On the Bench

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New member - metatarsal injury (Read 600 times)

shadow runner


The Shirtless Wonder

    Hi all.  Hate to be here but going somewhat stir crazy.   Especially since summer is favorite running time.  It has been 2-3 weeks since injury to left foot.  X-ray indicates no break but scheduled for MRI next week because Sports MD saw slight aberration/deformity on two metatarsals.  He is not sure if possible stress fracture or could be blood vessels but is in area where pain in localized. 

     

    Planning on doing some biking and weight training until I can run.  Last time this happened was about a year ago and out 6 weeks.  What is so annoying, is that I don't think I was overtraining and not sure how it happened.  Just a twinge and then no running or walking w/o discomfort/pain.   Only commonality was new shoes but both times shoes [Kayano 13 and ASICS Gel 1130]  had been broken in and I had no issues until incident. 

     

    Anyway, needed to vent a little.  If anyone has advice on how to prevent metatarsal re-occurrance or suggestions on therapy to cut healing time down I would be most appreciative.  Thanks.

     

    Joe Suder

    Nulla camisia et nulla problematum 

     

      How are you healing up? Bad luck those summer injuries. Did you get the results of your MRI back yet? Wishing you a speedy recovery.

      Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away...(unkown)




      Go With The Flow
      Thyroid Support Group

      shadow runner


      The Shirtless Wonder

        Hey Cheryl,

         

        Thanks for asking.  Yeah I got the MRI results - definitely stress fracture.  Up until then I was beginning to think otherwise since discomfort and flexibility seemed to be returning.  Only a little swelling on top of foot over 2nd to 4th metatarsals - about the size of quarter.  I was hoping that it might be soft tissue or pinched nerve.  

         

        Good news is I have been good - no running - for about 4 weeks now so should be healed in another 2 weeks.  But then all I have is confirmation, doc still needs to meet with me and go over results.  Don't really know how many metatarsals involved. 

         

        In the mean time doing the bike thing, hitting weight room, some elipticals, and some swimming.  But mostly biking for the aerobic stuff.  But everyday when warm and sunny - I keep thinking I can go running.  Then I remember the foot.  Probably will have some relunctance when I start I am sure.

         

        How are you doing?  I read some of your recent posts - sounds rougher than my little foot injury.  Hope you are doing well. 

         

        Joe Suder

        Nulla camisia et nulla problematum 

         

          Joe - good job on laying off the running! Even better job keeping up with the XT. It will pay off and yeah, it's going to suck when you start back running again - but don't give up - it does come back. Ha, I feel somewhat of an expert on starting over , and this I know, no matter how much I've whined about "never" being able to run again, I always do - it just takes hanging in there. I've been stress fracture free for almost 2 years now. I think the biggest help in that area, was moving to alternate day runs for a loooong time. Biking is good, and I'm using bike miles to supplement my running right now.

          Keep me posted. Just 2 short weeks left!

          Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away...(unkown)




          Go With The Flow
          Thyroid Support Group

          shadow runner


          The Shirtless Wonder

            Hey Cheryl,

             

            Bad news from doc recommends 4 more weeks before I can run.  lots of white on MRI seems to indicate that if I go back to early stress fracture will become a real break.  Then lots of other complications.  So took a bike ride this PM to burn out the frustration in the 90F high humidity we are having today in the northeast.    So it looks like september for me for now.  I doubt if I will every catch the pace bunny on the 1000 mi forum this year.  But then who knows.

             

            Take care and good running.

            Joe Suder

            Nulla camisia et nulla problematum 

             

              So sorry to hear that, Joe. Glad that you are able to work out some of your frustrations on the bike. With that humidity, at least you are generating more breeze on the bike than you would be running. Do you have access to a pool? Have you thought about throwing in some sessions of pool running?

              Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away...(unkown)




              Go With The Flow
              Thyroid Support Group

              shadow runner


              The Shirtless Wonder

                Cheryl,

                 

                Another 4 weeks is no big deal now that it has been a few days.  The biking helps.  As for pool, my in-laws have one which I tried to use on weekends - primarily just swimming.  All in all, not so bad and I am actually enjoying doing more crosstraining.  Chances are when I do start to run again - I will probably do more crosstraining just to balance out training.  So basically things are pretty good - even w/o running.

