It is with a very heavy heart I have to report that my November goals have changed considerably; namely to work without pain and run again.
I managed to see a physio last night who says that I'm not an overpronator, that I don't have low arches/ flat fleet as was said in my gait analysis. I was also told years ago by a podiatrist that I was an overpronator but he says my foot biomechanics is much more complex.
He says I have a highly mobile forefoot but an immobile big toe on each foot which is partially responsible for the forming bunions but what this also does is makes the rest of the toes work harder. So it looks like metatarsalgia in my left foot which is inflamed metatarsal heads in the ball of the foot probably inflamed by the work shoes but he did say given the mechanics of my feet was going to happen at some point.
We can't 100% rule out a stress fracture without an xray which I'll try to get later today but given my lack of pain when running in Spain its unlikely.
So I've folded up the treadmill to take that pressure off, I've had to take today off work as I was limping by afternoon yesterday.
I'm under strict orders to rest as much as possible, zero high impact, when/if the pain subsides I can do low impact.
I'll see their orthotics guy on the 8th and need custom support that will force the big toe to work and lift and cradle the rest.
Still digesting it all and very gutted for the short term but I guess the lesson is, if you want to do regular high mileage, get a phsio gait analysis done, not just a shop.👎🏼😣
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GoGo_JoJo
Ultramarathon
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Really sorry, I really feel for you, l know full well what that's like, what feelings it brings up and level of frustration, even anger. Injuries strike even the most careful (see pro athletes) but you'll fix that thing eventually. I live with injury thoughts on the back of my mind, observing every niggle. I try to recheck my gait approx every 18 months at a sports lab and listen to what those guys have to say. However, me being me, l enjoy my between the runs cross-training in the form of martial arts, high impact sport where ankles, knees and wrists are in constant danger. On the plus side, that gives me overall body flexibility which helps lots when running. (I wouldn't suggest you take that up during your recovery period though 😉). Stay positive, take it easy, trust your body, get well and come back stronger!
Oh bless Jo! That's horrible, horrible news. But at least this way you can move forward with a plan. Deep breath, paste on that smile.
A couple of things in your post - an xray can't rule out a stress fracture. Mine never showed on any of the xrays I had, only on the MRI which I had to push hard for. If you think an aircast boot would help protect your toes, the physioroom do a halfsize one much cheaper than the branded aircast ones.
Are you allowed to cycle or will you have to rely on CJ to get you through the next few weeks? You've done it before, you can do it again, one day at a time.
Yea, he did say an MRI would be best but no way I can just walk in for one and without private healthcare it would take way too long. At least an xray should show up anything obvious 🤞🏻
I will be ok to cycle, just not too hard or for too long. The struggle will be to see how much actual work I can do first. I'm going to be good today and all weekend and see what happens with a view to being able to work mon and tues.
Then I'll start a regime with CJ and floor work before I go nuts 🙈
It's true, an MRI takes a while, but maybe you could push for a referral if the x-ray shows nothing, and have it rumbling away in the background in case plan A doesn't work. I lost 4 weeks before I pushed for the MRI. Just a thought. But three days proper rest sounds perfect - it's gonna rain anyway ❤
Really sorry to read this Jo and hope that this new knowledge and treatment helps get you back out there soon.🤞 Gait is a funny old thing - I have been told that I overpronate but since a nerve injury to my left leg (caused by sciatica), I cannot get on with stability shoes for some reason and am more comfortable in a neutral shoe. As your physio says - the true picture of our biomechanics is a complex and I guess, changing one. Take care and good luck.🙂
Oh Jo. I have been wondering where you were and how you are. So sorry to hear this; and sorry to hear that you are in pain with your feet. Understandable that you are gutted. It is good that you are being seen to, and that they have a diagnosis of what is causing this though. And I have my fingers crossed for you that nothing is fractured. Do keep us posted.
