Great toe pain after running: Just completed... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Great toe pain after running

Lashes1 profile image
Lashes1Graduate
11 Replies

Just completed week 6 run3. I’m obese and slow but doing it. However I’ve noticed for last 2 weeks I’ve developed a pain in my right great toe metatarsal joint. I’ve got new trainers so plenty of room. Any ideas how I can remedy this? Thx

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Lashes1 profile image
Lashes1
Graduate
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11 Replies
Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57Graduate

Hi, Did this start after getting new trainers ?

And are your new trainers proper running shoes that were advised following a gait analysis ?

Lashes1 profile image
Lashes1Graduate in reply to Instructor57

Hi yes I went to a running shop and explained what I wanted them for. They assessed gait etc said I had neutral gait. Pain settled now but blooming uncomfortable after the run. I can’t be certain of it started after the new trainers but it is worse since I got them but this is also perhaps because I’m running longer distances? The trainers are new balance w880r11 if that helps

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57Graduate in reply to Lashes1

Assuming you now have the correct running shoes you may find the

post in this link usefull .

Don't run if you are in pain

runnersworld.com/health-inj....

If the symptoms don't improve I would seek the advice of your GP or a sports physio

Lashes1 profile image
Lashes1Graduate in reply to Instructor57

Thankyou 👍🏼

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

Obviously those carrying extra weight need to be even more careful about minimising impact, as the stresses involved for a runner are approximately equivalent to two and a half times their body weight on each footfall.

I would ask the same questions as Instructor57

Perhaps your shoes do not give enough support or cushioning.

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

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

Enjoy your journey.

Lashes1 profile image
Lashes1Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe

Thanks for your reply. I do stretch before and after the runs but don’t do anything specifically for feet - I wasn’t aware there was such a stretch?? As for the trainers there is more room around the toes as the running shop I should go up 1/2 a size not rubbing or pressure on end of toe at all just 1st MTPJ

MarkyD profile image
MarkyDGraduate

Random thought, but are you drinking enough water? These symptom sounds much like gout to me, and probably not related to the running shoes. But I suppose you could go back to your old trainers for a few weeks and see if your toe improves again.That said, I am not medically qualified, nor should you rely on any medical information that you get from the web :-)

Lashes1 profile image
Lashes1Graduate in reply to MarkyD

Drinking about 2-3 litres daily so I think so as trying to lose some timber as well

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

That shoe is used by loads of runners and is known for wide toe box and cushioning, so you’d expect it to be ok

I have an arthritic great toe, and had it before running. I take a daily fish oil capsule and it keeps it right. If I forget to take it the pain returns

I find trail running much easier on the feet, legs and hips Maybe you could try that if you’re not already doing so.

The thing that helped me most with joint pain was giving up alcohol and fruit juice 🙂

Slob37 profile image
Slob37

Good morning Lashes1 .

This may not address your specific problem but I had a similar issue. In the end I went to a physio who also specialises in sport issues (and was a runner herself). My problem, as it turned out, was nothing to do with my toes, it was my posture while running. Once I corrected this, eventually my feet sort of repaired themselves.

It may not be the case for you but a visit to a good physio is money we'll spent in my humble opinion. I appreciate it is not inexpensive and that was the same for me too, but in the long run (pardon the pun) it was worth it for me.

I hope this helps.

Lashes1 profile image
Lashes1Graduate in reply to Slob37

Thanks for that, I’ll look at giving it a go I think!

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