I haven’t been able to run for 6 weeks since somehow injuring the ball of my foot leading to shooting pains in my middle toes. GP thinks it’s Morton’s Neuroma and I’m waiting for a scan an possible painkilling injection. I can’t even wear my running shoes to walk for more than 20 minutes before having to take them off due to pain. Feel like I’ll never run again and feel rubbish having no exercise ☹️ Has anyone else had this and if so how did you cope?
Written by
sarah65
Graduate10
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Hi! I'm really sorry to see that you are in so much pain. Please don't dispair 💗 Rest for now and wait for your full diagnosis and treatment.
I have had occasional problems with this since I was a teenager. I think it is related to a slight bunion caused by general crushing together of the toes by shoes, and immobility of the toes. It is very infrequent, and I can generally ease it quickly by stretching and massaging my foot. But I most definitely feel your pain!!
When you have the pain under control, I recommend that you invest in a pair of shoes with a foot-shaped toe box, and wear them as much as possible, whenever you need to walk outside (go barefoot at home). Altra shoes are the best I can think of, because you can get them with cushioning - I have not tried them personally but I know a lot of people like them. And yes I am talking about wearing running shoes all the time 😊
Foot-shaped toe boxes (and going barefoot) help your toes to spread properly as you walk.
I'm sure you have already been googling, but this particular website is very good:
Hope you feel better really soon. Are there other forms of exercise you could enjoy in the meantime? Cycling or swimming are great, and will keep you off your foot. Also, get on over to the Strength and Flex forum and check out Linda's 'hurt foot' exercises xxx
Thank you so much for your reply and great advice - really helpful. Thinking of joining the gym for some swimming in the meantime. Will checkout the website and forum. I’m going bare foot in the house but have to wear reasonably tidy shoes for work - have bought some open sandals which don’t squeeze my toes. Hope I’m not still wearing them in the winter ! Xxx
I have a pair of Vivobarefoot running shoes, which I love - although not to run in! They are very comfortable for walking. I didn't like to recommend them in my other comment because they have no cushioning at all, and I thought it likely that your doctor will recommend cushioning of some sort. It is probably better in the long run to get away from too much cush, or orthotics, as these will not allow your feet to strengthen, but it can be better to have them at first as you heal.
I get something like it on and off for many years in the ball of the foot to the toe, not had a flare up for a couple of years now, so great at the moment, I know it can be swine! luckily not had to visit the doctor.
On the last flare-up it affected my runs so mentioned it on here and was told told roll a can of coke under the foot, so I did that with gently stretching the foot and splaying the toes and it gradually faded away.
Hope you get relief soon and can get back to excercise..
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week3run1 ✅. 3 x 17 mins with 1 min walks. 
How did your parkrun or (not)parkrun go?
