Metatarsalgia...

[NDuweke]

Not running but hiking a marathon in less than 2 weeks but have metatasalgia. Fitness-wise I’m ready but my feet are letting me down. Not sure what I can do. Any advice greatly appreciated! P.s. I don’t wear high heels, tape my feet on long walks and wear the correct shoes... Not sure what else to do

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Sorry to see this, you poor thing! It's so hard to deal with foot pain.

Have you been trying exercises for your feet? And I know you say you have the correct shoes - actually have you been seeing a podiatrist? - but do your shoes have wide toe boxes? thewiredrunner.com/best-run...

[NDuweke in reply to roseabi]

Thank you for your reply. No, I’ll look into foot exercises, thank you.

I haven’t seen a podiatrist and unfortunately can’t get an appointment in time

At this stage I’m hoping my fitness and determination (and maybe some ibuprofen) will see me through to the end of 26 miles

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to NDuweke]

With only two weeks to go probably ibuprofen is your best bet, but I also recommend that you stop regularly, take off your shoes and give your feet a good massage. Also take a couple of pairs of fresh socks to change into.

Is this a supported event or a solo effort?

[NDuweke in reply to roseabi]

It is supported and I am part of a team of 5. Thanks for the advice

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to NDuweke]

Sounds great - which event is it?

Oh also, do you have walking poles? They might help, but I'd think that if you've not been using them it would be a good idea to get some practice in asap...

[NDuweke in reply to roseabi]

Yes, I have walking poles and will be taking them 👍🏻

We’re doing the Macmillan Thames Path Mighty Hike. I believe it’s predominantly flat, so that’s better for me (have done the Southcoast and Lake District Mightyhikes and they were tough terrain).

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to NDuweke]

Oh great! A friend of mine did the south coast one recently 😊😊😊

Has the foot problem come on recently? The NHS claim that these exercises help reduce pain, worth a try over the two weeks I reckon nhs.uk/conditions/foot-pain...

[NDuweke in reply to roseabi]

Worth a try. 🤞🏻 I’ve had it on and off for several years, but never this bad. I used to wear heels a lot but haven’t worn any since February last year (I’m Cabin crew and haven’t flown since then).

Going to go and find a tennis ball now. I’m sitting at a desk working, so easy to do it here 👍🏻 I’ve just heard a tin rolled under the foot works well too. Fingers crossed. Thank you for your time!

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to NDuweke]

All the best xxx

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon]

Has it been diagnosed as metatarsalgia or is that your best guess? How severe? Can you feel a burn overnight trying to sleep? Does it affect one foot more than the other? Is there more pain near any specific toe/toes?

I had a bad case in 2018 and spent well over a thousand pounds on it, including specialist custom orthotics and 3 different physios plus a podiatrist. In the end foot exercises, some home made orthotics and when it was at its worst; rest sorted it. I know the triggers now, have ditched all orthotics both custom and my own home made ones and try to keep my feet strong and flexible.