding are met with the high tech properties of a revolutionary product in the footwear market.

Some riders complain that there is a lot of movement inside their boot as the foot changes position during the ride. This movement often causes discomfort but an insole can either decrease the movement or protect the foot as it moves. Snowboard insoles will not make a bad rider better or a good rider great. They will make every ride feel more comfortable and provide the snowboarder with some relief from the rigors of their sport. Anything that makes the day more enjoyable increases the likelihood of continuing the sport. Insoles can play an integral part in shock absorption, injury prevention, and generally make any day on the snow a good day.

The selling points of new boots are their traction, warmth, and ability to keep the foot dry. While a mention is made towards cushioning and support, these attributes are really secondary. Due to the aggressive out-soles needed for traction, the boots often lack the shock absorption that may come from a running style shoe. While boots are not meant for running, they should not be torture chambers for the feet. These boots often have rugged interiors and therefore most will benefit from the use of RxSorbo’s cushioning insoles. The support provide by a new boot can be greatly increased by the simple addition of an insole whose primary purpose is to absorb shock and increase cushion. Just as a winter boot will keep the foot dry, an insole will keep the foot comfortable. Lower quality/price insoles feel nice initially, but most do not last throughout the entire winter. A better investment is a mid-priced insole with superior craftsmanship and materials proven to be effective at absorbing shock. The insoles primary purpose is to increase the comfort of the boot, to absorb shock, and to be unobtrusive. A winter boot is very thick and is typically worn with warm weather socks, so the insoles need to be thin without losing their efficacy.

Most shoe stores sell warm weather socks that claim to cushion the feet as well. It is evident that a few layers of cloth may cushion the feet for the first or second wear but this capability quickly diminishes. Few things are more troubling than aching feet on a cold day and the Sorbothane insolescan provide a solution to at least one of the problems. Perhaps nothing feels better on a rough winter day than pajamas, slippers, hot cocoa, and a warm fireplace. When life forces you to bear the elements, don’t forget insoles to make life more bearable until you get home again!

The shock absorbing properties of Sorbothane insoles can dampen the vibrations and impact that is caused in skiing. Ski boots have very little give and therefore seem to increase the onset of fatigue to the legs and feet. It is not uncommon for these symptoms to translate into pain or be the cause of injury. While insoles cannot guarantee prevention of injury, they can decrease the incidents of discomfort which may then allow for less muscles tightening and decrease need for altering normal body mechanics. Often, back pain is a manifestation of trauma to the lower body or variations in movement from the lower body. With this in mind, cushioning the feet makes sense in helping to protect the back and once again RXSorbo insoles are an ideal choice.

The first thing many skiers do is take off their boots and allow their feet to relax. They often seek a cushioned shoe that is soft and comfortable. Insoles will make life more tolerable and can bridge the gap between hard ski boots and warm slip-ons. Variable terrain, uneven surfaces, and slippery conditions are worrisome enough during the winter months and can be especially treacherous on a ski slope. A pair of long lasting insoles that bring true cushioning, such as those made with Sorbothane, can provide relief and comfort during these times.

Shoes vary in their traction, cushioning, height, and flexibility. Manufactures respond the demands of sports and users’ input when making changes to the shoes. Shoes materials vary, but all shoes share the following components: an out-sole which has direct contact with the ground, a sole is the bottom of the shoe, the insole is what the foot touches, the mid sole lies between the outer sole and insole, a heel, and an upper (or vamp) which connects the foot to the shoe. Some, or all, of these components are changed in order to make a shoe that is activity specific. These variations in shoes should not be disregarded and it is important to understand the meaning behind, and purpose of, different shoes.

Running and walking shoes differ in the amount of cushion offered by the mid sole. Due to the high impact, running shoes offers more cushion and a bigger heel. Walking mechanics lead to heel strike when landing, and thus a thicker heel may negatively affect walkers. The materials used in shoe construction affect the weight of the shoe and this is an area of concern for some runners. Runners typically perspire more than walkers and therefore the shoe “uppers” are made of a breathable mesh material. Walking shoes tend to have minimal additional traction, while running shoes have a definitively marked waffle shape. Often times, a trail running shoe will have deeper groves since additional traction is required when running on trails, over tree stumps, on rocks, and similar unstable surfaces. The stability control of walking shoes vary in comparison to the control of a running shoe since the walking shoe typically promotes a neutral foot and a running shoe typically helps prevent excessive pronation (foot rolling in). It is not uncommon for walkers to use running shoes, but runners should not use walking shoes since runners place higher demands on their feet and lower extremities.

