Metatarsialgia (sp? wtf? my foot?)

Coach Patrick

I am full on recovering like a fool...there is a serious candy shortage in my town right now!!!    But seriously, I do have some pain in my foot. Not sure if it's from my Newtons, but I have had a callus building up on my 4th metatarsal head for a while...and now after the race, it's like my foot is bruised. 

I am fine in shoes with support, but when barefoot, I feel it. I am doing some self care (read this: http://www.spinalhealth.net/inj-foot.html) but am curious if I should do more than ice daily, etc. Should I be cutting out foam pads? Not worry b/c I am not running for another 7 days at least?

Thanks in advance!

P

Carrie Chavez

I have a chronic callus build up under 3rd metatarsal that I have shaved every few weeks to prevent what is happening to you now. If I go too long it hurts to walk barefoot. Then I need to dig out the callus myself and by then it feels like a corn. A hard nodule that I dig out and instant relief. Weird I know. Not sure if you can shave it off or cut it out? If it is not on the surface and more deep like a neuroma- please don't cut it out. Ha! I would ice and then try a donut thingy. Don't panic. It will likely be resolved in 7 days of no running. Is all the swelling out of your feet post race?

Unknown

Coach P, I agree with Carrie, I would think within another seven days without running it should resolve itself. Personally, I wouldn't recommend shaving them off yourself as there is a slight risk you suffer an infection. Possibly try creams etc which increase the rate of the 'healing' process which will in turn allow it to repair naturally instead of shaving. I really wouldn't push running too early next week and a possible change of footwear may also be required.

NB: I assume you don't have type 2 diabetes - otherwise, go to your GP now.

Norton

It's not "like" the met head is bruised, it is. Get yourself to a podiatrist, ask around for one that understands the lunacy of the endurance athlete. Don't mess around with fooked up feet; that next thing you know, you'll be hobbling through the IM marathon like Rich!