I suddenly started to experience pain towards the front of my right foot near the big toe on Thursday night.
I had never experienced this pain before, which was most discomforting, and had no idea of the cause.
On Friday it was difficult to walk, so I took the bus to and from work, and hobbled around the office.
There is a podiatrist just across the road from where I live, but I was unable to get an appointment on Friday afternoon or Saturday morning.
Having consulted Dr Google, I’m fairly certain I have a metatarsal stress fracture.
This site explains the cause:
A stress fracture is a break in a bone caused by repetitive stress. It may occur in any bone, but it is quite common in the metatarsal bones of the foot. There is often no recollection of injury. The patient may simply develop a painful forefoot after some activity, such as walking, sports, or stooping down onto the ball of the foot.
Another reference says patients usually report having increased the intensity or duration of their exercise regime.
This week I did more exercise than any other week since I left Porepunkah in 2005.
From Monday to Thursday I walked about 35km. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights I went for a short jog around the neighborhood.
The only treatment for a metatarsal stress fracture is rest. Apparently it will take three or four weeks before I can walk as much as I have been and maybe six weeks before I start running again.
I’ll still aim to see a podiatrist next week to confirm the diagnosis and possibly get some padding to help with essential walking.
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Twitter: delmerw
says:
Sorry to hear about the foot. Try to take it easy until it’s mended.
Twitter: mgorey
says:
It’s just frustrating to have this happen after getting into a rhythm with daily exercise. I can still ride a bike okay and will do that more while my foot recovers.
Excessive walking will do it.
I ended up having metal pins and screws to correct damage. Only problem was the pin holding my toe together worked it’s way out of my big toe.
The podiatrist has to be a better option than the foot surgeon…and cheaper and less invasive.
Rest is the only sure cure and realize this is fraught with difficulty when you are doing for yourself…but try to keep your foot elevated when you are sitting down at the end of the day.
Ouch. Sorry : ( I can imagine it’s frustrating…wanting to exercise, but having to do all the resting.
I hope you heal quickly.
Twitter: mgorey
says:
It gradually got better during the week and I was able to walk to work on Friday. Possibly I had a strain instead of a stress fracture. Thanks for the best wishes.
Glad it’s better than you expected!
Ouch!! Feel better soon!!