Metatarsal stress fracture or ....?

12-21-2016, 05:49 AM

I'm a 22 year old female runner, returning to running after an Achilles injury. I started by doing 5 minute intervals on a treadmill and built up to running for roughly 25 mins steady. I also cycle, swim and strength train.
But last week whilst running I noticed a deep pain across the heads of my metatarsals (both plantar and dorsal surface), lateral aspect and Dorsal aspect of my right foot- that forced me to stop. Walking isn't painful, but any time I run the pain comes back.
When palpating, there isn't much pain other than a small area on the top of my foot- the distal neck of the 5th metatarsal? Could this be a stress fracture?
As I said, when I'm running the pain is quite spread out across my whole foot so it's hard to tell

I'm dying to get back to runnning and it's really getting me down. Any advice?

12-22-2016, 06:56 PM

Could be a stress fracture, could be a repetitive stress injury if you went too hard too fast for your own body. The repetitive stress injury is called Metetarsalgia. Ice, elevation, rest. Take out running and opt for cycling, making sure to not put any crazy amount of force through the foot. It sucks for now, but would you rather cause a bigger issue of it was a stress fracture/injury by pushing yourself to run through the pain or would you rather get back to running faster? If you push yourself too much or return too soon, you could cause major problems and you'll be out of running for even longer. Go see your pcp, they'll probably want X-rays. If all is clear, go to a foot/ankle specialist, not necessarily a podiatrist. Your pain may be in your forefoot, but the cause could be found in your ankle muscles. Physical Therapy can help with inflammation and pain, as well as strengthen and condition things with more guidance and a lower chance at over-doing it on your own. Good luck and let us know how you make out!

12-24-2016, 01:37 AM

Thank you that really helps

12-24-2016, 06:24 AM

I'd just go to a ortho who is Foot & Ankle board certified. Find a good one...I joke that I have mine on retainer. Years of wearing high heels have done a number on my feet and big toe joints in particular. I'm also a runner. A good foot doc is worth his weight in gold. Do not go to a podiatrist..they don't have as much training.

12-31-2016, 11:48 PM

Hoping you are doing well! Please update. It sounds like a plantar plate injury to me.

Metatarsal stress fracture or ....?

Sign Up Today!

Join Our Newsletter

Whoops,

Thank You