Other sports demand certain movements and ability to change direction or position. The shoe type will allow the wearer to adequately respond. Manufactures are aware of the necessary components for the soles and of the ideal amount of stability for the shoes. In order help prevent injury and even to improve performance, the shoes should match the activity. Court shoes are similar in their sole construction because they provide a flat “rubbery” surface for grip and prevent slipping on the court. The cushioning of the mid sole can be thicker for sports such as basketball when compared to racquetball or tennis. Some court athletes prefer a high vamp that will give more support to the ankles and help prevent injury.

Cleats are meant for added traction, but these can be different lengths, sizes, and can vary in number. Compare a soccer cleat to an American football cleat and you will see a toe stud missing from the former. Not having a top stud decreases the likely-hood that the shoe will ’stick’ as the athlete kicks the ball. Different cleat heights are available depending on the playing surface. Some athletes like big cleats for wet conditions and small cleats for artificial turf. The vamp of the cleats will also vary by sport. Soccer players like a tight fit since they want to feel the ball on their foot, while football players are more concerned with protection and traction. Cleats are also used by a range of athletes from golfers to track stars and baseball players. Again the cleat length, cushioning and materials for the soles are going to change so that the athlete is most comfortable and therefore set up for success.

Some sports may allow cross over of shoe wear, but the more specialized the sport, the greater the need for a special shoe. Cyclists require a hard sole and cleat in order to transfer maximum power from their body to the pedal and onto the bike. Skateboarders need grip, a wide sole able to withstand abrasions from the board, and they need to provide protection for the skater. Rock climbers need a “tacky rubbery” sole but the shoe should allow a lot of feel of the rock. Scuba divers and other water sports needs to provide protection and should also be comfortable when wet. Although the shoe will not make the athlete, it is wise to look for activity specific footwear in order to have a decreased chance of injury and increased chance of success.

Just because a shoe is endorsed by your favorite athlete or is being worn by the star player on your team, it does not mean that the shoe is right for you. Shoes are about fit and performance; they are not about looks, brands, and colors. Aside from trying different brands of shoes, various modifications may be made to the shoes so that the person feels better in them. There are many commercially available heel cups that provide additional cushioning and may help prevent injury. Insoles can be purchased to add support, or even replace shoes’ manufactured insoles. Arch supports, foot pads, and ankle braces can be added to match a person’s concerns or medical history. Start by exploring activity specific shoes, try different brands, and make modifications as needed. Shoes are not, by any means, one size fits all.

The amount of weight a woman can expect to gain depends on her pre-pregnancy weight. Estimates are anywhere from 15-40 pounds so it is apparent why there is an onset of pain in the joints, back, and even difficulty with walking and other normal tasks. Insoles provide cushion and often immediate relief of pain and while making walking more comfortable. Insoles that provide arch support help maintain proper foot alignment and will help prevent overpronation. Overpronation means that the foot “rolls” excessively to the inside (towards the arch) and thus compromises the body’s natural support structure. A compromised and unsupported foot may mean altered joint angles thus resulting in pain in the ankles, knees, and/or hips. This can in turn be a contributing factor to low back pain. Altered foot mechanics are not the only thing that may cause back pain, but eliminating one probable cause will help!

Many experts recommend an exercise program to keep both mom and baby healthy. In addition, this will help prevent additional and often unnecessary weight gain. Insoles and heel cups will make the foot and related joints more comfortable, and therefore the person is more likely to engage in physical activity. The feet and ankles usually retain fluid during pregnancy, but contrary to popular belief this is not due to the excess weight. This edema is a result of an increase in fluid and blood that is present as a result of the pregnancy. The body retains more water and also has a decrease in its ability to bring blood from the lower limbs back to the heart. Again, one of the recommendations to help alleviate the edema is to taken short from either sitting or standing, rotate the legs and gently stretch the lower extremities, and engage in short bouts of exercise. The aforementioned list of recommendations is not all inclusive, but it makes apparent how insoles can benefit a pregnant female. A more comfortable, less achy lower leg is more likely to be used and thus edema can be decreased.

