[AdCo]

<p>So, my left foot is bugging the crap out of me and I'm starting to worry about it being a stress fracture or on the cusp of one. I've done a 16.5 miler and 14 miler and I've got several 5ks' and log run runs planned, but I'm not sure how smart that is.  I had the same issue in Jan/Feb 2 years ago, but as still able to gut it out.. what do? 3+hr bike rides? really hit the bike /elliptical to put in the "miles"? etc? I want to run 20 on the 27th of march and figure that would be the big "go to" run.  I'm trying to be smart, as i know my "goal" is probably out based on my slacking, but looking for thoughts. </p>

 

[4boysmom]

<p>First off, have you been to the doctor?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>A couple years ago I had a stress fracture in my foot.  Pretty sure it started from slipping on the ice.  The pain gradually got worse.  It would start out painful, then gradually go away during the run.  Afterwards, it would hurt.  X-ray showed only swelling, no fracture, although what looked like only swelling could have been "clouding" from the stress fracture trying to heal.  MRI did show a stress fracture.  Doctor and Radiologist both said I could continue to run on it, it would only delay healing.  In the end, I decided to not run the marathon and just let the stupid thing heal.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Whatever you do, be careful about over flexing your foot.  A friend had a simple fracture in a metatarsal.  She got tired of waiting and got back into the pool too soon, using fins.  The additional stress of the fins made it worse.  When I had the stress fracture in my ankle, I could walk and bicycle to my heart's content (slightly delaying healing, but managing my depression), but no kicking in the pool.</p>

 

[hobey]

<p>Go see a doc or PT. What actually hurts?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'm working through a bout of tendonitis and a particularly bad flare-up of PF right now but with my chiro's help, I've been able to run through it and increase mileage while the pain is lessening. He's got me taping, icing, doing foam roller and golf ball work, plus a list of PT strengthening exercises to do on my own. When I go in, it's for some ultrasound, a-stim, and ART. Hurts like hell but the tendonitis has pretty much gone away and now we're just dealing with the PF which is getting better.</p>

 

[AdCo]

<p>The pain is on the top of the foot, just where it was bugging me a few years ago. a few days off and it gets mostly better. I will be working on the calves to see if it is possible it is "tight," but pro won't go to the dr, but probably will go to the PT. </p>

 

[regiolanthe]

<p>Shoe laces okay? Sometimes cross-lacing really bothers the top of my feet ... A straight lacing pattern works much better for me...</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/straightbarlacing.htm" target="_blank">http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/straightbarlacing.htm</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Reg / geo</p>

 

[KitKat]

<p>Agree with Reg. Consider your laces. If they are too tight they can actually cause extensor tendonitis across the top of your foot. It happened to me when I got new shoes with standard laces after being used to elastic laces. Rest, ice, NSAIDS and changing up your lacing with elastic or a less irritating lace pattern will help. Having said that, it may be worth a trip to the doc to rule out a stress fracture.</p>