Dr Hirschberg (an MD not a podiatrist) in a letter in the February edition of
JAPMA claims what appears to be relief in a 100% of cases treated for this
condition. Hirschberg does not state the sample size, however, the claim is
interesting.  

The device used in treatment is a one eighth inch lift on an insole under the
4th and 5th met heads. The theory is that the intermetatarsal space is
increased by altering the relationships of the 3rd and 4th metatarsal heads
and increasing the available space between them, taking pressure off the
neuroma.

I recall being taught in the late 1950s to position a semicompressed felt pad
under the head of the 3rd or 4th metatarsal heads to relieve the symptoms of
this condition - as I remember, it worked. In fact a local GP wrote me a
letter of congratulation in 1960 for using this approach in relieving the
pain in the foot of one of his patients - a heady compliment indeed for a
young Chiropodist!

Enough of my memories - does anyone have experience of the success rate of
this simple mechanical approach to treating neuromas? Are there any problems
or exceptions? Is there a better and easier way?



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