An often overlooked component of activity and potential for increased pain occurs after the baby is born. The demands placed on the new mom are greatly increased as she responds to the baby’s needs. For the parents, this means many hours running around and being on their feet. Insoles provide cushion and comfort; the perfect recipe for an overworked mom. At a time when the baby is the primary concern, insoles can be a minuscule source of joy for the loving parent(s).

It is important to realize that not all insoles are created equal. Many people are tempted to purchase cheap, over the counter insoles. These are convenient to buy and readily available, but they do not wear well and usually do not last very long. These lower priced products only maintain their cushion for a short period of time. A truly comfortable and long lasting insole and product will be a much wiser investment. The American Podiatry Medical Association recognizes products made with Sorbathane due to its increased ability to provide cushion. The insoles are lightweight and fit very well inside a variety of shoes. Unlike other insoles, the proprietary material that makes up this product will not lose its ability to stabilize the foot nor its ability to dampen shock. For over a quarter of a century, Sorbathane products have been used in a variety of settings when shock absorption and vibration isolation was required. The engineers behind the product saw the deficiencies of insoles and arch supports that were on the market and they created a superior product with their incredible material. Sorbathane insoles can be incredibly beneficial and will help ease some aches and pains that a pregnant female may experience. A nice side note, they come with a money back guarantee. Although there are no counter-indications with using an insole, advise your doctor about your purchase and pass along any information you find useful.

Ice, rest, and anti inflammatory medications are going to be the recommended starting treatments. Physical therapy may be introduced, and you may get a recommendation for injections to relieve pain, or surgery to change the dynamics of the fascia or remove a heel spur. Aside from these methods, you can try some footwear products to help with the pain. Consider purchasing an insole or a heel cupto provide extra cushion and support. Alternately, you can purchase a heel cup to provide the necessary support and cushion. Heel cups need to be sturdy and be able to withstand the constant pressure that the body places on them. Often times a generic heel cup will break down quickly and thus fail to provide the cushion and protection. The heel cup also needs to provide some support and stability for the heel and foot. Heel cups made from laboratory tested materials (i.e. Sorbathane,et al) tend to have all the necessary elements for an ideal heel cup. The ultra heel cup provides heavy duty protection and cushion while being light and comfortable enough to be worn during athletic events. Any heel cup should have a dispersing mechanism in the middle of the heel since this is where most of the burden is carried. The ultra heel cup’s patented mechanism does an excellent job at creating this distribution.

Many people have found relief using heel cups, and doctors suggest heel cups for their patients. Products containing Sorbathane, such as the ultra heel cup, are accepted by the American Podiatrist Association. The heel cups can help people battling bursitis, Achilles tendonitis, fat pad atrophy, and plantar fasciitis. Let’s briefly examine these conditions to see how a heel cup may be beneficial.

Bursitis: Between bones and tendons exists a fluid filled sac that serves as a protective mechanism for the body. It is called a bursa sac and helps prevent excessive friction. The sac itself can become inflamed and irritated and thus be the source of pain. A bursa is present at the back of the heel between the calcaneous (heel bone) and the very bottom of the Achilles tendon. Another sac lies at the bottom of the foot under the heel. These are two (of many) bursa in the foot, and they are the two that may get relief from irritation by wearing a heel cup. The bursa gets inflamed and causes pain as the result of excess pressure and excess friction. A heel cup prevents these things from happening, or from continuing and so pain can is often relieved.

Fat pad atrophy: The soft part of the heel is made up of fat cells. This becomes apparent as one can easily push into the heel and feel the “squishy” sensation and the absorption capabilities. From overuse, or as a result of landing hard on the heel, the fats cells get disrupted from their normal alignment. They spread out and loose their cushioning abilities and thus the person feels pain in the heel. Often times fat pad atrophy is treated as plantar fasciitis or a heel bruise. Compressing the fat pad with tape or a heel cup provides relief since it re-positions the cells. A heel cup provides the cushioning that the fat pad can no longer provide.

