Before you say it, yes I have an appointment (with a podiatrist) in two days.
Here’s the story-- I started a marathon training plan a few weeks ago, so I have ramped up my mileage. I also started running exclusively on hard surfaced paths and roads vice the chip trail I used to run on. I also changed the inserts in my shoes. Anyway, Saturday morning, about 1 1/2 to 1 mile from the end of a 6-mile run, my right foot started to hurt. After 3 days of no running it still hurts and is now swollen somewhat. I have been icing and using Aleve since Staurday, with no real decrease in pain. It mostly hurts on the push-off, and the top of the fore-foot (3rd to 4th toe area) is sore to pressure. The bottom of the foot feels okay.
Any ideas? I’m fearful of a stress fracture which means my marathon may be out the window.
Well, just got back from the podiatrist. No diagnosis, but nothing showed up on the X-rays. He said stress fractures sometimes won’t show up for about two weeks. Got some ultrasound, taped up, and no running–but I can bike and swim. Back in 10 days to see how it is progressing.
I just got a diagnosis of “plantar fascia strain” yesterday, so I’m on a week of wearing a “boot” and no running or riding, and will then “re-evaluate”. And I’m seeing my qual races for next year’s nationals drying up fast… (season is pretty short around Seattle)
Sorry to hear about that! PLENTY of threads on metatarsal stress fractures on here. Just do a search. I had the same thing 18 months ago and documented my progress here on ST.
I had similar condition when i started running on new shoes, went to podiatrist and he said the shoe I had chosen although a good one was to flexible on the front causing the increase pressure on the area you describe. Suggested buying new shoes with better front cushioning which solved the problem. Good luck!