                 

                Hope all is well with you.  Good training/running.

                Joe Suder

                Nulla camisia et nulla problematum 

                 

                  Another update for you all..partly in the hope that this could be helpful for anyone else who has similar symptoms, partly because I thought it would be interesting.

                   

                  Good news:  MRI says no stress fracture.

                  Not so good news:  It's pathetic but this is actually an ankle sprain.  Rupture of the ATFL and CFL with joint oedema and swelling.  The accessory navicular is there and is likely causing some additional irritation. 

                  What's happening now:  I've been put in an aircast boot for the next 4-6 weeks so am not weightbearing for the foreseeable.  After that it will be physio.  Hopefully things will then be better, but there is a reasonable likelihood of continued problems in 12 months.  The AN issue is separate and as it is giving problems in the other foot I still have to see the specialist about the AN pain in both feet.

                  So, i'm pleased to know what is going on, and pleased it isn't a stress fracture as that would be worrying because my mileage was only at 35 mpw max (generally in the 20's). 

                  I'm going to try turbo training for a while and then some swimming.  I have a private physio appointment tonight so might get some exercises then, and possibly some advice on orthotics to deal with the AN issues.

                   

                  How is everyone else?

                   "Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow.  Don't walk behind me; I may not lead.  Just walk beside me and be my friend."

                  shadow runner


                  The Shirtless Wonder

                    Sarah,

                     

                    Good to hear no stress fracture...the rest ouch!  Good luch with  PT and the new excercise program.  Is AN the same as PF [plantar fascitis]?  If so orthotics will help but doing foot stretches also help relieve PF that and RICE.  Let us know how physio goes.

                     

                    As for me chomping at the bit and counting the hours down.  Probably because bike in shop and doing just elliptical and free weights the past 4 days.  But I got bike back today so probably going to make up for lost time. 

                    Next Monday I plan on doing a walk run with program I downloaded from web for returning to running after injury.  Nervous but dying to start and hoping the weather stays warm...I hate cold.  Past couple of days been hitting the 50F mark in the mornings so hoping not a sign of things to come, i.e., early winter. 

                     

                    Cheryl:  I see from other forum you've been busy.  Is it cold up there yet in the North?  I know some places have had snow already - so just wondering.

                     

                    Good training everyone,

                    Joe 

                    Joe Suder

                    Nulla camisia et nulla problematum 

                     

                      Sarah - glad to hear you have some answers, and good luck with the XT !

                       

                      Hi, Joe - keeping busy but still going slow - I'm only 2 weeks into my last dose increase, and it hasn't really kicked in yet. I didn't quite meet my goals, but close enough! It has been getting cooler, the leaves are well into color change. No snow yet, but winter is not that far away. I don't mind the cooler temps we are having, but the wind has really kicked up - that part's not so nice! YaY for you getting to start your return to run program! That's great news!

                      What part of PA are you? I visited a friend there last year and got to run at Little LeHigh!

                      Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away...(unkown)




                      Go With The Flow
                      Thyroid Support Group

                      shadow runner


                      The Shirtless Wonder

                        What part of PA are you? I visited a friend there last year and got to run at Little LeHigh!

                         

                        Hi Cheryl,

                         

                        Bucks county outside Philly - been to LeHigh but only for business or driving through.   Good to hear things going well with you.  So leaves are changing already - the trees haven't started here yet.  But I do seem to have some leaves dropping in back yard.  So I guess it [winter] is coming.

                         

                        Just finished morning ride after a 4 day break since bike in shop.  Unfortunately, I just didn't anticipate the wind chill factor from riding bike.  About 50-55F degrees,  but on bike  the summer jersey  just didn't cut it.  Must remember to layer next time.  I guess I am still thinking like a runner, i.e., typically wouldn't wear a shirt until in the 40's when training.   

                         

                        Happy Hump day. 

