Can wearing my High Heels Shoes cause Morton's Neuroma Surgery?

90

By Peggy W

If you want a distinct answer to the question of whether wearing high heeled shoes causes Morton's Neuroma, the answer is a definite maybe. Most foot doctors would recommend wearing better shoes for beneficial care of the feet.

I have had personal experiences with Mr. Morton on two occasions going back to the 1970's and let me tell you...it was not pleasant.

Back in those days I spent much time on my feet as my profession was that of being an operating room nurse at Methodist Hospital in the heart of the Texas Medical Center in Houston, Texas.

Normally I worked the day shift which meant being all suited up with those gorgeous (I'm being facetious here!) OR clothes, disposable caps covering our hair and disposable booties covering our shoes. In those days the women wore wrap around type dresses and the men got to wear trousers and shirt tops all in a blue or green color which got very faded as they were laundered over time by the hospital.


See all 4 photos

Nurse's shoes

Nurse Mates Women's Bryar Casual Shoes,Espresso Patent,9.5 M US
Amazon Price: $29.95
List Price: $72.00
Nurse Mates Women's Dove Slip-On - 9.5B White
Amazon Price: $56.25
List Price: $68.00
Nurse Mates Women's Briana Casual Shoes,White Full Grain Leather,8 M US
Amazon Price: $69.41
List Price: $72.00

 

We are not talking great fashion here folks!

 

But then...except for the cases of surgery performed under local anesthetic, most of our patients were already drowsy due to pre-op medications administered before they were wheeled into the operating room theatre...and of course, during surgery...they were out cold due to the anesthesia.

 

A typical joke back then if those of us working in the OR saw each other outside of that environment was to say that we really looked good in our clothes. Anyone overhearing that type of remark probably wondered about us and in what type of profession we were engaged!

 

The day shift was from 7 AM to 3:30 PM and most of us were changing clothes and exchanging a few pleasantries in the nurse's lounge around 6:30 AM prior to getting really busy with the rest of our day.

 

Of course if we were scheduled to be "on call" and the surgeries ran past the time of 3:30 PM we simply stayed in the OR and finished the job no matter how long it took if the smaller staffed evening shift could not handle the load.

 

Being an operating room nurse whether one was the scrub nurse or the circulating nurse meant spending long hours on one's feet.

 

 

Mr. Morton paid me a visit and he worked his way into my life in an insidious way over a great period of time.

 

All I realized was that after a day of work my one foot was getting more and more painful.

 

After getting home I would put my feet up after taking off my shoes and endured the painful burning sensation for some time.

 

A night's rest seemed to alleviate it but as time progressed I was literally limping in the corridor of the OR suite one day when a surgeon asked me what seemed to be the trouble.

 

He had me hop up onto a stretcher outside of an OR and examined my feet. Presto! Instant diagnosis! Morton's Neuroma.

 

It did not take long for surgery to be scheduled and when completed, the surgeon told me that he had never previously seen one that was so large.

 

When one developed in the other foot a few years later, believe me!, I did not wait so long to have it remedied.

Patient testimony after having Morton's Neuroma surgery

Some footage of an actual surgery...

So what exactly is Morton's Neuroma?


Enlargement and abnormal growth of the nerve typically between the third and fourth toes and just above the pad of the foot can cause all kinds of havoc. As one walks, jogs, runs or otherwise hits the ground with one's foot, the ligament on top of the nerve causes compression. When the nerve is enlarged, obviously one is in for some pain, burning sensations or even numbness.


Numbness would certainly have been preferred in my case over the throbbing pain and burning that I experienced, and since I had waited so long to seek treatment, surgery was the only choice left.


If one seeks treatment earlier, other options are typically tried with surgery as a last resort. Alternatives include orthotics, pain medications (usually over the counter), steroids to reduce the swelling and even injections with alcohol...a newer approach.


The relief was instant in my case after the surgery.


Heed the warning signals and seek help if these symptoms sound familiar. Some people even report the feeling of walking on a marble. I simply had the growing sensation of pain and burning which kept escalating as the neuroma got larger.