Plantar Fasciitis: The plantar fasciia is a thick band of connective tissue that runs from the heel bone to the balls of the foot. It gives support to the foot and allows the foot to act like a spring in response to the downward pressure of a step. Constant strain on the fascia causes it to breakdown and cause pain. Often times, tightness in the calves can aggravate the plantar fasciia. Since a the plantar fasciia starts at the heel, the heel can be a sore spot and is often relieved with the extra cushion provided by a heel cup. An atrophied fat pad may also be a contributing factor to plantar fasciitis, and thus a heel cup may actually help eliminate fasciitis. In response to excess strain from fasciia and tendon connections, the calcaneous (heel bone) lays down extra bone. This excess bone is known as a heel spur and it can cause irritation to surrounding tissues. A heel cup provides extra cushion so there is less pain since the soft tissue may no longer rub on the heel spur. The heel spur may also be irritating the fasciia. It is apparent then that a heel cup should be greatly considered when treating plantar fasciitis and bone spurs.

Achilles tendonitis: The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It can be a source of pain as it is often overused and may constantly be strained. In response to stress, the tendon breakdowns or can become inflamed thus limiting range of motion and movement. Appropriate warm up, stretching, cool down, and progression of exercises helps prevent the tendonitis. In addition to the typical course of treatment, a heel cup may be beneficial for Achilles tendonitis because the heel cup slightly raises the foot. This elevated position forces the tendon into a relaxed position. The heel cup will also provide cushion and support so that the heel and foot do not get excess stress from activity. This stress is less likely to be the culprit for Achilles tendonitis, but it may further irritate an already inflamed tendon.

Walking insoles are beneficial to a greater part of the population than currently use them. Walking is not only our normal mode of transportation; it is also an extremely popular form of exercise. Most people are aware of the recommendation to walk 10, 000 steps per day. With every step, there is a great increase in the load that the feet and body must absorb. Some scientists have compared the load to a full cement truck, meaning that the feet, legs, and body are constantly stressed and may therefore become injured or fatigued. With this understanding, it becomes apparent that a walking insole will be beneficial to the majority of the population. The insoles will provide additional support and necessary cushion. The walking insole will absorb shock which means the body is not responsible for the entire load.

Although we often think of our foot as only one part of our body, the foot is a very complex structure that contains many bones, ligaments, and tendons. To be more specific, the feet contain over 60 joints, 200 ligaments, and over 35 muscles. Due to the increased anatomical complexity, many people suffer from foot ailments. The soles of our feet have many nerve endings and serve as the primary cushion and defense mechanism against the aforementioned loads. As these structures get used (walking, standing) they are exposed to more detrimental forces and thus the onset of pain and discomfort.

Since walking is an almost inescapable part of life, what can be done to decrease the ailments? Overuse leads to injury and so does inactivity so it is important to find a balance between the two. Walking and physical activity help keep many cardiovascular problems and disease at bay. Walking for exercise can be done by almost anybody regardless of their current physical condition. It is important to have a supportive shoe that does not compress the foot. Shoes should be purchased later in the day since the feet have swollen and therefore you choose a shoe that fits your foot when it is at its full girth. The shoe should not pinch nor rub the foot in an uncomfortable manner. While it is true that every shoe has a slight break in period, it is best to purchase a shoe that feels good as soon as you step into it. Just like the foot has many components, so does a shoe. Shoes have varying degrees of support, flex, and heel cushion. Try different brands, walk around the store for several minutes, and ask advice from a reputable walking shoe expert. Many people often replace the insole of the shoe with one that will provide more support (i.e. to the arches or the balls of the foot) and additional cushion. Walking insoles made from high quality material will give these properties, and make any shoe more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. Insoles can be tailored for a variety of foot types and purchased to response to varying demands. Walking insoles are made for people with high arches, flat feet, and specific foot problems. Some are better suited for runners or occasional walkers. Other insoles may benefit people who are on their feet all day. It is important to consider what you want your insoles to help you accomplish and what particular concerns you have.

A walking insole will make walking more comfortable. Walking will help keep prevent obesity and weight gain. It will help reduce stress, improve cholesterol, and improve bone density. Low bone mass results in osteoporosis and increases the chances of fractured bones. Walking also improves the condition of the heart and lungs and helps improve the body’s ability to use blood and move it to all vital organs. A combination of check up with your doctor, frequent activity, a good pair of shoes, and a quality pair of walking insoles will ensure you reap the benefits of our preferred method of locomotion.