It takes time to work through the disappointment and sadness of having an injury, but, I must admit that the only thing that lifts me out of that is totally focussing and committing to a plan of rehab, whatever that might be. So, the plan could be cycling and floor work. Core strengthening work, clams, whatever. Maybe a bit of yoga. I am on reduced running right now (only 2 runs a week and under 5k) because of patella tendinitis, but, just like when I was running distances, I still have a weekly plan of action of things that I can do: physio strength work, core work, yoga, swimming and so on. It is helping in that I still feel that I am doing something that will help me with my running when I am able to build up distance again. I am cheering myself up by calling it my "winter training plan", focussing on strength.
I know I am probably trying to teach grandma to suck eggs here, but I really feel for you, and thought I would share how I am trying to change my mindset about injury time, just in case any of it helps.
Take care and rest those precious feet of yours this weekend. I am rooting for you.
That's very good advice G, sorry it comes from your IC experience though.
Very best wishes for full, fast and complete healing. As one who suffered agonies from screwed feet for years, I know onty too well that when your feet hurt life sucks.
I’m so sorry Jo. It’s good that you at least know the issue fully now so you can adjust accordingly and get back out again. Hope the orthotics work for you.
Oh no. 😨😱 You are doing a great job of taking a positive view, but that is really dreadful news for you. 💕 Please don’t go away, as you do a great job of encouraging the rest of us, even in comparatively feeble exploits. 😄 And all the best in tackling your current difficulties. 👍
Oh blimey, that’s a lot of stuff going on in your feet Jo! I’m really surprised that a physio could determine all of that. It sounds more like a podiatrist appointment. Did you have to run at the physios so they could assess you?
I’m really disappointed for you, fingers crossed it’ll all work out sooner and the X-ray shows nothing. Take care x
Well I got my xray, super swiftly, in and out of Horsham MIU in an hour. Fantastic service and I got lucky in that my Nurse Practitioner is a fellow runner. Having got 100 (yes, 100) marathons under her belt she understood my fears and pains both physical and mental.
Xray is clear, very clear. No bone issues. She did remind me of my oddity, I have some extra bone bits where folk don't tend to and an extra toe had started between my big toe and 2nd which adds quite a lot of weird bone to my big toe, which could, potentially not be helping matters with regard to how my foot works...
She agreed with my self-diagnoses of metatarsalgia, which, with rest I should see an improvement in the pain. She seemed to find what the physio said very sensible so hopefully I'm on the right path. She did say if it doesn't improve then to press for an MRI.
Next appt 8th Nov, next Friday. 🤞🏻
Oh and to those thinking their times aren't good enough this lady, Cathy, is delighted if her finish has a 5 in it, her usually times are 6 to 7 hrs these days. I would have guessed her age around 55. She did mention she's only done 26 halves, which is amusing as every FM has a half! 🤣
Well that X-ray seems to bring good news, at least helping to eliminate the fracture idea. Good luck for next Friday’s appointment. And what a lovely nurse-practitioner! I do find the nurses such good communicators. 😊👍 But luck to find a runner. 100 marathons indeed. 😮 I can’t imagine doing one! Sounds like it brightened up
That's great that you got your x-ray and results already.
If getting an MRI takes so long book it now, you can always cancel it later if (hopefully) all is well. Not the best way of going about it but sometimes you have to play the system.
I'm already contemplating just forking out for one. I'm far from wealthy but my feet are a big priority to me. I just don't know how helpful it will actually be if its just tissue damage 🤔
Have you considered an osteopath ? I know from my own experiences that pain in one area does not necessarily come (or cannot be fixed) just by healing that area. (pain in knees caused by hips etc.).
I know you look after yourself so I'm probably teaching grandmother to suck eggs but just a thought.
Yea, I've been considering them all and googling each and every one with pros and cons. I've been looking at specific practitioners and trying to decide if their fresh young faces could really hold the wisdom and experience I want to have confidence in...🤣🤣🤣
I'm a person who always wants facts to back everything up having been fed so much BS in my life, so yes, I've got a super busy brain just now 👍🏻😁
I'm generally happy that the rest of my body is working well, I've been having sports massage at 3 weekly intervals just now and all the muscles are working well as they should, it's definitely coming from the feet but it will now start to work back up the leg if not sorted soon.
