nerve tumor on foot -- a what??

[michelle bohannon]

I have a new client coming in who has a "nerve tumor" on the ball of her foot. She was diagnosed by a podiatrist who did cortizone shots on it. Went into it from the top of the foot! She said it understandibly hurt like h***! She said her old MT- 2 states away would do Shiatsu on it and gave her relief from the pain. I've never heard of a nerve tumor and know very little about Shiatsu. Any suggestions?

thanks,

~ Susie

 

[cyborg ninja pirate jesus]

It is probably a neurofibroma - I have friends in whose family this runs. It's no fun.

I'd sooner have it removed than get cortisone shots in it!!! Yikes!

I can't really advise on how to massage it. I do Shiatsu, but I wouldn't touch that tumor. Possibly you can relax the surrounding muscles, relieving the pressure on the tumor. That would be my goal, anyway. Shiatsu = finger pressure - do some static holds throughout the foot, and ask for lots of feedback.

 

[Requiem]

Although we cannot diagnose I have seen a few dozen of these in the OR.
I would bet it was Morton's Neuroma.
Take a look see here for some information.
http://www.podiatrychannel.com/mortonneuroma/

Although our complimentary therapies can ease the pain, when Neuro is involved, other more aggressive therapies may be warranted.

Robyn

 

[Froggy McFrogfeet]

If it is Morton's Neuroma, massage is effective for pain relief. (You'd massage the whole foot & the area of the neuroma itself.) A lot of medical websites actually mention that massage relieves the pain, so if that's the diagnosis - don't be afraid. I've worked on a client with one of these. Just check in with their comfort level and maybe even ask them to show you what their former MT did in terms of technique. Really though, I think any detailed foot massage would be beneficial.

 

[mkbrocato]

Thank you for your help and suggestions. The web site was very informative. I hope I can help her, it sounds just awful!

On a side note. Years ago I had a very sore spot on the ball of my left foot. Had it checked out, nothing helped. A tumor was discovered in my left lung and it was removed (non cancerous and NO I don't smoke) Several months after surgery my foot stopped hurting. Several years later in massage school while studying reflexology the light bulb went on -- the foot pain was in the lung area of the foot! I was sent a very strong message, I just didn't have the knowledge to hear it.

Thanks again!

 

[miguel sabah]

I had a new client 2 months ago, who went to great detail to tell me about her neuroma on her foot, that it causes her "problems". Diagnosed by a podiatrist. Mainly intermittent pain, when she steps on it just right.

Anyway, she says sometimes it feels good to rub her feet, but "kinda painful". I take a look at it, and it is a plantar's wart!!!

Well, I have seen neuroma's and plantar's warts, and pretty much know what I'm looking at, and I suggest to her that maybe she should get a second opinion from a dermatologist.

Well, she did!!!!!! (Someone actually did what I suggested!!!!! ) and her dermatologist said it was a plantars wart, and froze it off for her. No more pain.

If it is a neuroma, everyone is right, massage is very helpful. I have massaged lots of people with neuromas, and they say that is the only thing that helps.

Noel

 

[eternalshadow37]

How did things go with this client gr8hands? Was it actually a neuroma or did it end up being something else? Was the massage able to help?

 

[shepherdschapel.com]

If it is Morton's Neuroma, massage is effective for pain relief. (You'd massage the whole foot & the area of the neuroma itself.) A lot of medical websites actually mention that massage relieves the pain, so if that's the diagnosis - don't be afraid. I've worked on a client with one of these. Just check in with their comfort level and maybe even ask them to show you what their former MT did in terms of technique. Really though, I think any detailed foot massage would be beneficial.

I had dinner with a good friend of mine last night who has been suffering from Morton's Neuroma. She is just visiting for a few days and I would like to do something to help her out with a self-care program. Has anyone had success relieving some of the painful symptoms with regular ice massages?

 

[MissWilson]

I had 3 surgeries for metatarsal neuromas in 4 years (I completely confounded 4 different Drs because I seem to regenerate :shock: ). They are incredibly painful! Imagine wearing the tightest, highest heeled pair of pumps on concrete for hourse and that is about half the pain. In all honesty I would have severely hurt anyone who tried to massage them. My podiatrist took his life in his hands every time he manipulated my foot to see the progression and damage.

 

[CHRISTINE I]

I had 3 surgeries for metatarsal neuromas in 4 years (I completely confounded 4 different Drs because I seem to regenerate :shock: ). They are incredibly painful! Imagine wearing the tightest, highest heeled pair of pumps on concrete for hourse and that is about half the pain. In all honesty I would have severely hurt anyone who tried to massage them. My podiatrist took his life in his hands every time he manipulated my foot to see the progression and damage.

I'm really sorry to hear that you had such a difficult experience. Was there anything that you were able to do to get some relief from the pain you were suffering from?

 

[devan_dev1]

Thank you

Cortisone shots were the only thing that relieved the pain, and those would only last about 7-10 days on me. They are supposed to provide several months of relief.

The neuroma pain is gone now, but so is much of the fatty tissue in the ball of my foot, which means that I still can't wear high heels and have to be very vigilant about the cushioning on my shoes. I am a shoe freak and have a closet of shoes that I have only been able to wear once t022

 

[Pompal 09.]

Has anyone had success relieving some of the painful symptoms with regular ice massages?

I had lunch with my friend yesterday and she is going to give ice massages a try when she gets home after her Easter vacation. She mentioned something too about an alternative treatment she heard of called "wave therapy," but I hadn't heard of this before. Has anyone else had experience with "wave therapy?"