Dr Foot Discussion

[Mr Alan Green]

I'm a keen runner, I have been running for many years now. I have run the London marathon a few times but now even a 5k run results in severe foot pain. Im getting pain under my arch and the heel of my foot. Sometimes the big toe is also very painful. And now to top it all off! Im getting a new pain that is under my 4th toe on the ball of my foot and results in a electric shock type of pain. This all started with mild arch pain and now im falling apart! Sorry if i seem melodramatic but i really want to start running again and this foot pain is stopping me, have you got any advice?

[Dr Foot]

It sounds like you were initially over pronating and as you did not address the over pronation it may have lead to other problems. The pain in the arch and heel may be plantar fascitiis which is common amongst runners. The plantar fascia is a broad band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. When this band of tissue is damaged due to biomechanical reasons or inappropriate running shoes then the tissue can become inflamed or even tear at the heel bone.

The shooting pains your getting around the 4th metatarsal may be a mortons neuroma. The term neuroma refers to a swelling of a nerve. The nerve commonly affected is a small nerve that connects the 3rd and 4th toes, counting from the big toe. This usually begins with numbness or tenderness in the foot, just behind the 3rd and 4th toes and then at a later stage, pain, numbness, burning and tingling sensations can radiate around the foot.

I think you really need supportive orthotics in your running shoes, view the dr foot sport insoles below:

http://www.drfoot.co.uk/acatalog/Dr_Foot_Sports_Insoles.html

[Georgeedward]

I also have been running for London marathon and would also have faced the problem in my toe for some time which are was really painful for me , then i consulted my doctor and discussed him about such problem . It took some time for recovery and i was away from running for 2 months . Now i am thinking to run London Marathon . What ideas would you please share with me . ?