Metatarsalagia

[lynnepaul]

I had bad news from the doctors. Apparently I have metatarsalagia which is affecting the ball of my left foot. This condition is age related and I have been told that running is now not a good idea. I am going to miss my morning runs sooooo much. Has anybody else suffered from this and, if so, have they found a way to overcome it?

[Millsie-J Graduate]

So sorry to hear this! I suffered from plantar fasciitis some time ago so know foot complaints can be very very painful. I now do exercises most days to avoid a reoccurrence. I have just read Fit to Run and recalled Metatarsalgia was mentioned. The book says it is often related to too rapid progression/increased milage. It advises applying ice, but essential to rest. It also advises to undertake exercises to mobilise and strengthen the foot.

As i have not suffered this particular injury i cannot advise but i wondered if you think it may be worth speaking with a sports physio to establish if running really is off limits?

I do hope it goes well for you .

[lynnepaul Graduate in reply to Millsie-J]

Apparently it is an age related condition (I'm 70 this year) and it affects the bone and joints. The doctor did seem to know what she was talking about though.

[OldPossum]

That sounds horrid but as Millsie-J suggested, I would consider consulting a sports physio. In my experience physio or osteopath are much more likely to help with these problems than your GP. If it can get you back to running it has to be worth a try. Good luck.

[davelinks Graduate]

Is it pain which radiates from the front of the ball of the foot out into the middle two toe's? It's either that or plantar faciitis and I get it on and off and still able to run, I go with what jacs & possum say, doctor's do tend to exaggerate at times...can you still manage a shorter run with suitable shoe's?😊

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Do *you* find that running makes it worse, even with podiatry input and attention to running style and surface? When you say 'doctor' do you mean your GP and does she have a special interest? It is so important that people keep active that I don't feel it is good enough to just say "Don't do X" when it is otherwise a healthy activity. (I know they are busy but do they want you back with depression, anxiety, obesity, cardiovascular problems etc etc?)

My Dad has had rotten stabbing foot pain which hasn't been diagnosed but could be this, but I don't think a doctor would dare suggest he give up running - he practically takes his trophies with him to appointments.

[lynnepaul Graduate in reply to GoogleMe]

It isn't a stabbing feeling. More like I am running with a sponge full of gravel on the ball of my foot that feels slightly sore (like a paper cut feeling). I also have bruising under the base of my toes and numbness in my toes The doctor told me it was most likely metatarsalagia and was able to describe the feelings accurately to me, but she wants to check for a stress fracture just to be sure. She suggested I walked more and ran less.

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to lynnepaul]

I've certainly noticed a loss of padding to the soles of my feet as I've got older.

Your blood sugars are OK???

[lynnepaul Graduate]

Blood sugars are ok. I am told it is an age related issue on the bones in my foot and it definitely gets worse when I run.

[AnneDroid Graduate]

What a shame lynnepaul - I do hope you won't have to give up running. xx

[lynnepaul Graduate in reply to AnneDroid]

Me too, AnneDroid.

[poppypug Graduate]

Oh Lynne, I am so sorry to hear this , I really hope you manage to get this resolved so you are able to run again.

Good Luck to you and fingers and toes crossed xxx