 

Being a fashionista can hurt!

 

I used to wear many high heels when I was younger and that is one possible cause of developing a Morton's Neuroma.

In fact women outnumber men by a huge number when it comes to developing Morton's Neuromas.

 

Comparing men's shoes with women's shoes...it is no wonder!

Most men's shoes are built with roomy areas for their toes and sensible heel heights.

Not so with much of what is created for women to wear!

Look at the pointy toes and sky-high elevated yet skinny heels that females are encouraged to purchase and then navigate wearing.

Some time ago (after having had two surgeries for Morton's Neuromas) and also being granted a few more years with which to gain some wisdom...THAT is questionable...but hey!...thought that I would throw it in for laughs...especially those that know me... I decided that I no longer had to buy the latest and greatest when it came to women's shoes being sold.

Lower heels and even flats suit me just fine these days! If one searches, it is possible to find shoes with more room for toes to reside in more comfortable surroundings...even wiggle a little. It may not be easy...but it is worth the effort in the long run to find such foot friendly adornments.

So...does wearing high heeled shoes cause Morton's Neuromas? There seems to be some evidence and I'm not taking any chances. I may be a bit shorter these days without my high heels, but my feet are happier!

Morton's Neuroma Injection...

Do you always follow the latest trends when it comes to shoe fashions?

  • Absolutely
  • Sometimes
  • I wear only what is comfortable
  • No...I don't worry about the latest trends
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Morton's Neuroma Pain in Foot - Surgical Excision

Have you ever suffered with a Morton's Neuroma?

  • Yes
  • No...I'm lucky from the sound of it
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Assessment Technique for Suspected Cases of Morton's Neuroma

Comments

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 4 weeks ago

Hi Ruchira,

Thanks for your comment on this hub about Morton's Neuromas and how they can be possibly prevented. I agree that those high heels look great...but they are no longer in my wardrobe either.

Ruchira profile image

Ruchira Level 8 Commenter 4 weeks ago

Peggy you have pointed out a beautiful topic of discussion where appearance matters the most. Personally, I love heels but my health does not allow me to wear them comfortably thus, gave up on them few years back.

I guess women who can still trod along with Stilettos comfortably rule...lol

They sure look graceful however, dunno what kind of pain they would be after they reach home...lol

voted up as useful and interesting topic.

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 7 weeks ago

Hi KatyWhoWaited,

Good information to know! Thanks for passing it on. People should pay attention to their feet and if they hurt, obviously something is wrong. Thanks for adding your comment to this hub about Morton's Neuroma. Appreciate it!

KatyWhoWaited profile image

KatyWhoWaited Level 1 Commenter 7 weeks ago

Peggy, just wanted to mention a related topic. This is a caution for certain people wearing rocker sneakers (and I imagine it would be those with high insteps like me.) While "rocker shoes" are tauted as being great for walking, I started getting planter fasciitous (self-diagnosed) when wearing a brand name shoe when I had to do a lot of walking. I just HAPPENED to see a TV news segment on the dangers of rocker shoes for SOME people. You can tell a rocker shoe by putting it on the table and noticing that the toe and heel are raised, making it, of course, rock when you move it. I stopped wearing the shoes and within a week, all pain was gone. If someone has pain inspite of wearing a good brand of sneakers, it might be worthwhile to see what happenes if you switch to a different type of shoe.

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 2 months ago

Hi KoffeeKlatch Gals,

Odds are great that now that you are primarily wearing flats with some wiggle room for the toes, you will never be bothered by suffering with Morton's Neuromas...and that is a good thing (as Martha Stewart would say). Thanks for your comment.

KoffeeKlatch Gals profile image

KoffeeKlatch Gals Level 6 Commenter 2 months ago

Peggy, I haven't worn heels in forever. Once it became too painful I cheerfully changed to comfortable flats. Morton's is not something I want to deal with. It looks and sounds horribly painful. Up, useful and interesting.

