Week 5 Run1

Getting sharp pain in the big toe while walking in between the runs. Could this be due to me running on an uneven wood trail?

[linda9389 Graduate]

I'm afraid I don't know the answer, but it sounds very unpleasant. Does the pain go away when you run? does it go away after you've finished?

There are so many bones/muscles/ligaments/tendons etc. in the foot and it's really easy to cause pain if you strain any of them. Maybe you could try some foot exercises before your run to make sure they are all well warmed up? I recommend Caroline Jordan's videos on you tube - there are lots to choose from. Good luck.

[Hidden in reply to linda9389]

It does go away when I run. I tried running on concrete road rather than woods today and I didn’t experience any pain. It is surprising as many articles say running on sand/grass is better than concrete.

[linda9389 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Although grass/trails are more forgiving for your joints, they also tend to be uneven and so it is easier to pull something than on a smoother surface! It could be that the uneven surface in the woods is forcing your toe into a position it doesn't have to go into on the smoother surface. Stick with what works for a couple of weeks, then maybe try the woods again (with a good warm up for the feet first).

[Hidden in reply to linda9389]

Thank you linda9389. That is helpful.

[TuscanUK]

I had a similar experience where my left foot would swell up during running and I had to put heat on it before my next run. I since worked out that my step wasnt landing straight so I've had to adjust my technique slightly. The pain has gone now. Try concentrating on your steps, it might be an imbalance in your technique?

[Hidden in reply to TuscanUK]

May be, I will watch my foot direction tomorrow, thanks.But as I mentioned in my earlier reply running in the woods gives me this sharp pain.