Big toe joint pain

[Dale70]

Hi all. Got back on the C25K and completed W3R2 in last nights glorious weather 😊. Since starting W3 I have had a really painful big toe joint on my left foot, very sore to walk on during the warm up walk but once I start running it goes off but does come back later after the run/cooldown is done and its rested. Never had this prior to running and just wondered if anyone else had suffered with this? Thanks folks 😊

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome back to the forum and well done on your progress.

I would suspect your shoes. Do you have a thumbs width between your big toe and the front of the toe box of your shoes?

It could be arthritis.

Running can expose all sorts of underlying conditions, simply because often new runners are pushing their body beyond the norms.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Enjoy your journey.

[Dale70 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks for the advice. I haven't invested in running shoes as yet, just my trusty trainers which are a good fit. I've just completed W4R2 and have moved to running on grass/softer surfaces where I can and this seems to have helped. The aches and pains have rapidly gone, including the foot, so I'm just wondering if the pavements are just too hard on the joints, especially when they are 50 something and carrying a fair amount of extra bulk 🤦‍♂️. I'm fast approaching the longer continuous runs so will more that likely look to but a reasonably priced pair of shoes, particularly as the darker nights are also coming fast so those pesky ruts and rabbit holes become a bit of an issue lol, so I may well have to switch back to more pavement running again. Thanks again, all the best Paul

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Dale70]

This FAQ Post about buying running shoes may help healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Deverdad]

The Administrator is more experienced than me but you could just check you laces are the right tightness - this pulls your foot into the back of the shoe and stops its slipping forward as you move and your big toe hitting the inside front of your shoe - I had experienced this - worth a quick look - best wishes, Colin

[Dale70 in reply to Deverdad]

Thanks Colin. Its decided to go away for the time being which is strange, although I did expect to have some aches and pains when I first started back....I'm knocking on a bit now and definitely not an Olympian (more like a sumo wrestler lol). Only real thing I've changed is I'm trying to run a grass rather than road/pavement. It maybe coincidence or maybe not, either way I wont complain. All the best Paul

[Deverdad in reply to Dale70]

Glad its improved - were possible I run on grass, I believe its slightly less impactful on many joints - good luck, Colin.