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 3 months ago

Hi Nicole,

Hopefully you will never be bothered by the painful condition of having Morton's neuromas. Not fun as you assumed. Thanks for your comment.

Nicole S profile image

Nicole S Level 3 Commenter 3 months ago

Oh my!! This was very painful for me to just watch let alone having the condition - I can't imagine. Props to you for being so strong.

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 4 months ago

Hi Sydney,

Hope that you find some that you like. Happy New Year to you also!

Sydney 4 months ago

Thanks so much for taking the time to respond, Peggy! I will look at the site and start shopping soon :)

Have a great New Year!

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 4 months ago

Hi again Sydney,

I'm not at all surprised that you feel better immediately post-op. I had the same experience since I was in such agony prior to surgery. As to certain brands, I would hesitate to mention any since they change styles every year. You just have to get out there and try different ones on for comfort. Just be sure that you have a little wiggle room in the toe area. Soft leather uppers rather than hard helps. My mother had the same surgery and she found shoes called SAS...made in San Antonio, Texas. We have stores here in Houston also. Here is a link: http://www.sasshoes.com/ I have actually purchased some for myself and they are comfortable. Perhaps not the latest and greatest in high fashion, but.....! Hope that helps.

Sydney626 4 months ago

Thanks for your reply, Peggy! If you think of any brands that you prefer with the wide-toe box, all info appreciated :) Still feeling surprisingly well post-op! (knocking on wood :)

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 4 months ago

Hi sydney626,

Sorry to hear that you needed surgery for your Morton's Neuroma. Am sure that you will feel better soon.

As to shoes worn after surgery...just search for shoes with roomy toe areas. I know that it is not easy to find them...but they are out there. Good luck! Personally I do not wear many high heels any longer. Fortunately there are many good looking lower heeled shoes.

Thanks for your comment.

sydney626 4 months ago

Hi Peggy! Great post! I had a neurectomy today. Doing pretty well thus far. Completely numb in the last three toes. Interesting. But, of course, it hasn't even been 24 hours yet.

What I'm wondering is what type of shoes do you wear post neurectomy? I am a court reporter and am in the courthouse in dress clothes. I'm wondering what kinds of shoes I need to start investing in :) I suspect all my heels and boots (insert whining) will not be worn again, if I have any sense! I've spent the last six months going to work in flip flop Crocs and have been hating it.

So...I would love to hear your post-op shoe choices! Thanks in advance!

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 6 months ago

Hi Carrie,

Hopefully you will never get Morton's neuromas in your feet. In the meantime wear your high heeled shoes in good health. Like you, I don't do much walking in them anymore and most often wear sensible low heeled shoes or sandals. Thanks for your comment.

carriethomson profile image

carriethomson Level 5 Commenter 6 months ago

Hi peggy!! that’s a great hub!! High heels can cause so much pain!! I will admit I love wearing them for parties but I don’t walk or stand much wearing them, I m def going to be careful and try avoiding high heels as much as possible. Otherwise for everyday use I make it a point to wear comfortable low heeled sandals or shoes!!Dont want MR mortan visiting :)) such a useful and great hub!!Voted up!!

carrie

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 8 months ago

Hi JamaGenee,

Guess we have to admit that there is something good about aging! Like you, I would probably kill myself if I tried wearing some of the high heels I used to wear when I was younger. Now it just doesn't matter that much. Comfort and safety prevail over the latest fashion. Ha!

JamaGenee profile image

JamaGenee Level 8 Commenter 8 months ago

Thanks to a fall years ago from a second story porch and 5 weeks in hospital, I pretty much gave up wearing heels. Just didn't feel as "steady on my pegs" (as Brits say) as I used to, but did finally find a pair that were the "right" height (3 inches), cushioned in all the right places and felt like I wasn't wearing heels at all. A basic, timeless style. But I hadn't worn them since 2001 and have no intention of ever attending any function in the future where flats are unacceptable, so I (reluctantly) pitched them last year.

