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. 👍
Written by
Vragtes
Graduate10
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
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.
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.
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!
