I started with something vaguely like this on bike rides several years ago, started out as hot feeling, then occasionally graduated to real pain. Not sure if related but then starting about two years ago I've had progressively worsening ball of foot pain, more specifically the ball of foot plus ends of toe bones (metatarsaglia), that requires virtually all my shoes (bike, work, casual, running) to have metatarsal pads for me to be able to go about life without pain.

Doc said this is probably related to wearing down/out the fat padding that used to provide cushioning, due to age and wear related, I'm 53. If I had foresight I would have started with met pads in the biking and running shoes a long time ago.

---

------------------------------------------------------------
some days you're the windshield some days the bug

You might try googling "sesmoiditis" and see if that seems like what you have. Been dealing with it myself for several seasons and have yet to find a solution :-/

I had similar, but not exactly the same symptoms staring a few years ago. Pain while running near the base of the big toe. Pain was intermittent, but become unbearable during track workouts. Eventually I saw a pt and ortho, xrays indicate it is Hallux Rigidus - bone spur near the base of the big toe. I'm using orthotics with an insert that prevents me from loading/bending the toe. I havent ran enough to say whether or not the treatment plan is working - still working on itbs issues. My advice - see a med professional.

Agree with the rec to check out sesamoiditis.

This might be just the thing. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00164

Good luck,

John

---

John H. Post, III, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon
Charlottesville, VA

I had metatarsal pain last season that turned out to be bruising in 2 of the bones. If I were you I'd have it checked out before continuing to run on it.

So if this my issue, it sounds like riding a bike would also aggravate it. I may have it checked out by a doc. Thanks.

---

Life IS an endurance sport. Finish Well
www.fwe1.net

In my case, I was told to avoid all activity that put pressure on that area. Including the bike.