After reading this hub, I think I may have had the beginning's of a Morton's a couple of wears ago when I had a job that required standing in one spot all day. By the end of the day the balls of my feet would be on fire. But the company went bust and so did the potential Morton's.

These days I stick to Crocs or (wide width) tennies, both of which allow my toes plenty of wiggle space. I'm at the age where comfort takes priority over "stylish" footwear, and I probably couldn't walk in a pair of heels now even under threat of torture. Wearing heels would be the torture! ;D

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 10 months ago

Hi RTalloni,

Sorry that you had to suffer with Morton's Neuromas. Mine were so bad that the remedy was immediate surgery...so no steroids for me. Steroids can cause all kinds of problems particularly if used systemically. Sorry that you are suffering ill effects from the use of those also.

As you say, there are a number of good looking comfy shoes these days and they are popular for both young and old alike. Thanks for your comment.

RTalloni profile image

RTalloni Level 8 Commenter 10 months ago

Yes, doing that does cause MN! Beware of the steroids though, I'm still struggling with my eyes due that stuff's side effects 2 years ago (prescribed for another condition).

At least there are comfy shoes that look nicer than Crocs these days. :)

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 11 months ago

If you decide to start wearing them...take pictures! Haha!

billyaustindillon profile image

billyaustindillon Level 2 Commenter 11 months ago

Yes that would be a bit of a concern!

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 12 months ago

Hi Billy,

Lucky you that you are not expected to wear them! :)))

billyaustindillon profile image

billyaustindillon Level 2 Commenter 12 months ago

Glad I don't wear high heels!

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 12 months ago

Hi amymarie_5,

For the most part I wear flats, sneakers and other comfy shoes as well. I need a new pair of sneakers. Will take a look at the New Balance ones. Thanks!

amymarie_5 profile image

amymarie_5 Level 6 Commenter 12 months ago

I actually think I'll be wearing heels less now that I'm learning more and more about the damage heels do to your feet. Gotta admit, I love the comfy New Balance sneakers. I live in them over the weekend!

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 12 months ago

Hello amymarie_5,

At my age I'd probably kill myself if I tried wearing those "sky high heels" now. I did love them when I was younger, however. Having more room in the toe area is what is most important from what I learned. It is no wonder that more women have feet problems as compared to men. Just look at the difference in shoes!

Glad that you found this helpful. Thanks for the comment.

amymarie_5 profile image

amymarie_5 Level 6 Commenter 12 months ago

Thanks for sharing this information. I've never heard of Mortons Neuroma but I know my aunt had surgery on her feet a while back and can no longer where heels. I wonder if this is what she has.

I wore heels and platforms all the time in the 90s when I was in my 20s but in the last few yrs I wear 2 inch wedges or flats most of the time. I still wear my sky high heels but not on a daily basis. I do love high heels so I don't know if I can ever truly give them up.

Again, great information, voted up and useful.

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 14 months ago

Hi KoffeeKlatch Gals,

Ouch! I have also had what people commonly call heel spurs. Eventually they went away, but were certainly painful for some time. Now I pretty much avoid wearing high heels and commonly wear lower profile shoes and flats. At my age (at least that is my excuse) I can get away with it. Ha! Thanks for the comment and votes.

KoffeeKlatch Gals profile image

KoffeeKlatch Gals Level 6 Commenter 14 months ago

Peggy, I am thrilled to say I don't have Morton's Neuroma and sad to say I have the heel spurs. Wearing high heels can cause so many different foot ailments (or at least contribute to) that if I had it to do again I probably would not have worn them in days gone by as much as I did. Great information. Voted up and useful.

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 17 months ago

Hi Martie,

High heels can definitely be one cause of developing Morton's Neuromas. At my age I have given up trying to wear high heels. Flats and lower heels are so much more comfortable and safer as well. Some good things about getting older! Haha!

MartieCoetser profile image

MartieCoetser Level 8 Commenter 17 months ago

I always envied women on those high heels, because I was born with club feet - rectified when I was a baby - and I was never able to walk in shoes with higher heels than one inch. At the very most one-and-a-half. Thanks for this interesting hub – I’m sharing it with my friends, for some of them really need to know that high heel shoes could be the cause of Morton's Neuroma.

