Posible stress fracture :(

[derosarah]

I'm so bummed out!! A few weeks ago I dropped a vacuum on my foot (the handle came completely off!) and this past weekend it started hurting while running. It still hurts where it was hit, is slightly bruised and has a bump, so I decided I better go to the Dr. He said it is likely a stress fracture and put me in a boot! The x-rays didn't show anything, but he suggests an MRI to be sure.

He did say it could end up to be a deep bruise and swelling and it will be alright... but he doesn't think so when I had pain in the ball of my foot too (not just on top where it was hit). If it's not fractured, I'm free to train again.... if it is fractured, I'll likely be in this damn boot for at least 4 wks.

Dammit!! I'm so sad about this. I was really looking forward to my first tri-- I know I can do a different one later, but I was really attached to this.

Does anyone know if I can still do some sort of exercise while in the walking boot?? I asked about swimming and he said that walking to and from the pool without the boot would not help-- but I'm thinking of wearing it out there, taking it off and swimming, then putting it on afterwards. Has anyone done this?? What should I do??? Can I spin? Will the foot straps go over a boot??

Also, have you ever seen anyone walk the run portion or a tri? If I can still train for the swim and bike, maybe I can walk the run portion and still do the event (the boot will be off, but I won't be ready to run the distance).

[salsabike]

Yes! This is EXACTLY what happened to me last June. Got a stress fracture in my 2nd metatarsal just as I was about to start running. I did not have to wear a boot---the podiatrist--and the recent literature---say that a carbon fiber insole (which specialty shoe stores may carry) will keep your own shoe stiff enough to let the stress fracture heal. You might want to get a second opinion, therefore, about whether you MUST have a boot or if there is some less obtrusive way to keep your foot stiff for the healing period. My carbon fiber insole worked just fine for this. Cycling shoes are also very stiff, so I was told I could keep cycling. I also kept swimming--I was very careful walking to and from the water to keep my foot from flexing. When the tri came 6-7 weeks later, I walked the run.

Started a Learn to Run class in October. Have been going 9-12 miles a week since then without any injury.

You can get through this!

[derosarah]

Salsabike,

Thank you, thank you for your reply!! This makes me feel so much better about my training... I was worried I wouldn't be able to do anything, so it's great to hear that you kept working out (carefully). It's also nice to hear that you walked your tri-- I wasn't sure if anyone did that and I know that there's no way I can run after not training for a month-plus!

I admit that I actually feel better walking without the boot-- it's awkward, it makes my opposite leg hurt-- it's just a pain! If I could get away with an insole instead-- oh that would be the best!

Looks like I should invest in some cycling shoes for my spin classes and later my outdoor rides.

Thanks for all the tips and encouragement! I feel great about this!!

[salsabike]

Yes, exactly---walking boots are really hard on your body unless they give you something to equalize the effective leg lengths. But better yet, try to get those carbon fiber insoles. What size shoe are you? I am a 9 and could send you mine. A carbon fiber insole or any very stiff soled shoe should work.

Who would believe there would actually be someone here who's experienced exactly this? How goofy and weird! And providential. I was pretty upset when it happened to me so more than happy to help.

[NbyNW]

Many Pilates exercises can be done on your back, so you could also do some core strengthening while your foot is healing. I find that strong core always helps going back to full activity.

Good luck!

[jesvetmed]

Sorry to hear of your injury. Nothing is more frustrating. I hope you can find a way to keep in shape and possibly make your tri... even if you have to walk. Good luck!