I am thinking just throw it all at it and see which way the majority heads...🤪
Oh dear that’s a nightmare. I really hope you get back to it soon. I took my son to a physio this week as he has heel pain and I was fascinated by the detail she gave me about his foot! Made me think I’d also like a proper gait analysis by her too. Get fit soon Xx
Oh no GoGo_JoJo, it sounds like you are getting good advice and hopefully your X-ray will be fine. Good luck with orthotics and hope you are back on the road again soon.
My physio believes only a podiatrist can do an accurate gait analysis.
Definitely. When my knee went the GP got it all wrong. I paid for a physio but initial exercises were likely to cause more damage (I felt), so I went to see a recommended osteopath who simply figured it out there and then and fixed me (over time and through MasterCard) but the point is - go looking for the right one!
This is definitely my concern now. I specifically didn't choose a podiatrist as I didn't want someone to just sell me orthotics and yet that's what this physio recommends. Everything he says does make sense.... but... is it right for me? Pain is certainly not right so looking for 2nd op before next appointment now
Oh no! You'll have to sit on the IC and watch the rugby!
I have some level of sympathy as a podiatrist I saw not so long ago suggested I might have nervo damage in my feet and can be quite sore and sensitive over the top of the arch.
Very interesting what the physio said so do keep us updated if you get that 2nd opinion.
Love Sadie-runs idea of a "winter training plan" hopefully you find something to substitute a little for the running. Does cycling or swimming give that same headspace feeling?
{♡} virtual hug from me. Fingers crossed for a speedy recovery for you xxx
No, cycling and chair cardio and swimming would help in at least making me get a sweat on and feeling like I'm doing "something" but it's not as satisfying or fulfilling. At least once I have a plan though I'll know I'm on a track back to my trails 💕
Oh no JoJo. That all sounds very complicated, but hopefully fixable. Do as you’re told and make sure you’re resting. It’s really dull I know, but it’s a short term solution (or part of one) to prevent a long term problem. You know that really, so suck it up for a bit!
Hope for good news soon when you can get back out there. Look after yourself and stay in touch.x
What a huge shame JoJo. I feel for you. Rest up - who knows what the future brings. Hopefully they’ll find a fix and you can get back out pain free some day🤞🤞 for you. Xx
So sad to read this Jo; I’d kind of missed (in the ‘other place’) that your trouble over the last week was more than just a minor niggle.
It sounds as though you’ve got a good start on a longer term solution for being pain-free though. Hopefully your physio has caught the underlying issue in time to avoid any serious damage from your high mileage.
I know how hard it will be for you, but try and enjoy the enforced rest.
Big 🤗 from me JoJo. I get it. Only a plan to work on from someone in whom you have confidence will make any difference to how you feel. Hope you get there soon.
Oh so sorry to read this. I can imagine how frustrated you must feel. It's hard to find the positives but cross every little bridge as you come to it and focus on what you can do - however small it may seem. Crossing everything🤞 for you and sending a virtual hug. 🤗
So sorry to read about your problems. Fingers crossed that it can be sorted with rest, treatment and perhaps an extra bit of support and that you will be back out running again before too long. In the meantime, take care and stay positive x
Well not being one to sit and wait... I've seen another professional today...a podiatrist this time. I told him bluntly what the other guy had said and prescribed. No 2 did agree with a lot of what no.1 said, didn't have a lot to say on the differences offered in their differing orthoses...
He didn't think an MRI would be that useful at this stage as he believes it to be just tissue damage akin to bruising rather than inflammation, which does makes sense as there's not really swelling, just soreness. He also thinks the RSI of my combined work and running is basically pushing the pad over the ball of the foot up towards my toes, almost abrading it.
He could also make an orthotic faster than no.1.... so.... no.2 guy is going to make an orthotic for my work shoes ASAP. That's his speciality, everyday footwear. I should have that done by the 14th.
He couldn't advise on when the existing pain might abate or whether I should work through it or not.
I'm still going to have my next appointment with no 1 guy's orthotic chap on Friday and I'm going to have them make an orthotic for running...
A lot of their comments correlated without actually being exactly the same.
I still don't know if I'm doing the right thing and it's an expensive way to do it but at least I'm doing what I can.
I still may yet see a 3rd guy, an osteo on Monday...
