A little more (and maybe bumping it will get you more feedback also)...

I saw my regular doc a couple of days ago (not the specialist, but still very knowledgeable) and asked her about osteo and running. She runs and is very pro running. She said that it is generally true that if you aren't getting swelling it's okay to push on through and try to get the muscles toned. It's a catch 22 if you don't. The joints will be easier to aggravate if the muscles are not toned and you can't tone them without putting up with some irritation. The last time I got the shots around my spine I did some very specific lower back exercises afterwards and it has kept it from getting as bad again.

Sorry to hear that. Feet are tricky. I've had arthritis in my hands and elbows since I was a teenager and in the last few years, developed it in my hips (yay me, only 28 years old). I get it from my mom. She had both her hips replaced in her 50s, and just a couple years ago, had her knee replaced. And soon, she's getting her shoulders done. This is what I have to look forward to

Anyhow, I'm lucky that I'm young enough and it's not SOO bad that I can still get out there. The doctor hasn't advised any treatment yet and just told me to keep at a low weight and stay active.

My left hip was a huge bother in the first few months of running. It would get so bad that I couldn't sleep at night after running (no position in the bed was comfortable). I hired a coach in August and he tore my form apart. After a few weeks of forefoot running and fixing my posture, all my hip problems disappeared.

I don't know how it is for your foot, because it would be really hard to reduce the impact on it in running. But, I think it is possible to make it better maybe with a stride or shoe change. I wonder if there is a way to better cushion your toes without compromising form?

I also wonder, would taking an anti-inflammatory before running help with the pain? Have you tried that?

Low dose anti inflammatory treatment

With all due respect, that is something of a contradiction in terms according to the rheumatologists I have seen. OTC meds are generally right at the bottom of the range for reducing inflammation and are often below the range for an adult over 150 pounds. The doc told me there is no point in taking 200 mg ibuprofen tablets for arthritis if I don't take 3 or 4. Prescription motrin (ibuprofen) comes in 400, 600, 800 and 1000 mg tablets. A single aspirin has some benefits for the circulatory system but won't do much at all for your joints. YMMV and you should ask your own physician. Some people have digestive issues with NSAIDs.

Aren't there issues with NSAIDs and dehydration causing severe kidney issues? I try to avoid the anti-inflammatories if all possible.

I have 2 people in my family (one being my twin brother) that have kidney transplants and kidney doctors almost pass out if you mention NSAIDs.

People with kidney problems should stay away from a lot of things and should consult their doctors. Dehydration can cause kidney problems. As I said earlier, consult your doctor. Problems with almost all medicines happen, but they are rare.