Question:
Recently I have been diagnosed with a small stress fracture on the outside
of my right foot. I'm 28 years old, and have been running for about a
year and a half, averaging 25 miles per week. I went to see an orthopedic
surgeon specializing in the foot. His theory is that my landing overloads
the outsides of my feet (he said I was mildly bow-legged). Then again, it
could be the pattern of my workouts -- I run every other day, 6, 6, 6,
then 8-10, instead of shorter distances daily.
My doctor told me to immediately stop running for 6 weeks, then resume a
*MUCH* reduced mileage schedule afterwards (<10 miles/week)! As far as
I'm concerned, that's like not running at all.
Needless to say, I'm pretty upset about this diagnosis. Does anyone have
a similar experience or some advice?
Answer:
Sounds like the bow is causing excess stress on the outside of your
foot - classic supination. Now that he has diagnosed what he thinks
is the cause, what has he suggested to get at the cause???? Maybe an
orthotic and/or a very stable shoe should go to the top of your Xmas list.
That's exactly what the doctor is saying. If you don't allow the stress
fracture to heal, you will spend the rest of your life in discomfort.
Some injuries you can run through and others you can't - SFs you can NOT!
I feel your pain (both in the foot and in not being able to run).
Although not diagnosed by my orthopedic surgeon (I have yet to make the
visit), I suspect my injury is a possible a stress fracture or a pinched
nerve (pain in left foot metatarsels (sp?)).
Here's my situation, symptoms and plan of action. I got back into
running because I am an avid hiker/backpacker/biker and wanted to
increase my endurance. I have been running for 2 months and have had
steady improvements. I run every weekday, but hike or bike at least 1
day every weekend. When I got my 3 mile time under 21 min I increased
my distance to 5 miles in 40 min. At the same time, I had switched to
new Asic 126 shoes. This is when the pain started. Not noticeable
while running, but obvious when the foot bears weight after sitting or
sleeping. I suspected either the shoes or the increase in distance. I
returned the Asics because they just didn't have the width in the
forefoot that I need (should have never purchased them) and purchased
Saucony Grid Hurricanes (better fit). I have not run for 10 days and
pain is almost completely gone and will test both shoes and foot with a
short 1-2 mile jog. If pain returns a trip to the OS is inevitable and
I will post what he says.
My suggestion for while your sidelined from running is to try biking. I
have a mtn bike that I use on and off road (30 mile circuits). Its not
easy putting in the time or planning a route in NJ (lousy weather and
traffic), but at least its better then sitting at the computer.
If you want the fracture to heal, 6-10 weeks is normal. If it still hurts
after six weeks, you'll need to rest more. You can still run in the pool,
bike, row, etc. during this time. It took mine 10 weeks to completely heal,
but I exercised during the 10 weeks, and was able to run a 50k 4 weeks later.
Personally, I'd see a sport's doctor. If you have a biomechanical problem
that's causing the fracture, then the doctor may be able to prescribe
orthotics to fix your problem.