On top of everything else my Garmin 645 has just broken! So annoying. The side has completely come away where it holds the strap on. I have an outstanding warranty claim anyway due to the sensor cracking which they claim is purely cosmetic but it can go in the post tomorrow as it's completely useless now 👎🏼😤
Ai yi yi! 😱😨 You are having more than your share of troubles! So sorry to hear the list continues. But good news about the quicker orthotics, so hope they work well. Keep up the strength & flex - your life seems to need it! 💕
Oh no JoJo, I only just saw this. I know you'd been having trouble and it sucks that you are in pain, but clearly you have an action plan so looking forward to hearing about that, and seeing you out and about casually knocking out marathons for fun again 🤣
Although it's not the same thing I wonder if it's a similar family of issues—I have hypermobile joints and hallux limitus in my big toe joints (have had it since I was a wee teenager) and although it hasn't caused me any trouble with running (which really surprised me, to be honest!) sometimes the ache in my big toe joints is excruciating and wakes me up at night, especially when the weather gets colder. The only thing that helps is painkillers, and after a lot of trial and error over the years, these weird things called Yoga Toes which temporarily realign the toes and let me sleep! They look a bit like those foamy things people use to paint their toes. Don't know if that is of any use to you at all, but if it's a symptom you recognise then might be worth checking something similar out! They've saved me from going crazy when my toe joints flare up.
OK, well Garmin have sort of said they'll replace my watch... so still not confident, but more hopeful.
I tried to see an osteopath yesterday but it never happened.
I saw a different physio today. He's the first one who looked any higher than feet.
He says I have hyper mobile ankles and extremely good flexibility apart from the big toes.
He agrees that I need orthotics for work but thinks getting 2 lots isn't worth it. He's also of the opinion, like the podiatrist, that if I can solve the pain at work, I might not even need them for running.
He spent a good amount of time working my big toe and gave me exercises to do.
He agrees that an MRI, unless I'm seeing a consultant too, just isn't worth it.
He couldn't find anything higher (calf etc of concern). He doesn't sell orthotics so had no opinion on the differing options no. 1 and no. 2 had wanted to do.
After tons of reading about RSI related pain I had already decided I was taking 2 weeks off work. It seemed stupid to try and go back without the orthotics, if I really needed them.
Finally, today there is some minute recession in pain. I won't take any more ibuprofen (I was only having 1 twice a day) as I've read that NSAIDs can actually slow tissue healing.
I've cancelled my appointment with no.1 guy Friday... Mr Fancy Pants. I feel like a low priority to them and just a fancy orthotic fee. He didn't spend much time actually doing anything to my feet, gave no exercises, just recommended ice and rest.
I think I'm happier with the older, wiser podiatrist and the more hands on approach of this physio.
My new goal is to go back to work with my orthotics 18th Nov and hopefully have a pain free week. If I manage that I'll look at a _very_ short run that weekend, circa 2 miles. IF. If I'm not pain free then I won't.
So even just one day on from the 2nd physio manipulating my big toe I can feel a difference. I had social commitments today that I kept as I really needed some time with a good friend to bouy my spirits. All in (between brunch and cake) its the most time on my feet for 6 days and yet even though its really tired, there is definitely an improvement... 🤞🏻
Gosh, I missed this, so sorry! Keeping fingers and toes crossed for a speedy solution and return to running. So many of us off at the moment and it’s so frustrating. You WILL be back running soon. And this is the problem with gait analysis: if you get someone experienced it’s good, but it’s only as reliable as the person assessing you. I had brilliant analysis and very valuable additional info on my first one, but then I had to return some shoes to the same place two years later because the person fitting them for me didn’t know what he was doing. Rest up and keep the faith xxx
To be fair the podiatrist did say I overpronate a little, but that most of us do to a degree, they weren't completely wrong.
The real culprit here is my safety shoes and me for changing brand and more importantly neglecting to do toe work. Although I do a lot of exercises daily none are in bare feet and I didn't see my own balance reducing on the left foot as when you do it in shoes, or when doing a quad stretch the quads and glutes are taking over where the ankle is struggling. I never realised that.