                        Joe Suder

                        Nulla camisia et nulla problematum 

                         

                          How are you all getting on? 

                           "Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow.  Don't walk behind me; I may not lead.  Just walk beside me and be my friend."

                          shadow runner


                          The Shirtless Wonder

                            How are you all getting on? 

                             

                            Hey Sarah,

                             

                            Was starting to run again but then tripped on my 3rd time out and twisted ankle.  So back on the bench until swelling and bruises fade.  Finished the run though - ego conquers injury  again.  Ankle doesn't hurt only stiff, no pain walking or running. 

                             

                            In the meantime, I continue to ride bike - but cold weather in morning really a damper.  Not as bad as Cheryl being in the northern country of Alaska, but low 50's to 40's in the morning.  My bike jersey's are all summer jerseys so wearing layers for now to combat the wind chill.  Also doing the free weights and increasing the intensity of the  morning core excercises which are keeping the upper body in shape [relatively speaking].   But the thrill of bicycling is "gone with the wind"?

                             

                            How you doin? {with north NJ accent}

                            Joe Suder

                            Nulla camisia et nulla problematum 

                             

                              Hey Joe! 

                               

                              How you doin?  (with a southern English accent, so not sounding quite right)!

                               

                              What a complete pain about the ankle, that is so frustrating!  I love the way you finished the run anyway, what is it with pride over sense...I know I would have done exactly the same.  I hope things are fixed again soon.

                               

                              I've had no improvement yet.  My right foot (the one not in the cast) is still getting worse and is now painful when I wake up, throughout the day and in bed at night.  I hope this will ease once I am out of the walking boot as I will be weighting my feet more evenly.  However the left foot (in the cast) is also still as painful as it was, I don't know if the sprain is any better as this wasn't giving pain I could distinguish from the AN pain anyway. I get orthotics next Friday so I will see what happens then. 

                               

                              Sounds like you are being very good and dedicated with keeping fitness up whilst out of running.  Are you investing in some warmer bike gear, or do you think you will be back running soon enough not to need to bother?  I'm lucky as the temperature here is pretty pleasant still...probably in the high 50s in the mornings...great running temperature really!  I've been a bit disillusioned with it all, but have been on the Turbo Trainer this week and am doing some upper body work on the pull up bar and finger board, and also doing some core work too.  I hope this will give me a nice boost. 

                               

                              Accessory Navicular syndrome is a bit like PF in that it can cause pain in the same area of the foot, however it is generally caused by the accessory navicular (which is a freaky extra bone attached/close to the navicular) either becoming irritiated and the bone becoming full of edema etc or by the tendon which attaches to it/to the navicular becoming irritated.  In my case it is the bone itself that is irritated, it seems that on both feet the bone has been wrenched and is now inflamed and generally unhappy.  I'll go back to the doctor if things don't improve once I get the orthotics...I am meant to be out of the cast in the next week or so, but I almost feel like coming out of it now as it isn't really helping in an obvious way.  However I will hold off for the moment.

                               

                              How is your ankle feeling today?

                               

                              How are you getting on Cheryl?

                               

                               "Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow.  Don't walk behind me; I may not lead.  Just walk beside me and be my friend."

                              shadow runner


                              The Shirtless Wonder

                                Hey Sarah,

                                 

                                Ankle getting better eveyr day.  Actually tried it out on treadmill tonight with walk/run work-out.  Both stress fracture and ankle seemed to have or are healing nicely. 

                                 

                                Sorry to hear about the cast and the pain.  Have you tried using a night splint for the foot w/o cast - it sort of helped with my PF not sure how it would work with AN.  I pasted a picture from website: http://www.footsmart.com/P-Night-Splint-Passive-FootSmart-10097.aspx

                                 

                                But then again, not sure you want a cast on both feet to sleep.  Hopefully the orthotics will help, I am on my second pair - but still use the old pair for knock-around shoes.  They are good for about 2 years then you can run without them - which is my experience anyway.  Feel better.

                                FootSmart Passive Night Splint, Each - 10097

                                Joe Suder

                                Nulla camisia et nulla problematum 

                                 

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