Top of foot issue - Tendons or Stress Fracture? (Read 2194 times)

I've been running with a foot issue on the inside part by the ankle. I've tried to baby (take time off when needed) it as much as possible. However, this issue goes away after I get in a mile or two. However, on my last long run I hit mile 12 of a 20 mile run and the top of my foot started to hurt. I was able to finish the run but it got me really worried. I believe it is the Tendons but I'm not sure how to tell the difference between it being a tendon and a stress fracture. Anyone have a good test for this? My plan is to run easy runs for the next week (except for a 10K on Saturday) as it sounds like it will go away with light running from the stuff I have seen. Well if it is tendon related. It doesn't bother me all that much during the day. I ran an easy four miles last night and I could tell it was there but it was not nearly as bad as during the long run. I worry about my next long run though.

I had what sounds like a very similar pain - turned out to be ankle tendonitis. My friend the PT noticed that I ran way too far forward on my toes, even on longer slow runs, which was tiring out the smaller muscles in my feet I was relying on for stride. After consciously trying to stay back, the problem went away and never has come back. If its a different cause then maybe that won't work. As for determining the difference, stress fractures won't go away. If its tendonitis you may only notice it sometimes and then other times you won't, and it may come and go. If it persists and/or increases go see a PT. Take that with a grain of salt though, I've never had a stress fracture, going off what my friend who has had a couple is telling me.

Try lacing your shoes looser, specifically this method: http://www.fitnesssports.com/lyd_clinic_guide/lydpg28.html

I haven't had the issue long so I think it might be the tendon. Sometimes you just feel like you really don't know though. I am going to try the shoe lace idea though. Does anyone know of putting it in ice or warm water will do much good?

Do you use that method and if so do you tie them diagonally across the top? Do you lace the opposite way for the other shoe? I have foot pain that I'm sure is related to laces, I've currently got elastic laces in which helped on my last pair of shoes but not so much this time. May take them out and give this method a go...

I had the exact same thing 2 weeks before the Honolulu Marathon trained through it and ran the Marathon only to have to almost walk the last 4. I have been at the PT ever since. Posterior tibial tendon is what I had/have. A bone scan can make sure 100% if it is a stress fracture. I only started getting better when I finally backed of the miles and the pace. I can still feel a slight hint 2 months after but it is much better. Limit the speed workouts and hills and get some Phono it will help. Tendons are hard to heal and need time, I found out the hard way and still not 100% percent.

Phono is ultrasound, it is used to help draw blood into the area to help with the tendon. I to was kept running becuase the pain was not that bad I ran anywhere between 4-22 miles on my bad ankle. Trust me if you are not carefull it will get worse. Even with PT and ultrasound 3 times a week I still feel mine. If you have to take a week off now its better then months down the road. Good Luck and be carefull with it.