2nd metatarsal overload syndrome - anyone?

Hi looking for some advice. I have been running really consistently for about a year after having lots of stops and starts in the few years previously - generally due to losing my running mojo. However over the last couple of weeks I have noticed that I am having ball of foot pain (aka metatarsalgia) primarily on my left foot.

Since October I have been making the transition to a more minimalist shoe and have been running in Saucony Kinvara's and walking in VFF's. The reason I started to do this was because whilst running in built up shoes I was constantly developing huge blood blisters under the ball of my foot (I have always forefoot run). I have never had a problem with running in Kinvara's up until 2 weeks ago - for info purposes my cadence is generally 190-195 so not overstriding etc..

Google (image)  has led me to believe that I have 2nd metatarsal overload syndrome. So am wondering whether anyone else has experienced similar or can advise on what to do. I really want to avoid seeing a podiatrist (unless I really have to) as I believe that minimalist style running is the avenue that I want to pursue further and don't fancy the idea of being recommended orthotics etc unless that is the only way that I can continue running.

Any advice or wise words greatly appreciated.

Comments

  • Lisa, I managed a second metatarsal stress fracture (and extensor and peroneal tendonitis) a couple of years ago. I did this by walking around in my minimalist shoes (VivoBarefoot Neos) while carrying 25% of my bodyweight, then running three miles carrying about 20% of my body weight (all on pavement), then not resting but continuing running when my foot hurt...

    So, my first recommendaton would be to REST until the pain goes away and preferably a couple of days afterwards, Minimise walking during this time and wear more supportive shoes for any walking you need to do, for a bit. Then start running again gradually. If you get a stress fracture you're talking 6-8 weeks off, so better to take a week or two off now and let this settle down.

    (After the stress fracture and tendonitis and physio I used off-the-shelf orthotics for a while as recommended by the physio until the tendon was healed, then I ditched them and then gradually built up the minimalist mileage again - longest distance so far 50 miles).

    Good luck!

  • Why do you not want to see a podiatrist?

    Kind regards,

    Ablefeet image

  • Thanks Debra for your advice. I am now currently using a slighly cushioned insole to take the pressure off my 2nd metatarsal along with icing I am hoping this will work.

    Ablefeet, I think that I just wanted to avoid getting into a discussion about the pro's and cons of barefoot/minimalastic running....However saying that I am a healthcare professional so decided to have a chat with a friendly podiatrist who is based where I work, and he had a look at my feet. He then proceeded to remove a large callous from the ball of my foot and fashion me an insole (with a bit cut out to prevent further callous build up) which seems to have done the trick. According to him I do have indeed a very good forefoot strike but because of the mobility of my big toe I tend to pivot on my 2nd metatarsal resulting in a painful callous. Therefore I am now looking to improve the mobility of large toe so that I can continue on my journey to barefoot running image

  • Ah, the joys of the church of barefoot running.......I won't enter that debate......today.

    Nice to see the friendly podiatrist has come to the rescue again (you will have obviously guessed that I am also a podiatrist). Hopefully the temporary insoles they've made you will be of benefit. Best of luck.

    Ablefeet image

    PS - What sort of healthcare professional are you?

  • Ablefeet wrote (see)

    Ah, the joys of the church of barefoot running.......I won't enter that debate......today.

    Nice to see the friendly podiatrist has come to the rescue again (you will have obviously guessed that I am also a podiatrist). Hopefully the temporary insoles they've made you will be of benefit. Best of luck.

    Ablefeet image

    PS - What sort of healthcare professional are you?


    Ablefeet your opening sentence is exactly the reason I wanted to avoid seeing a podiatrist image.

    I am a midwife - currently specialising in safeguarding.

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