Foot pain with picture....(runners!)

parkermegan

I have been running a little since 5 weeks postpartum, I'm 3 months in 2 days. Started slow, walking, then a mile, waking, eventually 2 miles etc. I worked up to running 4 miles fairly quickly, within a month or so, with no pain. Now that I have been running consistently for a few weeks I am having this pain on my feet/ankle, but after googling it seems to be in an odd spot and I'm not sure what exactly it is. Today it was a little sore at first and was better around the completion of mile 1, still sore, but not quite as bad....I ran the first mile fairly slowly in case. I'm just wondering WHAT it is....if it's something I should be concerned about or just keep up my plan and push through. It obviously isn't bothering me enough not to run, but I don't want it to get to that point. My plan now is to run 2 days, then rest 1 day from running and repeat so my muscles get plenty of rest from the high impact. I am training for a 10K.

The color shaded area is where I feel the soreness:

johnlatv

the first thing you should do is give it some rest, next thing is go to your nearest running store and get the correct running shoes for your feet. Going to a sporting goods store isn't good enough to get running shoes. Then see what happens with the new shoes, i would give it about a week or so and see what happens, if the pain continues you way want to see a doc. I would have to guess it's the shoes

good luck

zoom2

Peroneal tendonitis, perhaps...? The solution to that would be to first see your doctor. He/she will likely tell you to rest for a bit. My guess is you may be in a shoe that is too controlling for your gait. I've had PT issues in the past. The cure was usually going to a more flexible, less stable shoe.

BrianSharpe

Were you running before the pregnancy? If not, getting up to 4 miles in a month is pretty fast progress.

When's your 10K? Are you mixing up your distances and intensity? Are you following a training plan?

The pain is probably your body's way of suggesting you back off a little bit. Try icing the affected area.

If you can already do 4 miles you're already getting close to being ready for your 10K, I'd probably suggest you take a day off between runs and cross / strength train in between. Mix up your distances and intensities.

cowgirlslikeus86

If you don't intend on seeing the doctor at the moment, my suggestion would be to rest it for 3 days or so and go to a good running store to get fitted for running shoes.

If you have more then one pair of running shoes you might try running in a different pair to see if that helps. Like an above poster states, some shoes are too restricting, too supportive or not enough. An independant running store with well educated runners, should be able to steer you in the right direction.

parkermegan

I was fitted for running shoes shortly before I got pregnant (I've always went to the running store to buy shoes) and then I didn't really use them much because it was a twin pregnancy with pre term labor, so I was not doing much activity. I was wondering if pregnancy could have somehow changed how I run?? I've never had an issue before....I was running before pregnancy. My long run was 6-7 miles and I averaged 3-4 miles on the other days. I've ran for years, since 9th grade ;-)

I don't even have a set 10K at the moment. We are likely moving in 2-3 weeks so once we get moved and settled I will register for one....we are 90% sure we are moving. It' just something I know I want to do ASAP when we move. The city we are moving to has lots of races so I know I can find one that will fit my time frame.

This week I had planned to do:

Monday - 3 miles
Tuesday - 3.5 miles
Wednesday - rest
Thursday - 3 miles
Friday - Cross train only
Saturday- 4 miles

The days I do run I always do something else, right now I'm doing the 30 minute ripped in 30.

So should I not run at all this week!?!!!! I might go crazy....

I am going to google what you mentioned zoom2

ETA: I definitely think its Peroneal tendonitis, after reading and looking at pictures that sounds exactly like what it is. I am going to start icing it and I guess rest from running for a couple of days and see how it feels....it's not bad at this point, so I will probably wait and see how it's feeling mid week and then re evaluate the Dr. We've only lived here 10 months and its a VERY small city and I have no idea who I would even see.....

lizsmith1976

I just checked your profile and saw your little ones are only 11 weeks? Don't forget that quite a while after pregnancy your hormones will still be causing loose joints and issues with muscles/tendons. Stepping up your running game at too quick a pace will cause pain and can cause some worse issues. Ice and rest It's tough to do, I know! If you do move to a bigger place, find a doctor! Good luck

chrystee

I don't think you should run every day.. are you switching your shoes or wearing the same ones every day?

lauleipop

I was fitted for running shoes shortly before I got pregnant (I've always went to the running store to buy shoes) and then I didn't really use them much because it was a twin pregnancy with pre term labor, so I was not doing much activity. I was wondering if pregnancy could have somehow changed how I run??

Pregnancy absolutely changes your hips, so yes, this could be contributing, especially considering twins. You just had your kids, so your body is still returning to normal. Give it time. Rest and ice are worth it.

I hear you with the going crazy while you can't run. Better to take a few days off now, than a few weeks off because you tried to push through an injury.

