I’ve occasionally had pain on the top of my right foot after running, smack dab in the middle of the tendon that runs down to my big toe. It typically gets better in 6-12 hours.
Yesterday I felt it start to burn during speed work and just ignored it for the rest of the workout/cooldown. I must have messed it up good this time because its now red, swollen, and when I wiggle my big toe stuff in there has a distinct “grinding” sensation (24 hours later).
I can still run/bike with it like this, but I don’t know if its a good idea if its a stress fracture. Is there a way to tell the difference between the two likely issues (Tendonitis, stress fracture)?
First, a stress fx of the 1st met is quite rare. Also, the crepitus (the grinding sensation) you are describing is the hallmark for tendonosis/tenosynovitis and not a stress fx that manifests with more focal/localized tenderness to palpation.
EHL tenosynovitis is most commonly caused from excessive “toe off” or speed work or shoes too tight over the dorsum of the foot.
Tuning fork. Hit it, when it rings, the vibration will cause the bone to vibrate when holding it close. I have the same damn problem. I can barely walk in the morning when I start running 70 mpw
It will more than likely take much more than a day. Each person is different, but you might want to find the cause if you plan on getting it healed. Could be technique, shoes, running surface, etc. Even if the pain did go away in a few days, if you go right back to what you were doing and how you were doing it, it will likely come back.
rroof gave excellent info. Maybe he will chime in with some better advice on how to figure out what is causing the issue.
I can almost guarantee it’s shoe related. Asics hyperspeeds are absolutely the common element. I strength train, do T-runs and lounge in burned out hyperspeeds and also use newer ones for speed stuff. Always notice it after these things
Damn…I love those shoes. Hopefully recovery is quick!
Tuning fork. Hit it, when it rings, the vibration will cause the bone to vibrate when holding it close. I have the same damn problem. I can barely walk in the morning when I start running 70 mpw
+1
Had this done a couple of times to help pin down a problem with my left leg. It’ll give you a quick answer.
Wow, first comment wasn’t a joke and super helpful - thanks!
Is this something to take more than a day off to recover from (or do I even need to take a day off?)
Well, first thing first - if you think it is relates to your hyperspeeds - ditch 'em! I can almost guarantee your tenosynovitis in that area and with your description is from direct mechanical trauma (i.e. shoe), so start there. As for how much time - that varies a lot, but this usually is asymptomatic within a week or under if you eliminate the cause, but not really “healed” for a few months. You just don’t notice it since the tenderness is mostly with touching/full push off or toe curls.
First, a stress fx of the 1st met is quite rare. Also, the crepitus (the grinding sensation) you are describing is the hallmark for tendonosis/tenosynovitis and not a stress fx that manifests with more focal/localized tenderness to palpation.
EHL tenosynovitis is most commonly caused from excessive “toe off” or speed work or shoes too tight over the dorsum of the foot.