So its really just a bit of a slap, and not as bad as it first felt for sure. I'm not limping now and the pain is finally receding in line with my latest plan so hopefully I've caught it early enough and I'll keep my fingers crossed the orthotics in the latest, old faithful brand of work shoe will save the day 🤞🏻
Oh no GoGo_JoJo , sorry I've not seen this earlier, I don't check on here very often these days, but that really really sucks. I hope you recover much more quickly than you hope. I'm also hovering round the IC at the moment due to my pesky right calf, and I know how mentally hard it is to have something you love taken away like that.
Remember you are an awesome runner and done way better than most of us coming through C25K have done or could ever do. Hang in there, we're all rooting for you!
Thanks Neil, I'm still off work until next week. I pick up the orthotics for my work shoes on Thursday, I'll wear them all day Friday to get used to them and hopefully be good to go Monday.
Being able to work has to take priority. I spent a decent amount of time on my feet yesterday so am hopeful the plan will work.
Once that's acheived I'll start with small runs or run/ walks. I'm confident I'll get back, it's just patience 🙈
You've had so many niggles, it's so tough being held back. It's just finding the right answer. I found it helpful seeing 2 different physios and the podiatrist and seeing what advice matched up and what didn't. Our bodies are more complex than we give them credit for which is both a blessing and a curse! 🤞🏻
Oh bless you GoGo_JoJo you've had a rough ride recently then You're so right though, our bodies are really complex. I'm continually amazed when my physio fixes an issue in one place by manipulating some completely unrelated part.
I also use orthotics as I under-pronate. I did have gait analysis at a running shop, but that was also backed up a podiatrist and now my personal trainer too. To be honest, I just wear my running shoes to work then I always have the support. I have a desk job though, so not much wear and tear really, apart from the constant trips to the kettle of course!!
Take your time though, in coming back. I have faith that you will get there sooner than you think, but it's worth waiting until you're ready. I think if you can manage to keep up the strength training though, it will keep you going. For example, I'm trying to work on my planks at the moment, which gives me something to focus on.
Well, I collected the orthotics today and am currently wearing them in the work shoes. Some adjustments were needed as the steel toe cap makes them less flexible than an ordinary shoe.
They feel weird and not completely comfortable but I'm hoping this is just because they're holding the foot in a new way. I just hope I can acclimatise my feet enough for Monday and that they work 🤞🏻🙏
So sorry to hear this JoJo and hope you can get back on an even keel asap. Your mega long runs on Strava always inspire me to get off my butt! Rest-up.
Im late to this but just read your posts and comments....hope you are continuing to improve and the orthotics do their job on your return to work tomorrow.
I had to have orthitics in my steel toe cap boots and they took a good couple of weeks to get used to, so persevere with them.
Im taking a career break and dont need the orthotics in anything other than the boots.
Sounds like you are getting good if expensive advice and treatment.
Good luck with the first short runs back....hope you are back to full strength soon.
Well that's a full week worked and I'm still standing/ walking!
Monday I started with the orthotics in first thing. Felt really weird but I just ignored it and got on with things. By 12.40 my feet were really uncomfortable but most of my toughest work was done. I swapped the insoles for my old work ones with an added sheeps wool one under for extra comfort. Feet were instantly relieved. So much so that I decided that without was better 🤣
Tuesday I started without the orthotics and it was ok, until about 1.30 when my feet were sore...so swapped again... feet felt better instantly so I decided it was just the change they liked...
Weds was my day off but I was fairly busy. I wore my road shoes and they were fine. I did go to dancercise but didn't do much footwork or any jumping at all.
Thursday and Friday I worked with the orthotics in all day and there was a marked improvement at the end of the day with only residual soreness.
Saturday, day off, supermarket etc, casual trainers seemed ok.
Work today was a bit tougher due to differing tasks but not too bad. I've just done a slow 20 min treadmill run so we'll see how that feels tomorrow...🤞🏻
Been doing the toe/ foot exercises every day too... definite improvements in big toes.
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You're so right though, our bodies are really complex. I'm continually amazed when my physio fixes an issue in one place by manipulating some completely unrelated part.
Help... in search of IC recovery advice for half marathon training
Ouchhhhhh sore toe !!!
Only just forced myself out of bed 🛌😃