I posted last week about a small lump just above the ball of one of my feet, which led over a period of weeks to my whole foot swelling up. I've now had the blood test and x-ray requested by the GP, taken ibuprofen to reduce any inflammation and curtailed both my running and lengthy walks to give the foot a rest - although I did unearth my bike from the shed, in order to maintain some fitness.
The blood test was fine, but the outcome from the x-ray was osteoarthritis in the metatarsophalangeal joint in my second toe, with a 'beaking osteophyte formation' (lump) arising from the metatarsal head. The advice was that I could continue to run (hooray!), subject to any pain, and that the only treatment was painkillers.
So after a trial walk yesterday, which seemed to go ok, I set off today for a gentle run. 4k later I wasn't feeling any ill effects, but over the next couple of hours I did get some swelling, although not as bad as the initial occurrence, thank goodness!
The verdict I think is for the time being to continue gentle runs of no more than 5k, alongside the ibuprofen, and to monitor the situation, with the hope that the swelling will subside on a more ongoing basis. I'm just very thankful that it's nothing more serious!😀
Happy running one and all!👍
Written by
JonathanP
Graduate10
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Hmmm. Glad it’s not worse, of course, but still sounds annoying. Could you rub the sore bit with something like Voltarol? I’ve only used it for very short term things but it was really effective for both pain & swelling. You could ask your GP, perhaps. Best of luck with it.
Hi JP. I broke my ankle 4 years ago and I know that s completely different to your injury , but when I had the plaster off I needed to learn to walk again . I didn’t want to keep taking painkillers so I used a spray called Deep Freeze ( the complete opposite of deep heat) . I know it s expensive to try everyone’s “ suggestions “ , but if you know someone who has some , you could give it a try . It helped me . And when I started c25k I used it as my ankle ached for a few weeks in the beginning. I also developed a lump on the ball of my right foot. It’s like a marble. I reckon I must land heavier on my right than left when running 🙄🤷♀️. Anyway , hope you re feeling better soon and you find what s right for you to help your foot 👍
Pleased to read this JP. This outcome comes with the magic words “you can continue running”, Let’s hope the lump gets bored and just dwindles away. I know what that “will this stop me running?” feeling is like. Horrible! 👍
You’ve been through the mill a bit lately haven’t you JP but I’m really pleased the blood test was clear and that you’ve been given the “it’s Ok to run” signal!
Great news for those VRB meet-ups we’ll be having one day!
Good to hear you have been allowed to continue running Jonathan. That must feel good. Enjoy your runs, even the short ones will give you that satisfied buzz I imagine...
I’m so glad your blood test was clear Jonathan . Have you changed your shoes Or your routine recently? I wonder why the condition has only recently created the swelling? Take some snails it with you on your virtual parkrun, and see you after. 😘
Thanks Dexy. Yes, I've asked myself the same question because I must have had the arthritis for some time and I've only noticed the discomfort over the last few weeks, which then came to a head. No new shoes - my Sauconys do need replacing, but that's a bit of a challenge at present as that model's no longer available. No significant change in routine either, so it's a bit of a mystery! 😔
I’m religiously doing my physio exercises each day Jonathan , and I am so glad that I can cycle to get about. Another 2 weeks of these tougher exercises, and I will virtually see my physio again. He is then hoping to get me on walk/run. Eek -I haven’t run since 22 February 😬
Next week I’ll try to extend my walking to 5k. Standing on the left leg is still a challenge but I think thats down to my dodgy ankle as well as my knee. I think I will do 2 sessions of that a day from now on.
Luckily I’ve been able to get out in the garden too, but I’ve ended up with a garage full of garden waste where they will only take one brown bin every 2 weeks.
Hope it won’t be too long before we all get together again. Southampton and QECP are still on the back burner.
Glad it's going well - I'm sure you'll be fine once you get back 'in the saddle'. At least the parkrun hiatus means that you will be able to run when we finally have our VRB meet-ups!
Yes I think many gardens have never looked so tidy.🥀
Brilliant that you can run again 👏....boo that it's an on going condition you've got!
Let's hope as you get to know what you can and can't get away with you'll get on top of it and be able to enjoy your runs with no discomfort afterwards 😀👍
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Off the IC - part 2 
Tales from the IC: Getting to know my Metatarsals (# 1)
IC - gutted 😢