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 17 months ago

Well Micky, you just need to donate all of those high heels to a good cause and forever say "goodbye" to an appearance by Mr. Morton's Neuroma! Haha! Perhaps you are right about that statue being displayed in your honor in Raleigh, N.C.!

Micky Dee profile image

Micky Dee Level 4 Commenter 17 months ago

I get Morton's Neuroma every time I wear my heels!

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 19 months ago

Hello MyMastiffPuppies,

That is so true! Until I had my Morton's Neuroma problems, I had never thought about it nor knew others who had suffered the same problem. Since that time I have heard of many others who have also had Morton's Neuromas which necessitated surgery. Thanks for the comment and be kind to your feet! :-)

MyMastiffPuppies profile image

MyMastiffPuppies 20 months ago

I can honestly say I had never heard of Morton's Neuroma until I ready your hub. Until you have problems, you don't really think about how important foot health is to your overall well-being. Thanks for such an informative hub.

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 22 months ago

Hello Englandborn1,

Odds are you will never have to face having Morton's Neuroma surgery statistically...but it is nice to be aware of such things. At least make sure you have some wiggle room in the toes of your shoes! That would help.

Englandborn1 profile image

Englandborn1 22 months ago

I wear high heel shoes a lot...and I can't stop. I just hope nothing ever happens :)

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 22 months ago

Hello Pinkchic18,

Take good care of your feet with reasonable shoes (at least most of the time) and hopefully you will never be faced with having a Mortons Neuroma.

Pinkchic18 profile image

Pinkchic18 Level 4 Commenter 22 months ago

Yikes. Sounds painful and worth sharing. Thank you for the heads up!!

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 2 years ago

Hello elayne001,

So sorry to hear that you have Morton's neuroma and are thus far finding no permanent relief. I had instant relief from the surgeries and no longer wear high heels except on the rare occasion. Lower heeded shoes are more comfortable and I am now at an age where that means more to me than simply following the latest fashion. There are SOME good things about getting older! :-) Good luck!

elayne001 profile image

elayne001 Level 4 Commenter 2 years ago

This hub caught my eye since I am currently suffering with what seems to be a Morton's neuroma. I have had a few shots of cortisone but it keeps coming back after a few months. Maybe I will have to go with the surgery soon. I am only 5 feet tall and so have worn high heels most of my life. Dang! Thanks for a very informative hub.

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi TINA V,

Hopefully you will never have a Morton's Neuroma. At least you now know one possible cause...that of wearing high heeled shoes. And you are in the "driver's seat" with regard to how and when you wear them. Thanks for the comment.

TINA V profile image

TINA V 2 years ago

The title of your article caught my attention because I love to wear high heeled shoes. I find the information about Morton's Neuroma helpful to your readers especially to women. It reminded me to be more cautious about this type of illness. Great hub!

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 2 years ago

Hello tipperary,

From the sounds of it you will probably never have to worry about a Morton's Neuroma which is good. Whenever I have worn them in later years I do the same thing. Sometimes the high heels even come off in the car when my husband is driving home! :) Thanks for your comment and cheers to happy feet wherever we may take them!

tipperary profile image

tipperary 2 years ago

I just had to read this to find out what was Mortons Neuroma. I can tell you i sure am glad now that i am a woman who doesnt wear high heels to often. To wear them one night a week is enough for me, and even at that i can hardly wait to get home and take them off. Interesting hub!

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi cristalluna1124,

I also wore high heels all through college and apparently was just unlucky because even though I was in good flat shoes in the operating room...that is when the Morton's Neuromas decided to pay me a visit. My mother also loved and wore high heels throughout much of her earlier life...and she too had to have the operations. I'll admit...they look good!

