Thursday, March 20, 2014

Running Can Be Such a Pain (in the Foot)

Posted by CheapRunnerMike

I had plans to get out on Sunday morning for a nice 8 mile run with Michelle, but with temperatures plummeting to Arctic-like conditions we decided we just didn't have it in us.  This was a bit of a disappointment, but was probably for the best as my foot really started to bother me as the morning went on.  Out of nowhere I had developed pain on the outside bottom of my left foot, in what I guess you would call the "outside arch".

I decided to just take it easy and not run the next day either, opting for a swim instead (which went pretty well by the way)…but the weather was beautiful on Tuesday so I decided to hit the trails at lunch without a jacket Smile

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I run an out and back at lunch and I had it in my mind that I would start with a 5K in mind and check my pain at the 2.5K mark, then if that was good I would attempt a 5-miler at the 4K point and finally if that was still good I would go with my usual 10K route.All was fine other than one little twinge so I went for the 10K…probably a mistake.  by the time I got to 7.5K (just shy of 5 miles) my foot flared up, and I was still 3K from the office.  I dialed it back a bit and made it back in one piece, but I hobbled a bit that afternoon.  Funny enough I had a great pace of 4:29/km(7:13/mile)…maybe my legs were just happy to run in real running shoes again as I broke out my Saucony Kinvara 4's for the first time in about 4 months.

When I got home it was ice and compression socks.  I unfortunately had beach volleyball that night as well, which I took as easy as I could.  I also decided to head on over to Dr. Google and he told me it could be a number of scary things up to and including a stress fracture.  It seems like the most likely diagnosis is something called peroneal tendonitis, for which the treatment is rest (duh), ice, anti-inflamitories, and stretching/massage (good old tennis ball).  Here are some pictures I found at Athletes Treating Athletes (not my feet!)

footperontendon
footmusc2

So it looks like it is rest time (from running) for me, probably a little over a week until I test it before next Sunday's Around the Bay 30K race.  Luckily swimming and biking are still okay!

I got out for another swim at lunch on Wednesday, getting in 1200m in a little under half an hour.  I'm not really sure if the time is good or not, but I'm happy with how I feel during and after the session now, which is more than I was able to say when I started up 3 weeks ago.  I'm now halfway through my Swim a Mile app program and gaining confidence, and I'm now able to say that I really enjoy swimming!

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On a happy note, welcome to Spring!  Here in London we were greeted with a dusting of snow and temperatures below freezing…yay!  It is also officially the coldest winter we have experienced here since 1976-77, which was before I was born, so my personal coldest winter ever!

Have any of you dealt with Peroneal Tendonitis before?

Is it looking Spring-like where you are?

16 comments:

  1. Take care of that foot my friend! Happy recovery vibes for you! Happy Spring!!

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  2. Yes I have the peroneal tendinitis right now! I got it two weeks ago and at first it was so painful to walk. I can now walk but the tendon right under my ankle is still hurting.
    I am still not running (which is really hard!) but it's for the best. Ice it and stay off the foot. I would recommend massage as well because your whole side of the calf might be really tight. If you have any questions let me know and I can tell you how it has been.
    It will get better though!!

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  3. I had some problems with my pernoeal tendon in the fall, stretching icing and compression definitely helped. Also a few days of cross training. You are doing awesome getting your tri-training in. You're really going to make me have to chase you down at Musselman!

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  4. Ugh to the foot issue!! I've never had perineal tendinitis but I've had about 5 stress fractures in my right foot. In fact, the other day I was at a new podiatrist for a lump in the bottom of my foot and after he saw my x-rays he said, "ummm....you've broken every bone in that foot haven't you?" Sad but true.
    Rest, take it easy and keep swimming. Can you bike pain free?

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  5. Amy @ fitnessmeetsfrosting.comMarch 20, 2014 at 4:05 PM

    Noooooo!!! Sorry about your foot!!!! Rest that puppy and I'm hoping you're back in no time! At least you've found that you love swimming! I'd just be like, whelp, time to throw in the towel and get fat ;)

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  6. Thanks Chelsea, I'm sure those vibes will help!

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  7. Ya the not running thing kinda sucks...it hurts a little bit to walk but it's not too bad. Hope you heal up, and I guess I'll have to see if Michelle wants to massage my foot :)

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  8. Wow I had no idea so many runners have had issues with this peroneal tendon...I had never even heard of it before.
    Thanks for the tri encouragement, we'll see who's chasing who at Musselman though...I imagine we will cross the line together at the same time, probably skipping and holding hands and throwing candies to children haha

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  9. Holy crap Kim, every bone??? I knew you had dealt with stress fractures before and that was my fear...
    I'm going to try and get on the bike tomorrow and see how it feels. From other people's experiences it should be okay but you never know until you try it yourself.

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  10. Haha, that was my first thought but I figured pizza and beer is a lot more enjoyable without a side of guilt.
    Glad I've found swimming too, it's a great way to stay active when running isn't an option.

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  11. katie @ fromicecreamtomarathonMarch 21, 2014 at 9:43 AM

    I had that same exact thing happen to me last year. (I think it was around November) Dr Google told me the same thing too. I ended up wearing a boot, which helped SO much. I think I was out of running for a couple weeks. :( But I haven't had anymore trouble with it since then. Take it easy and I hope it gets better soon!

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  12. Well I hope I'm fine at the two week mark, that's when my race is...though I'm not sure a 30K race is the best way to start up again! Maybe I'll call this a taper instead of rest :)

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  13. Heidi @www.idlehide.comMarch 21, 2014 at 12:25 PM

    30K will test your foot for sure! You're doing awesome fitting in swimming and biking though. Spring is here today, but I guess Winter will return next week. Fingers crossed that Halifax will pull through and get mostly rain:) Good Luck this weekend!

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  14. Thanks Heidi...I just squeezed in 26K on the bike trainer at lunch and will be off to the pool with my best girl later tonight :)
    Hope that snow holds off out East for you guys and maybe you'll be able to sneak a run in, so long as Kenny's feeling better...

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  15. Sorry to hear about your foot! Rest it so you will be ready for the warmer weather!!

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