My running regime, of three 8-10km runs a week, has had to stop because of pain, primarily, in my right foot. It feels as if there is a marble pushing under my third toe but the second to fourth toes also hurt.
For a few days, I tried to run through the pain and, to an extent, this was possible. I was angling my foot so my weight was on the outside of my foot. But after the run, the pain had me limping, so I stopped running.
I searched the internet and learned about metatarsalgia. It describes the condition perfectly. I tried some self-help advice such as changing how my Brooks Ghost running shoes are laced but this made no difference. I managed a miserable 2k before stopping.
I’ve made an appointment for the 18th November to see a podiatrist. I’m already missing my running and really hope that there is an effective treatment. 👍
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Vragtes
Graduate10
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Sorry about the pain on your right foot Vragtes, you are wise to have made an appointment with your podiatrist, no running until after you see him/her and even after that take his/her advice when you can start running again, good luck.
🍏Wise man!! Podiatrists are brilliant at coming up with helpful advice and treatment for this kind of problem. You will be back running before you know it! Meantime the runs will wait but sore feet don’t! They make you miserable!! 👣
I think a lot of us try the “if I keep going, the pain will just magically go” strategy. I certainly have! Seeing someone qualified is usually a much better course of action, I was told by my physio that any pain that means you have to change your running form is a “stop immediately” situation.
Really hope you can get this resolved soon! Sending many good wishes your way!
Major empathy, I get this when walking longer distances, it’s painful and weird but stops almost as soon as I stop walking. . I have found that Joya shoes which are not beautiful but have multi layered soles are my answer-I hope you find your answer.
Joyas would be too heavy for running. I wear them almost everywhere now and was quite surprised recently, when I tried my other walking shoes, that I still get metatarsalgia, as I hadn’t felt it for so long.
I have now got a pair of Hokas for running as the salesperson told me these are the most padded and they seem good (but I don’t run for as long as I walk )
Thank you for your post. I’ve considered other running shoes but my Brooks are almost new so will wait to see what the podiatrist recommends. I know what you mean about the pain stopping but this only happens some of the time. Often times, I hobble about for ages after the run. But have stopped running now until I’ve been assessed.
I have a mobile metatarsal in my left foot, a drawback of having hypermobility. If I don't manipulate it back into place before putting my shoes on before a run I usually regret it afterwards.
It got me in the end. I have metatarsalgia domes and NHS insoles now but feet get too painful. Not run for 18 months. I hope you get referred to a good podiatrist but it's an age thing as the fat disappears from the soles of your feet. I'm back to cycling, hiking and the gym! Good luck
Sorry to read that despite the NHS insoles, this has not helped your problem and you’ve had to abandon running. I fear, in my case, it may be an age related issue (I’m 69) but the suddenness with which it came on makes me think there could also be other causes. Glad you are still pretty active with hiking, cycling and the gym. Keep those endorphins flowing!
Sorry to hear about the onset of metatarsalgia that has curtailed current running program.
Whilst awaiting a visit to the podiatrist on 18th November, if not already familiar with such, do research toe spacers (either through Amazon or from retailers, such as Spacer Mobility, who produce their own).
Although differences between metatarsalgia and neuromas do exist (which you'll no doubt know having researched and considered type/location of existing discomfort in recent weeks), use of toe spacers can help alleviate discomfort from both by placing toes into their anatomically correct position, improving blood flow and reducing irritation upon nerves that run within neurovascular bundles between metatarsals.
It may be worth researching metatarsal drop too - a condition where one or more metatarsal heads falls out of alignment with others. This can occur for many reasons, but footwear with less room for toes to splay, hallux limitus/rigidis, a high heel-toe drop height (which shifts CoM (pelvis) from heels to mid/forefoot)) and general atrophy (weakness) of foot muscles remain common developmental factors.
However, a biomechanical assessment, particularly one that involves assessment of pressure distribution throughout both feet (PodoTrek is a reliable, low cost tool), alongside gait analysis, should highlight areas of the foot that need to be offloaded and those that need to be strengthened/mobilised.
I could go on and on...but I won't, since reason(s) for sudden onset of metatarsalgia cannot be diagnosed via a forum conversation. Nonetheless, I hope that you find some of the above useful in furthering your understanding 👣
Wow, what an informative and helpful reply MrNiceGuy, thanks!
There’s a lot to take in there and further research will follow. I will have my bio mechanical assessment before buying any items such as toe-spacers or orthotics in case the examination throws up alternative causes and therefore treatment and/or exercises. All the possibilities you proffer will be researched.
It is apparent that this problem is not uncommon and the information you’ve provided will help others. Thanks again.
Glad to hear that you found some of my musing (above) helpful and informative.