Best of luck!

Justacoffeenut

ETA: I definitely think its Peroneal tendonitis, after reading and looking at pictures that sounds exactly like what it is. I am going to start icing it and I guess rest from running for a couple of days and see how it feels....it's not bad at this point, so I will probably wait and see how it's feeling mid week and then re evaluate the Dr. We've only lived here 10 months and its a VERY small city and I have no idea who I would even see.....

Most hospitals have a walk in clinic time even my small little town hospital does. If you decide to see a dr you could call your local hospital in your town or the next over and see when there walk in clinics are. Just a suggestion. Hope it gets better soon.

PixEm

I just had this last week on my right foot. I just gave my running a rest and walked and then switched back to my old running shoes that were fitted for me.

CarsonRuns

I was wondering if pregnancy could have somehow changed how I run??

Yes, absolutely. There was an article in Running Times about this specifically. I just did a quick search, but I couldn't locate the article online.

The bases was that, because of the potential changes to the hips, changes to running form are indeed possible and not uncommon. Therefore, the right shoes before pregnancy could be the totally wrong shoes after.

I would go get fitted again.

KBGirts

You don't have to stop running, but I would suggest cutting back for a week or two and let this heel. Ice after every run and look up some youtube videos of strength training your feet for running. I often have problems like this and this is what I do to nip 'em in the bud.

parkermegan

Well, they are 3 months on the 6th....that must be a bit outdated :-)

I am wearing the same shoes.....and I'm not running every day....I planned to rest from running 2 days this week. Usually do 2 days on 1 day off like I said :-)

I'll definitely rest from running for a couple of days and see how it feels....I definitely don't want to have to stop running for weeks! I will just do something else until then....

I also had SPD while pregnant, carrying twins is painful! LOL

I am definitely over pronating while running, which I do think I've always done really mildy, but it seems more obvious now. So maybe instead of the stability shoe I have I need a motion control shoe?!?

ETA: holding a baby while I typed that and saw a few more responses when I hit enter. Thanks for all the help!!! I think I definitely need new shoes....I wish there was a running store closer than 2 hours ughhhhh

FrostyBev

I have permanent Peroneal tendonitis due to an ankle injury and it definitely sounds like what could be going on.

Your plan for ice and rest sounds like a great plan. Also try tracing out the ABC's with your Big Toe a couple times a day. It ensures complete movement of the foot which will actually help with any swelling you might have.

kateguy1981

During pregnancy your body produces relaxin which softens all muscles, ligaments etc to prepare the body for giving birth I'm not sure how long after birth it takes the body to comletely get rid of this effect but I do know doctors recommend no exercise until at least 6 weeks after giving birth and then to build up very slowly...... believe me I know the temptation is to go at it like a bull in a china shop as towards the end of pregnancy you feel so huge and unfit (must be even worse with twins) but let you body recover your centre of gravity will have shifted and probably still needs to get back to normal xx

scottb81

Peroneal tendonitis, perhaps...? The solution to that would be to first see your doctor. He/she will likely tell you to rest for a bit. My guess is you may be in a shoe that is too controlling for your gait. I've had PT issues in the past. The cure was usually going to a more flexible, less stable shoe.

I agree that it's probably the peroneal tendon. I had it last year, kept running on it, and it finally went away after several months.

mleonards

Hang in there friend it will get better!! Pregnancy does some crazy things to your body doesn't it ? I also had SPD during my pregnancy so I feel for you and I only carried one baby haha!

josavage

I agree with the others to rest it a few days to a week. I'd also go get fitted again for new shoes. The pregnancy could certainly change your gait and your shoe size. But I mainly wanted to say congrats on the beautiful babies!

parkermegan

Just after icing a lot yesterday and two ibuprofens it feels much better today! Going to still rest it today, but going to try for an easy/slow run tomorrow! Thanks!

CMorning99

I had/have pain in the exact same area along with a cracking sound when I move my foot laterally (side to side). Went to an exercise pysiologist and was told it was tendonitis and was VERY common. Main causes are 1) over use for level of fitness 2) not enough stretching for that area (google stretches for runners) 3) improper shoes.

Treatment: 2-6 wks of rest (snort) I gave it 2 wks and it helped a lot but not enough. Ice after running for 20 min (no more), heat after several hours to promote blood flow in the area s tendons do not have their own blood supply resulting in the long recovery, anti-inflammitory creams and pills 3x a day for 7 days and then as needed. Stretch A LOT!

To Prevent: Start slowly (increased distance) no more than 10% per week increase and have at least 24-36 hrs rest between runs till you build up. Ice after each run as you increase endurance. STRETCH pre and post run...Hot Yoga is the best

Hope this helps.