At my age now, I'd probably kill myself if I tried to walk in 5 inch heels! Ha!

christalluna1124 profile image

christalluna1124 2 years ago

Peggy,

I have worn heels of about 5 inches for most of my life even though I am six feet tall. Due to the height and slant of my foot in the heels, the tendons on top of my feet have shortened and i now have trouble wearing tennis or flats. I am still in love with the highest of heels and the way they make your legs look.

Warmest regards,

Chris

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi blondepoet,

When you think about it, our feet were not exactly designed for footware like high heels. Too bad they look so pretty! :-) Hopefully with judicious care of your feet, you will never suffer from Morton's Neuromas. Take care!

blondepoet profile image

blondepoet Level 3 Commenter 2 years ago

Wow you know I used to wear heels 24hours a day but getting sore feet made me stop awhile ago. Now after reading this,....oh thank God I did.

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 2 years ago

At least we have a plan now, Michelle. Haha! High heels? What high heels? :-)

ripplemaker profile image

ripplemaker Level 6 Commenter 2 years ago

Hey that's a good idea! Hahaha And well, wear high heels less! :)

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi Michelle,

Just put out the NO WELCOME sign! Ha!

ripplemaker profile image

ripplemaker Level 6 Commenter 2 years ago

Yes Peggy, I hope he doesn't visit ever... :)

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi ripplemaker,

I can well imagine that working in high heeled shoes in your daycare would be out of the question. The same thing for many jobs. Even when wearing high heels...one can choose designs without such cramped toe boxes...sometimes difficult to find, but worth the search. Enjoy your special occasions and hopefully you will NEVER be paid a visit by Mr Morton with his neuromas. :-) Thanks for your comment.

ripplemaker profile image

ripplemaker Level 6 Commenter 2 years ago

Hi Peggy, I love wearing high heels but working with kids...we felt the need to wear flats. Of course, with exceptions to special occasions, high heels are in! LOL Thanks for this informative hub. We all need to be careful with our footwear then. :)

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi Truth From Truth,

Tread lightly! (Smile) If your wife loves wearing high heels, this is not likely to dissuade her from wearing them. But if she is having problems, perhaps her high heels might be a possible reason. Enjoy your New Years also and thanks for the comment.

Truth From Truth profile image

Truth From Truth 2 years ago

Good information hub, Thank you I well share with my wife. Enjoy your New Years.

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 2 years ago

Greetings chimmychan,

Can't disagree with you there! Flats are definitely more comfortable than high heels...at least spoken from my perspective. Thanks for your comment.

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi frogyfish,

Having worked for a podiatrist, you would have heard more advice than most people regarding the damage high heels can inflict. Happy to hear that you have not had any visitation from the likes of Morton's Neuroma. Thanks for your comment.

chimmychan profile image

chimmychan 2 years ago

Flats are better than heels :) They're so much comfortable to wear.

frogyfish profile image

frogyfish Level 6 Commenter 2 years ago

Well, no Morton's here, but I once worked for a podiatrist and he believed 'women's shoes' were most or part of the problem. Whatever that may be, I'm with the voters who want only comfortable shoes. I have square feet for sure. :-) I watched the videos but had to make myself watch through the cringing. Great hub info!

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi again Pearl TKO,

Just baby your feet. You only have two and they will thank you in the end. :-)

Pearl TKO profile image

Pearl TKO 2 years ago

No Problem Peggy W :-)

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi Pearl TKO,

Hope that your wearing of high heels is not the cause. If it gets painful enough...believe me!...you will no longer be able to ignore it. Thanks for not only reading but leaving a comment.

Pearl TKO profile image

Pearl TKO 2 years ago

I have always worn heels weather it is out to a club, party, church or anything that requires of me to wear a dressy attire and I had pain but i've always been a custom to it for many years that it does not even phase me anymore. Scary! o_0

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 2 years ago

Hello loveroflife,

I see that you appreciate the looks of high heels, but would you want to wear them? Guessing that you are of the male persuasion. You and Micky Dee would look good together sporting your heels! Haha! Thanks for the comment.

