I Love Holistics

22/04/2026

21/04/2026

Interdigital Neuritis (Morton Neuroma)

Morton neuroma is a compressive neuropathy of the interdigital nerve. Rather than a true "tumor," it is a localized perineural fibrosis resulting from chronic irritation and compression.

Pathophysiology & Anatomy

Location: Most commonly occurs in the third web space (between the 3rd and 4th metatarsals), followed by the second web space.

Mechanism: Though the exact cause is debated, it involves compression and tension around the transverse intermetatarsal ligament, leading to endoneural edema and eventual perineural fibrosis.

Risk Factors: Significantly higher predilection in females, often linked to narrow toe boxes and high-heeled shoes that force the metatarsal heads into plantar flexion.

Diagnosis
Diagnosis is primarily clinical, centered on patient history and provocative physical tests.

Symptoms: Burning pain on the plantar aspect of the web space, often radiating into the toes. Patients often describe the sensation of "walking on a marble" or a "folded sock."

Physical Exam:

Plantar Tenderness: Elicited by palpation between and just distal to the metatarsal heads.

Mulder Sign: Compressing the forefoot medially and laterally while palpating the web space may produce a painful "click" as the neuroma/bursa is displaced.

Imaging: Plain radiographs are used to rule out stress fractures or MTP synovitis. MRI or Ultrasound can visualize the neuroma but are usually reserved for atypical cases.

Nonoperative Treatment
Conservative management is the first line of defense and is highly effective.

Shoewear Modification: Transitioning to shoes with a wide toe box and avoiding high heels is the most critical step.

Metatarsal Pads: Placed proximal to the pain site to spread the metatarsal heads and indirectly decompress the nerve.

Corticosteroid Injections: Can provide short-term relief (approx. 50% success), but repetitive injections risk fat pad atrophy or hammer-toe deformity.

Operative Treatment: Neurectomy

When conservative measures fail, surgical excision of the nerve is considered.

Dorsal Approach (Most Common)
Procedure: The transverse intermetatarsal ligament is incised to gain access.

Technique: The nerve must be resected 2 to 3 cm proximal to the ligament (proximal to the plantar branches) to allow the stump to retract into the intrinsic musculature.

Goal: Minimize the formation of a stump neuroma, which is the most common postoperative complication.

Plantar Approach
Usage: Primarily used for revision surgery.

Pros/Cons: Provides better visualization and doesn't require cutting the ligament, but carries a 5% risk of a painful, weight-bearing plantar scar.

04/04/2026

Lovely Handmade and natural soaps my client brought me back from his holiday and visit to Reykjavik In Iceland. I will love using these.

31/03/2026

Today’s set up at my corporate day at Balfour Beatty. I’m so delighted to be asked back again. I’m here 2 days per month 8 months of the year and this is the start of my fourth year. Today’s treatments are reflexology. Tomorrow is seated massage.
Fantastic staff and lovely vibes- it’s a joy to be here.

11/03/2026

Last night I gave a full body massage to a lovely client who is a cancer survivor and has lymphoedema. It’s always lovely to get back such great results.

28/02/2026

Regulating your nervous system is vital to transition from chronic stress (“fight-or-flight”) to a state of safety and balance, which improves mental, physical, and emotional health. It reduces anxiety, enhances cognitive clarity, boosts immunity, improves sleep, and helps you handle life’s challenges with greater resilience.

Key reasons for regulating your nervous system include:

Stress Management:
It prevents you from getting stuck in chronic, high-stress states, which can cause fatigue, pain, and anxiety.

Mental & Emotional Well-being:
Promotes mood stability, reduces panic, and fosters feelings of safety.

Physical Health:
Activates the parasympathetic system for better digestion, heart rate regulation, and immune function.

Enhanced Functioning:
Improves cognitive functions like memory, focus, and attention.

Improved Relationships:
Enables you to respond rather than react impulsively, improving social interactions.

Techniques for regulation include deep breathing, grounding exercises, mindfulness, and regular physical activity, which help the body return to a restful state.

03/12/2025

My favourite therapy to give and to receive!

03/12/2025