Ouch! still having foot pain. Need advise!

[Shiraz]

I really need some advise from fellow runners! I have been a long distance runner for 5 years and long distance road biker. Last December I had a neuroma removed from my right foot. I recovered just fine and with my MD's approval started using ny bike trainer and minimal run walking. I am a nurse so I know the rules to not set yourself back on recovery. This spring I started running short distances 2-3 miles and really spent my summer road biking. I started feeling some discomfort after comleting the STP and than adding in my running again. I started having the same pain of "feeling like there is a rock on the bottom of my foot" but also pain at my toes (2-3) and swelling. Walking barefoot in the house is painful. So I made an appointment with my foot surgeon and he said scare tissue had developed and gave me a shot of cortisone with a follow up appointment scheduled in 2 more weeks. I ran 7 miles and again had severe pain from 5-7 miles. Ended up run walking the last 2 miles. I am so frustrated!! Has anyone else dealt with this? Are my running days over?

[KnottedYet]

See if you can get in to a PT who does myofascial and scar release. I've had good results with that.

Also maybe look into adding met head buttons to your orthotics. They can help reduce the stress in the met arch, which helps lower the build up of collagen in the scarred area.

You will always have scarring, but you can increase the elasticity of the scar so it won't duplicate the original symptoms.

Do you have a dropped 2nd met head?

Go back to doing your exercises from the PT after the neuroma surgery. The intrinsic muscles you built up during therapy status post may have weakened again.

[Shiraz]

All very good advise! Thanks. I do not believe that that I have a dropped met head. I like the advise of the the PT. I'll try it.

Thanks!!

[Beverly Fay]

You poor thing!

Your problem is worse, because it's on the bottom of your foot, but I have a condition similar to arthritis (fused bones) in my right big toe joint that can become so painful, it keeps me awake at night.

I have found that the right pair of shoes can make a very significant difference, both in how I feel when I run and generally. I have done especially well with two of the plusher cushioning models - Mizuno Wave Rider and Saucony Grid Triumph - combined, when the weather warrants it, with Thorlo socks.

Hope this helps, and good luck to you.

[Shiraz]

Thanks Beverly! I apreciate you responding. I did run today with my daughter and managed to finish 7 miles! Slow but I finished. Yeah!! I still felt some pain but not as bad as the last run. So maybe things are looking up. I want so badly to run another 1/2 marathon and feel good afterwards. The last one I ran was the 2006 Rock N Roll in Phoenix and I was miserable from mile 8 on.So I haven't signed up for another.

I am sorry for your foot pain. What are they going to do for you and can you still run?

I'll bet Ireland is a beautiful place to run. I have a friend who went to Ireland this past year and loved it. Have you always lived there?

[Kano]

I'd just say, if it hurts to run, don't do that!

(it works for me!)

Karen in Boise