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi Micky Dee,

Now that's funny! Just how many high heeled shoes did you have anyway? Hahaha! Thanks for your humorous comment.

loveroflife 2 years ago

"Fashionable" high heeled shoes may be uncomfortable and not good for your feet, but with the right outfit on the right women they look damn good.

Micky Dee profile image

Micky Dee Level 4 Commenter 2 years ago

That's it-I'm tossing all my high-heels!

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 2 years ago

Hello kirstenblog,

Thanks for the heads up on how I worded the first line of this hub regarding the wearing of high heeled shoes and the effect it has on Morton's Neuroma. I changed the first sentence!

Sounds like you will be fine the way you wear good shoes most of the time and only occasionally wear your favorite high heeled boots. Boots generally are made with more room in the toe area...at least all the ones I have ever had were more roomy than many other high heeled shoes. Again...thanks for your comment.

kirstenblog profile image

kirstenblog Level 1 Commenter 2 years ago

I am glad I read this, this is some valuable information. I do worry that people will not read this because of the first line, it almost put me off. Sorry to say it but I would hate for someone to miss the wisdom you share here because of that line :/. For most women this article would be of vital importance to read as abusing our feet with fancy shoes is very common. I personally will only wear comfortable shoes at work since I work outdoors and on my feet but when I get the chance I love to wear my leather boots with high heal, mmmm love those shoes lol. I might be ok since my daily footwear is designed for comfort and the outdoors but I am still glad to know how serious a pain in the foot can get if left untreated, if I start getting the kind of pain you talk about here I will be on my way to the doctors faster then you can say go now. Thanks for sharing this with us!

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi Little Nell,

You and your daughter must have the same foot size. If I tried to wear my mother's shoes it would be like Cinderella's step sisters trying to cram their foot into the high heeled glass slipper. Wouldn't work!

I agree with you...aren't some of these women's shoe styles crazy?! I'd probably kill myself trying to walk in some of them today, but do not intend even trying anymore.

Thanks for the comment.

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 2 years ago

Hello itakins,

Yes...the fashions in the OR were always less than fashionable! Ha! I'm finding myself loving more comfortable shoes these days just like you. Hip hip hooray for being comfortable! Thanks for the comment.

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi The Old Hack,

You and Pete and other men out there will never have to wear high heels and try and master that feat. Aren't you the lucky ones! Ha! Thanks for the comment.

Peggy W profile image

Peggy W Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi BEAUTYBABE,

I know that high heeled shoes are not the only cause for Morton's Neuroma. Your stint in the Air Force and the stamping of your foot during a salute is a perfect example of other causes. Some athletes that put a lot of pressure on their feet also have problems. People with very flat feet can also have problems. High heeled shoes...particularly with tight spaces for the toes are only one possible cause. Thank you for your Air Force service to our country! Like you, I still have my faint scars from the surgery. Happy that you could enjoy the memories. Haha! Thanks for your comment.

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Peggy W Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi Ethel,

You and me both! No more tortuous high heeled shoes for me. Comfort and safety means more to me these days. Could it be our ages, Ethel??? :-)

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Peggy W Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi AEvans,

I see that you and I have some similarities...high heeled shoes in boxes on a shelf that will never again be worn. Going to put some of them in a bag TODAY to be donated. Maybe someone else can enjoy them. Thanks for the comment.

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Peggy W Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi Pete,

I smiled when I read your comment. I think it is true that very few men would want to wear the contraptions that they build as women's high heeled shoes. No wonder at all that there are far fewer cases of Morton's Neuromas in men as compared to women. Thanks for the smile and comment.

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Peggy W Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi Hello, hello,

It could be any number of reasons why you are experiencing numbness in your toes and one finger. I certainly wouldn't be able to diagnose long distance nor should. Any way to see a different set of doctors........at least one that will take you seriously? Thanks for commenting on this high heeled shoes and Morton's Neuroma hub. And...best of wishes with whatever is causing your problems.

