I’ve had the ball of my left foot sore for 5 weeks, causing me to stop running a week ago, and I finally went to a Podiatrist 2 days ago. He diagnosed hammertoe, and said my 2nd metatarpel? (toe next to big toe) bone was longer than normal. He had me purchase some non-custom orthotics that offer some added padding and support (Like a high quality Dr Scholles insert) and told me to not run on the balls of my feet. Gave me the ok to start “jogging” again when I felt up to it.
My plan is to:
stop running for a few more weeks and hope the balls of my feet stop hurting to walk on, then start running again. Hopefully able to build up to 50+ miles per week the last 2 months.
get better fitting shoes (with good ball of foot cushioning) that give room for the long toe
investigate need for custom orthotics
I don’t think I run on the balls of my feet under most conditions, but when you run fast in races you push off harder on the balls of your feet. Not sure if I can do anything about this.
I’ve got mild hammer toes, but I found Yoga Toes actually help quite a bit. They’re those things marketed towards women who cram their feet into pointy high heel shoes all day, but it definitely straightened out my toes a bit, no more toe-on-toe blistering action at least. They suck really bad to wear at first, like you’ll have a hard time keeping them on for even a minute. You can get the real ones for like $35, or go to a CVS/Walgreen’s and get something similar for less than $10.
I’ve had the ball of my left foot sore for 5 weeks, causing me to stop running a week ago, and I finally went to a Podiatrist 2 days ago. He diagnosed hammertoe, and said my 2nd metatarpel? (toe next to big toe) bone was longer than normal. He had me purchase some non-custom orthotics that offer some added padding and support (Like a high quality Dr Scholles insert) and told me to not run on the balls of my feet. Gave me the ok to start “jogging” again when I felt up to it.
My plan is to:
stop running for a few more weeks and hope the balls of my feet stop hurting to walk on, then start running again. Hopefully able to build up to 50+ miles per week the last 2 months.
get better fitting shoes (with good ball of foot cushioning) that give room for the long toe
investigate need for custom orthotics
I don’t think I run on the balls of my feet under most conditions, but when you run fast in races you push off harder on the balls of your feet. Not sure if I can do anything about this.
Comments/advise?
Did the doctor recommend having the hammertoe removed?
A common problem. The contracted digit (likely your 2nd toe) - either a hammer or more likely a clawtoe puts retrograde pressure on the metatarsal head causing that localized ball of the foot pain (capsulitis). Most runners eventually figure a work around and rarely need any surgical intervention. Definitely be careful with “minimal”/barefoot running trends in your particular case.
I’ve had the ball of my left foot sore for 5 weeks, causing me to stop running a week ago, and I finally went to a Podiatrist 2 days ago. He diagnosed hammertoe, and said my 2nd metatarpel? (toe next to big toe) bone was longer than normal. He had me purchase some non-custom orthotics that offer some added padding and support (Like a high quality Dr Scholles insert) and told me to not run on the balls of my feet. Gave me the ok to start “jogging” again when I felt up to it.
My plan is to:
stop running for a few more weeks and hope the balls of my feet stop hurting to walk on, then start running again. Hopefully able to build up to 50+ miles per week the last 2 months.
get better fitting shoes (with good ball of foot cushioning) that give room for the long toe
investigate need for custom orthotics
I don’t think I run on the balls of my feet under most conditions, but when you run fast in races you push off harder on the balls of your feet. Not sure if I can do anything about this.
Comments/advise?
Did the doctor recommend having the hammertoe removed?
I think there are stages of Hammertoe and mine isn’t fully developed as an object of deformity. The xray shows the bone twisting and curling and the toe looks twisted and curled. The Doc said surgery was only needed in about 5% of cases, but running a lot would throw that statistic out the window. He recommends the orthotics and keeping off the balls of feet when running and if that doesn’t work, we could ultimately decide to shorten the long bone.
A common problem. The contracted digit (likely your 2nd toe) - either a hammer or more likely a clawtoe puts retrograde pressure on the metatarsal head causing that localized ball of the foot pain (capsulitis). Most runners eventually figure a work around and rarely need any surgical intervention. Definitely be careful with “minimal”/barefoot running trends in your particular case.
Thanks for the feedback. I am wondering if my plan to wait two weeks before running again (with the new orthotics and better fitting shoes) is reasonable. Each day I don’t run or pedal a bike (speedplay pedals that apply pressure on the balls of feet), the pain gets better. I am now walking with no pain as long as they are cushioned shoes.
A common problem. The contracted digit (likely your 2nd toe) - either a hammer or more likely a clawtoe puts retrograde pressure on the metatarsal head causing that localized ball of the foot pain (capsulitis). Most runners eventually figure a work around and rarely need any surgical intervention. Definitely be careful with “minimal”/barefoot running trends in your particular case.
Thanks for the feedback. I am wondering if my plan to wait two weeks before running again (with the new orthotics and better fitting shoes) is reasonable. Each day I don’t run or pedal a bike (speedplay pedals that apply pressure on the balls of feet), the pain gets better. I am now walking with no pain as long as they are cushioned shoes.
Of course rest (time) has a way of healing almost all things. The trick is to know how long to rest, limit fitness losses/doconditioning, and not aggravate again once training resumes. That is not so simple - the decision for surgery is much easier! Best of luck.
Oh, move your cleats back as far as you can and I’d recommend a met pad in your cycling shoe for now (or something like a Specialized OTC cycling insert). I know Speedplay claims they don’t focus pressure as much (larger cleat to offset the small pedal), but many riders find a wide base pedal platform (especially the new Look Keo Blades) helps forefoot metatarsalgia symptoms.
A common problem. The contracted digit (likely your 2nd toe) - either a hammer or more likely a clawtoe puts retrograde pressure on the metatarsal head causing that localized ball of the foot pain (capsulitis). Most runners eventually figure a work around and rarely need any surgical intervention. Definitely be careful with “minimal”/barefoot running trends in your particular case.
Thanks for the feedback. I am wondering if my plan to wait two weeks before running again (with the new orthotics and better fitting shoes) is reasonable. Each day I don’t run or pedal a bike (speedplay pedals that apply pressure on the balls of feet), the pain gets better. I am now walking with no pain as long as they are cushioned shoes.
Get a second opinion. Hammertoes run in my family (both maternal and paternal) which had all four of us have them all removed. My father was told to wear ortho inserts and New Balance 909 two sizes too big. They did not work so he went with the surgery and never looked back. I had excess skin growth between two toes as well as corns so as a teen, all 6 hammertoes were removed at two different times. As ugly as the scars are, I am happy to non problematic toes. Again, talk to another doctor.
Which Yoga Toes did you use? I have mild hammer toes which I often tape down, seems like Yoge Toes may in the long run (no pun intended) be a better solution.
Just thought that I would add, Not so concerned about spreading the toes, but would like to flatten them, Do the Yoga toes flatten out the hammer toes?
I’m not a fan of orthotics. I think orthotics made my foot issues worse with neuromas and hammertoes. Eventually had surgery on both and that did the trick. Painful recovery, but after 8 years of dealing with constant pain, it was a good decision. Try the orthotics and if they don’t make it worse, go for it. But keep a close eye on it and don’t let it get out of control, if you can help it.
Good luck.
Best of luck.