6 replies to this topic

[richardegg]

Hello all,

Marathon training has hit sa snag. About a week ago I was out doing my 27K long run when I was on an unsealed stretch and trod on a sharp stone (right foot). Had a bit of pain then; real pain/discomfort didn't commence til following day.

Pain is as follows - when I put a lot of pressure on the left hand side of my rh ball of foot, I get a tingling sensation in my big toe. In addition, when I flex big toe up (whilst pressure on LH ball of foot) I get a combination of pain/numbness/tingling. Fast take-offs when running really hurt; but I still get some pain with a slow take off. Pain usually recedes by about 4km/20 min, and is replaced with numbness. At 15-20km I get some tingling/burning sensation in the front half of my foot, but not enought to slow me up.

GP (ex marathon runner) diagnosed this as compressed nerve who suggested new/better shoes, refraining of running on rough surfaces, and easing up the mileage.

Thoughts??

[maryclaire]

Your symptoms sound to me a lot like a neuroma - except that as far as I know, a neuroma is an inflamed nerve that builds up over time rather than from one incident.

You asked for "thoughts" - so here are mine (ie. does not replace a professional opinion!).

I agree with your GP that is sounds like a nerve issue - as I have the neuroma problem and what you describe is identical.  When I press certain places on the foot, I get tingling along the toes that is very weird to experience.  I have permanently numb toes in sections.  And I get an awful burning on the ball of the foot at the base of the affected toes during some (but not all) long runs.

I am guessing that the GP said there's really not much that can be done?  I find the numbness is worse after wearing tight shoes (high heels are off limits for me)m and is temporarily better when I spread the toes out, as if I am trying to open up the space in between the metatrsals to relieve the nerve pressure.  I have a toe spreader that is used in pedicure salons for this purpose.

[luckyguy]

My thoughts....,

I know I'm stating the obvious but sounds as if you have some bruising and a bit of related 'tempory' nerve damage as a result of stepping on the 'sharp stone'. As your GP implied, drop back intensity and running on rough surfaces for a little while and maybe time to replace those shoes if they're getting beyond there use by date.

I know it is hard not to feel a bit precious about our running related aches and pains but my long experience with my own injuries suggest they settle with common sense management and time.

Certainly, if after another week or two the problem feels as if it is not improving then you may need to consider further professsional consultation.

[Bert]

For what its worth I concur with Maryclaire and your GP. The symptoms sound very much like nerve damage, and the best treatment is probably to treat it gently for a while. Believe me, you dont want the pain to become permanent.

[richardegg]

Well, turns out my shoes were cactus after 400km AND they were 1.5 sizes too big!! Got a new pair of properly fitted shoes with orthotic inserts that rolls my feet out a little, reducing pressure on problem area. Going for 5km recovery jog tomorrow, see how they go.

[richardegg]

UPDATE: Went for 10k run this morning in new shoes. Funnily enough minimal pain/discomfort, some burning sensation in final km, but apart from that was pleased with how it went.

[FitToRunPhysio]

I would also suggest icing your foot after you run to prevent excess inflamation around the nerve.
F2R PHYSIO