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!

[HillSlugger]

Sorry about your accident. I sprained my ankle 6 weeks before my first tri. I cried more from disappointment than from pain.

Many people walk much or all of the tri "run". If that's what you need to do, go ahead and don't think twice about it.

[txred9876]

Sorry to hear about your issues......

my first tri is coming up and i will NOT run at all. I will walk it all due to health issues left over from chemo.

My moto is..... finish it! This is your "race" and no one elses. Do what you can do and be happy with that. THere will be many more races in your future.

Tina

[sfa]

And they say a little housework never hurt anyone! Vacuuming is a highly dangerous activity and should be avoided at all costs.

A friend of mine was supposed to do the tri with me last weekend but had injured her ankle and couldn't do it. They're saying that they think it's a hairline fracture and she's supposed to keep all weight off it until it heals, but she's still swimming regularly. And in her first tri last year, she walked the entire run portion of the event, except for the last few yards so she could cross the finish line running!

I hope you heal quickly!

Sarah

[derosarah]

Thanks all for the advice and support!

I've been walking around with the boot for about a week now and cannot stand it. I was home recently for a funeral and my aunt taped up my foot and I wore tennis shoes instead. Aahhhhhh... so much better. Salsa, I'm an 8.5 so your insoles might be too big, but that was so nice to offer!!! Thank you.

Tomorrow is the MRI to see if it's really fractured. Fingers crossed. I did go swimming tonight and although it was a bit twingy when I pushed off the walls, it wasn't bad at all.

Fingers crossed!

And also great to know that many people have walked (or are planning to walk) the run portion. I think I'll keep training and hopefully be able to complete the event!

This is the best discussion forum-- everyone is so encouraging and thoughtful!

Sarah

[salsabike]

Make your doctor give you those insoles, then, or ask him/her to approve/recommend a stiff-soled shoe. Actually, you might even be able to walk in cycling shoes that haven't had the cleats put it--come to think of it. Believe me, you can heal it without the boot. But one thing I didn't do during the healing period was push off the wall. For it to heal you really do have to not flex it. No pushing off with that foot...

[Iris616]

Sarah-
Do you have an update for us? What did the MRI show?

[derosarah]

Hi TE women,

I do have an update, thanks for asking, Iris : it is NOT broken! It is, however, badly bruised and apparently has lots of fluid in and around the area. The Dr said that it would likely take about a month or so to heal up and I should take it easy. He suggested I wear the boot another week or so, and then "see how it feels". I didn't wear the boot yesterday, and although it was a bit sore at the end of the day, it felt alright this morning.

So, yeay! I will be trying to bike on it this week and will see how it goes. I'll probably get on the bike at the gym first, in case it's sore and doesn't really want to work. Then I can head outside and try it out.

Now I just need to get back on the training bandwagon! I still may end up walking the run portion (as I don't plan on trying to run on it for another couple weeks, just to be safe), but that's alright! At least I'm not in the boot (or inserts-- I was totally going that route if it was fractured) and I can still workout!

Thanks again for all your support! Any advice for getting back on the training wagon?? I'm leaning towards a "suck it up and get in the pool, Sarah" as my personal mantra, but I'm open to suggestions for motivation and such.