I do not really post, but lurk and enjoy learning from a lot of smart folks here…
Never got a chance to compete in the local Oly Tri last Sunday. A low tide run in start (250meters in 1-2 ft of water with sharp shells) left me with a severe laceration across the bottom of my foot and stitches. Deep cut all the way through the skin. Possible nerve damage as I cannot feel my much above the cut all the way to the toes. On crutches for 2 wks min, then a cane for 2 wks min, then slowly allowed to increase ambulating on the affected foot. Sports Podiatrist puts me maybe running again in 3 months. So that takes me out for the season. I am also wondering about scarring on the bottom on the foot and future blisters while running or if my running will be effected long term, after it completely heals.
Contacted the promoter and gave some constructive criticism. They seemed to hear it, and ensure they will never do that kind of start again at low tide. I was not the only one injured, there we lots. Some with stitches, some with minor cuts. The medical tent was full of cut up feet post race. I was unfortunately the most severley injured.
I am left wondering…anyone else get this kind of nasty injury, and what did you do regarding USAT, the race promoter, and what did your healing process and timeline look like.
Trying to see some kind of silver lining and think positive.
You’ll probably do just fine in the long run. Work with your doc on scar minimization and examine the wound daily for any early sign of infection. If there’s any question at all, get on a first name basis with the receptionist and get worked in the same day.
With regard to the numbness, while it’s certainly possible to lacerate one of the digital nerve branches, they’re pretty deep. Find the anatomy of the foot on Google and you’ll see what I mean. Even if there is a little long term sensation loss, it’s usually pretty well tolerated.
Lastly, just an FYI, the area under discussion would more accurately be termed the plantar surface of the foot. Good luck.
3 months seems a little long to return to running, but I didn’t sew you up! Plantar foot incisions are “taboo” surgical approaches (but we still need to do them at times) as they do heal very slowly compared with dorsal foot incisions. The toes are innervated by both dorsal and plantar branches, so you won’t likely have any permanent paresthesias, but you might notice some strange plantar sensations for many months.
There are several ways to minimize plantar scar tissue contractures (most notably your non weight bearing and keeping clean/dry!), but also silicone gel sheeting, deep tissue massage, topical corticosteroids (once healed!), Mederma scar cream, etc. Best of luck.
Thanks very much for the replies and feedback. Will take that under advisement.
Stitches are supposed to come out 2 weeks after the initial laceration, and I hope to get a recovery action plan then.
Will obviously listen to my podiatrist, but what would you guess for recovery time to returning to running? I am guessing a cane for a bit, then slowly increasing weight on the leg dependant on how it is healing and my pain levels. Am I talking weeks before walking normally and months before returning to running?
I am just trying to get an idea of recovery duration to plan my summer (more family trips and what to expect than any racing).
My brother ran that race and he too had such a large laceration on his foot that the RD told him he couldn’t go on. It’s a shame but you know, tides are unpredictable…we never know what that pesky moon is going to do.