Help! I had a great run last Saturday (close to 11 miles in Forest Park we think) and was feeling fine until Monday afternoon. The top lateral side of my right foot has a lot of pain when I walk or run on it. The best relief is if I walk on my toes on that foot. I ran for clost to 40 minutes on Tuesday because I woke up feeling better. But half way through the run it began to hurt again. I've been icing it and taking some ibuprofen but it's not helping much.

Any advice? I'm concerned about getting the miles in before Saturday's 11 miler, but would it be better to just stay off it until then?

Thanks.
Christine F.

Christine,

This is a specific issue that would make sense in seconds if I could poke on some muscle in your calf, even if you don’t run this weekend stop by the tents, we set up at 8:15-ish and I can give a more precise recommendation.

For the moment, your description sounds like a strain of the extensor digitorum longus and/or peroneus longus muscles. These muscles get strained from too long of a stride with excess heel strike force, ankle sprain and ankle instability. Do you remember any twisting of your ankle, even minor that would not have much pain? Also, are your calf and ankle regions fully stable? The last question, are your shoes in good shape, 300 to 500 miles and less than 6 months old? Ibuprofen doesn’t work for everyone, since it isn’t helping is not necessary to keep taking it, but do keep icing any area of swelling. I’ll look for your reply and get back to you ASAP.

Cheers,

Dr. Bryan