Bruise on Bottom of Foot? Or Something Else?

Triathlon Forum
1

After Oceanside a couple weeks ago, my right foot was very sore on the bottom. The run is mostly concrete and I wore lightweight shoes (with my orthotics). Last week was a light rest week and the pain subsided. As I picked up my running again this week, the pain has returned. It is isolated to the sole of my foot, directly above the heel pad in the middle of the foot. It does not hurt when sitting or inactive and generally feels better after I’m off my feet for a while…but after a few minutes of walking around it will start to hurt again. It is painful if I probe it but there is no visible bruising.

Is this just a bruise that is slow to go away? Any other ideas? I have been icing frequently but no improvement so far. I realize this is an internet forum so I will take any advice with a grain of salt. Thanks for your time.

2

Sounds like a calcaneal contusion (“bone bruise”) that should respond with ice, rest, padding, etc. Don’t go barefoot for a while until it is non tender. Can take a surprisingly long time to resolve, but tincture of time generally does the trick. If no improvement in a couple of weeks, need to evaluate for other possibilities (i.e. calcaneal stress fx, etc.)

3

Do bone bruises become sfx if run on more?

4

No - not normally. In fact, the contusion makes this less likely as it would be pretty sore to run on! Now, in a really stubborn runner/triathlete (aren’t we all), could cause enough gait antalgia to cause something else though :wink:

5

That’s a good reminder to be careful as, of course, I am continuing to run. Thanks for the feedback, appreciate the help.