Question
I have been running/jogging as part of exercise for several months now, and recently I felt a sharp pain in the middle area of my foot. After using cold/heat on it, I rested and now the sharp pain has subsided, and I barely feel it when my foot is in any position EXCEPT when I walk.

During a walk or run the pain returns, when my heel would normally rise as the foot steps forward, and this has caused a slight limp because the normal flow of walking is interrupted by this pain. When this happens, the pain is located near the top, not far from where the ankle meets the foot itself (based on diagrams, the upper metatarsals or cuneiform), but also feels to extend toward the inner part underneath, inside the foot.

I haven't felt this type before and it seems odd to me that it would only happen in the spring-forward part of my step. The pain isn't particularly strong, but it is irritating and at least enough to cause a break in the flow of walking, essentially a slight limp. Before asking here I did some research and based on the descriptions of fractures, I should feel far sharper pain and observe more swelling than I do.

Should I be concerned or is this something that will just pass with more rest? Any changes to my running you might recommend so it doesn't happen again? Any help is greatly appreciated, thank you.

Answer
Hi Eric,

The foot pain that you have does not sound like a fracture, however, if this has been around for a while I would consider an x-ray.  The sharp pains may be the result of nerves in the foot being irritated or joints that may not be in alignment while stepping forward.  When I see an active patient, I find that exercise may strain the foot due to abnormal foot function usually involving a weak arch.  So, I would see a podiatrist to see if a custom arch support or orthotic may be helpful.


Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com

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