Sore Big Toe From Running?

MysticRealm

I've lately been experiencing a stiff/sore big toe from running in my left foot. If I push my big toe down or especially sideways towards the middle of my foot is very sore (I feel that soreness on whatever runs near the sesamoid bone and a little on the top). I don't know if its muscle, tendon, or ligament. It doesn't bother me too much while running but I definitely don't want it to turn into something more (either my toe being too sore to run, or it leading to compensation injuries).
My shoes were very old, however not terribly used. I did go to the running store and got new running shoes today. The lady wasn't terribly helpful about my toe issue, just said sometime people get toe cramps (I wouldn't call this a cramp in any way) and to maybe ice it. My new shoes are definitely more cushion-y so maybe that would help?
I'm only about a month away from my Tough Mudder (half marathon length obstacle course run) and have a 5k obstacle course in a couple weeks so I don't really have time to rest it too much.
Anyone else experience this? Any tips on how to help alleviate this issue? I'm currently running 5-8km on my shorter runs and 16km was my long run the past couple weeks.

shrinkingletters

What shape is the toe box? Rounded/oval shapes are notorious for constricting the toes and causing pain. I prefer wider, more square toe boxes when it comes to my running shoes.

I'd also try on running shoes when your feet have sorta "spread out", maybe after work, to give you a better idea of how much space you'll need.

LaurenAOK

I had what sounds like this exact issue, and it ended up being diagnosed as "Turf Toe", a sprain of the ligaments around the big toe caused from repeatedly pushing off of that area:

http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/turf-toe-symptoms-causes-and-treatments

Unfortunately I don't have any spectacular advice, because the only thing that worked for me was resting it and keeping it wrapped in an ACE bandage. I think I took about two weeks off from running total, and avoided walking as much as possible too.

The doctor had initially thought it could be a stress fracture, or possibly gout, both of which would have been way worse. So I was happy with this being the diagnosis, but it was still frustrating.

I know you said you don't have much time to rest it, but I would really advise taking as much time off as possible or it will get worse. Also, ice and keeping it wrapped helps. If the pain persists, see a doctor to rule out a more serious injury. Good luck and feel better soon!

Cortneyrenee04

Not sure if this helps, but I've heard that even if your shoes are old but hardly used, the soles can sort of harden over time and essentially wear out even though they haven't seen many miles.

freak4iron

Wonkey toes suck, Vaseline em up before a run and it'll do wonders

SueInAz

If the shoes were really old, even if not many miles were on them, it's very possible that some of the materials in them had broken down a bit. I've had issues with some shoes simply because of the way they are built. One pair of brand new Saucony's went back to the shoe store because they caused a shooting, random pain up my right big toe only when I was running. Once those shoes were gone, the pain was gone, too.

I'd give the new shoes a few sessions and see how your toe feels.

MysticRealm

Thanks guys.
I can't remember exactly when my sore toe started. There is a possibility that I injured while playing ultimate frisbee/soccer a couple weeks ago when I didn't not wear proper shoes, but like i said I don't know exactly when it started to bother me.
Turf Toe sounds like a strong possibility.
It will be interesting to see if my new shoes help. I'm going to use them indoors on the treadmills for a good couple weeks to be sure that they are going to feel good.
What would vaseline do to help in this instance?
I iced it a bit today. I could maybe switch out a couple run days for a couple bike days but I don't really like the bikes at my gym as they are spin bikes I think and don't tell you how far you have gone or anything like that.