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Ball under big toe pain

kbaker1966kbaker1966
in General Training Discussions

The ball under the big toe of my left foot has been giving me pain since September.  Originally it would just hurt when I ran....saw my doctor (also a triathlete) who looked at shoes (fine) and recommended an insert with a metatarsal support. Got the insert and it helped, temporarily.  As my mileage has gone up the pain returned. And now it doesn't go away after I stop running. I stretch my arches and use a tennis ball (or racket ball) to roll the arches out,, but no luck so far.  The pain either never goes away before my next run or it comes back as soon as I start running.

It feels like I've bruised it but I haven't (not in the usual way you would bruise something). I had professionally fit orthotics many years ago but took a LONG break (10 years) from running so they are long gone. Will be getting a referral for a podiatrist with the thought that I might need another professional orthotic fit. 

But I wondered if anyone else had something similar and if there is something I've not tried that I could try in the meantime.

This is by far the least of my aches/pains  but perhaps it's creating some of the other problems.  Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Kay

Comments

  • davidpettigrewdavidpettigrew
    It sounds similar to an issue I have had for about 18 months. I had pain on the balls of my feet. My podiatrist diagnosed Bursitis of the metatarsal heads. I got the little pads and he showed me where to place them. That helped a little bit. But the main thing that helped was switching from minimal style shoes to shoes with a lot more cushioning. I got a pair of Hokas and Asics Gel Nimbus. The Hokas I think really helped. I also try to run on softer surfaces. It has got the the point where I still feel it sometimes but it is manageable.
    Good luck,
    David
  • kbaker1966kbaker1966

    Thanks David.  I run in the Asics Gel Nimbus already (really like them b/c they are the most cushioned of the Asics - so I've been told). Will consider the Hokas as my next shoe to compare - I've also heard they are very cushiony. I hope a podiatrist can figure out what the problem is...did a little research and found something called sesamoiditis (sesamoid bone) as a possibility, and maybe some inflammation of the plantar plate.  I will leave the formal diagnosis to the doctors.

    Thanks again - Kay

  • SwanieSwanie

    If you choose to go with the Hokas (which I suggest as well) get the Bondi's. I loved mine for those recovery runs when my legs were sore. But this last time I got the Conquests and there isn't nearly as much cushion. Will go back to the Bondi's when I get to a run only block.

  • lancelsulancelsu
    I had the same problem and went to a podiatrist......had a broken tibial sesamoid.  google it and see if that's where the pain is.  He says a lot of docs miss it on the xray's. 
  • kbaker1966kbaker1966

    Lance: what did your doctor have you do once it was diagnosed (I did see your condition as a possible cause of my issue)? Orthotics? No running for "x" days/weeks? ice? ibuprofen?

    I've ordered the Bondi Hokas to see if that diminishes the pain in any way, and have a podiatrist appointment for June 6 (first available). My other leg issues that I actually HOPE are related (if it is a foot issue that orthotics resolve b/c then maybe it will ALL get fixed) are that my calves and hamstrings are tight, and I keep getting a bruise on the inside of my right knee. I'm trying to financially squeeze in a sports massage on the legs once a week and I'm stretching on my own (yoga).

    Thanks for your input - curious how long it took, and what it took, to resolve your issue?

    Kay

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