Although it always pays to undergo analysis of existing movement/weight distribution patterns to truly understand the cause(s) of recent pain and discomfort, whilst understanding your reluctance to consider the many aids (outside of orthotics) now available, do bear in mind that the 'foot health game' has moved on considerably in recent years - with an active shift towards progressive overload of weakened foot muscles/improved anatomical alignment of bones and joints of the feet, rather than long, outdated passive approaches (icing, rolling, taping).
As such, if recent assessment failed to provide a clear rehab strategy aimed towards improved strength of foot muscles/ARoM of joints, I'd seek a second opinion...or conduct further self-directed study/research to improve knowledge of perhaps the most complex, yet poorly understood anatomical structure.
Whilst certainly not judging, since many consider their feet 2nd class citizens (doi.org/10.1186/s13047-020-00434-8), if you'd not given a second thought towards your feet until they began to trouble you, irrespective of whether the analyst recommended them (as a sport & exercise scientist, who implements foot and ankle strengthening programs to reduce risk/frequency of falls among elderly populations), since reduced/impaired toe flexor strength and narrowed BoS remain the greatest, single indicators of increased falls risk beyond the age of 60, invest in a set in toe spacers and resistance bands to improve functional isometric/concentric strength of the 34 major muscles that exist in each foot.
"But I've not mentioned that I'm at an increased risk of falls" he says. 🤔
I understand that.
However, between each metatarsal exists a neurovascular bundle (containing an artery, a a vein and a nerve). Due to the narrow, compressive fit of most conventional running footwear, further exacerbated by a 10mm heel drop, there's a lot of downward vertical force/upward GRF exerted upon the forefoot with each running step.
Since a combination of the two make for uncomfortable running, regardless of age, foot shape and existing structure, that's where toe spacers enter the fray...gradually aiding anatomical re-alignment of toes/metatarsals, thus, improving and reducing occurrence/ severity/longevity of Metatarsalgia and Morton's Neuroma type symptoms, whilst encouraging toes to splay and not claw/grip the floor with each barefoot step.
"But why should activity of the toes have any influence?" he asks 🤔
Essentially, a gentle push from behind and corresponding behaviour of toes indicates existing strength of foot musculature.
Toes that contract to grip the floor when pushed from behind indicates weakness within the foundations. Conversely, toes that instinctively widen, splay and press into the floor, taking into consideration how important an increased BoS remains to maintain stability, indicates strength of both in/extrinsic foot musculature.
As such, when pushed from behind, how do your toes behave?
Stiff, immobile and routinely compressed for many years, I suspect that behaviour of your toes conforms towards the former (as it does for many in clinic...regardless of age). However, regardless of age, rest assured, since the human foot remains an adaptable structure, with the correct input and guidance, despite current age, they can and will change...provided the mind remains open to unorthodox ideas that challenge pre-conceived ideas of both proprioception and interoception💯
Given your 'on the fence' admission over use of toe spacers, despite the increasing evidence in support of (DOI: 10.7547/17-026), your 'cool' response towards such indicates scepticism.
For many years, I remained equally as sceptical...thinking that my feet didn't need toe spacers. In late 2016, however, I took a punt upon them. Given the 2024 condition of my feet (at 44 y/o), I'm so glad that I did 💯
Thank you once again for the very detailed and helpful reply. I apologise for my delay in replying to you. This was due to various family issues that needed dealing with plus I have had flu and a trip to Morocco for some winter sun.
I had a look at the links to your post and it’s all very interesting. I’m happy to say that my visit to the podiatrist proved a useful and reassuring experience. She measured my legs, took a full medical history including details of leg and toe breaks, had me walk up and down a special computerised mat which showed the different pressures of my feet and toes as I walked and ran etc. At the end of the assessment, she concluded that the pain I’d suffered was as a result of capsulitis and didn’t warrant any further examinations such as ultrasound scans, MRI or X-rays.
Basically, she has provided me with a series of exercises to strengthen my foot muscles, the arches in particular and other exercises to loosen up my calf and thigh muscles. Aging has meant that the fat pads under my feet have atrophied so she suggested I experiment with some silicon pads under my toes when I run or go for long walks. I bought a set of these and they’re pretty good. I can wear them under my running socks and my trainers fit without any discomfort.
I’m now back to three runs a week of about 8km each and have suffered no return of the serious discomfort that plagued me before. So, fingers crossed my particular issues seems to have been resolved. I’ll certainly explore the toe spacers you referred to.
Thank you for the interest shown in my condition and the information provided. I’ll post further as and when there’s anything significant to report.
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Quandary Running, RED T-Shirt, a podiatrist and a rest!
First time a injury has stopped me.
I’ve stopped running 😐
Running MOT / Pausing B210k / Back to C25k!
Running leggings with pockets?