AEvans profile image

AEvans Level 7 Commenter 2 years ago

I used to follow the trends when it came to shoes but I have found more comfort in low heels or flats. My adorable heels sit on my shelf in a box and on occassion I open them and admire them , however I have told them they are no longer going on feet and they understand. lololo Seriously I am done with heels. :)

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Peggy W Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi Lita,

So sorry to hear about your foot problems due to diabetes. Diabetes really takes its toll on the body. You'd probably revel in having Morton's Neuroma or other foot problems instead because they, at least, are temporary. Hope that you are receiving excellent medical care. Best of wishes!

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Peggy W Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi Candie,

So happy that Mr. Morton has not paid you a visit. Unfortunately for me I have also had what is commonly called heel spurs...your same painful malady. Ugh! Guess the next time around I'll ask for better feet. Ha! Thanks for the comment and hopefully all 4 of our feet (yours and mine) will go through the rest of our lives happy and carefree. :-)

Little Nell profile image

Little Nell Level 1 Commenter 2 years ago

I am now 55 and have developed osteoarthritis in both my feet. I tried a pair of my daughter's high heels on the other day and cannot imagine wearing high heels for a minute let alone walking in them! Did notice my daughter has severe bunions in both feet, almost certainly the result of wearing these kind of heels. It's a lousy fashion.

itakins profile image

itakins Level 4 Commenter 2 years ago

Weren't those OR outfits so cool especially the j-cloth caps!

I never could navigate my way in very high heels-and I have to admit I'm one of those lazy crock wearers-bliss!

The Old Hack profile image

The Old Hack 2 years ago

Another very interesting hub. I can't imagine wearing high heels, I don't think that my back could take it for a minute let alone my feet.

BEAUTYBABE profile image

BEAUTYBABE Level 3 Commenter 2 years ago

Peggy, I can tell you honestly you don't just get Morton's Metatarsalgia, which is the pain received from a Morton's Neuroma, from high-heeled shoes.

When I was in the Air Force, and we wore flat shoes in there just like the old type school shoe, I developed very severe pain in the ball of my right foot, which used to radiate to my toes. It became so bad that I was sent to see a specialist. I was told that I had a Morton's Neuroma, which had been caused from the stamping of the right foot I used to do when I turned my foot which was part of the salute turn you had to do when you were in Rookies. The Specialist informed me that everytime I was stamping my foot I was placed a lot of pressure on the metatarsal joints in my foot and this had caused the Neuroma to develop. I subsequently had to have surgery and to this day I can still feel the scar.It took me back reading this hub, which was very good by the way, I really enjoyed reading it, I watched the video and saw what they did. Thanks for th memories hhaha BB

ethel smith profile image

ethel smith Level 3 Commenter 2 years ago

This explains many of my foot problems. These days the only shoes I can wear are unfashionable but comfy.

Pete Maida profile image

Pete Maida Level 1 Commenter 2 years ago

I do think high heels look good but if I was a woman I wouldn't wear those things unless I had to. It only makes sense the if you force your feet to be in an unnatural position for hours a day that it will do you harm.

Hello, hello, profile image

Hello, hello, 2 years ago

Some of my toes are numb and also my left small finger. I wonder whether it is you are writing about it. I went to the doctor but in England when your are old, they just put it on old age. Thank you for your infomative hub.

Lita C. Malicdem profile image

Lita C. Malicdem Level 4 Commenter 2 years ago

I don't have Morton's Neuroma, but I'm suffering from peripheral neuropathy due to diabetes. It hurts just the same. So high-heels are no way for me. Nice hub, great help.

Candie V profile image

Candie V Level 4 Commenter 2 years ago

Peggy!! I have been spared a visit by Mr. Morton.. now I have had plantar faciaitis..(ok I misspelled it..sheesh) and that is intensely painful as well in a different way! Love that we have our own RN/travelpro on staff! Great hub my friend!!

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Peggy W Hub Author 2 years ago

Hi Melody,

You would not enjoy Morton's Neuroma...that's for sure. Belated Merry Christmas to you also. Thanks for the quick and first comment on this hub.

Melody Lagrimas profile image

Melody Lagrimas 2 years ago

Good thing I don't have it. Belated Merry Christmas, Peggy.

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