Stress fracture in foot??? UPDATED

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Has anyone every had this and if so can you explain what it felt like?

Something is not right in my foot ever since a 21 mile run in the rain Sunday :( I am 1 month from the marathon and really worried about what is going on. I am scheduling a dr appt asap.

It is in the outer edge of foot and bottom of outer edge. Rested for a few days and started feeling better, then last night after a run, it started throbbing again.

Message edited 10/8/2009 3:27:12 PM.

Re: Stress fracture in foot???

i had that exact pain and thought i had a stress fracture. i went to the podiatrist and he took some xrays. i had plantar faschitis (sp). i was in a soft cast for two weeks and no running for a month.

Re: Stress fracture in foot???

Oh weird, someone in my office said it could be that! But he said his pain was mostly in the heel.

One of my friends who is a PT, said maybe Peroneal Tendonitis. I still havent been able to get into the dr. yet and waiting it out!

Re: Stress fracture in foot???

Doesn't sound like a stress fracture. It seems like it would be more of a tendonitis issue somewhere in your foot - that is much more likely the case taking into account all the running you've been doing.

If you're planning on running a marathan you should probably check with your doctor first - it's not worth the risk of permanent damage to your foot.

Re: Stress fracture in foot???

I know how hard you've been working, hope everything is ok!

Re: Stress fracture in foot???

I have never had one, but I hear that they are a like a stabbing pain?


I have been dealing with PF for 2.5 years on and off. Do your feet hurt when you wake up in the morning - that's a huge sign for PF.



are you following a training plan. everything I have read says never go over 20 miles in training b/c of possible injuries. Metric runners only go up to 18.6 miles (30K)

Re: Stress fracture in foot???

I hope you are feeling better and the dr says it is nothing serious. I know you have been training so hard for the NYC marathon! Good Luck and keep us posted!

Re: Stress fracture in foot???

i had a stress fx but it was in my heel. It actually wasn't so painful during running but it would hurt while walking. After about a month or so it didn't go away and it started to be more sensative so I went and the xray showed nothing however they sent me for a ct scan and that's where the fx showed. I had to wear a funny looking boot and had couldn't run for almost 3mos. The only advise I can say is make that apt and get it checked- hope everything is ok

Oh and the pain that I felt was like a sharp shooting pain but only in one area, I was even able to touch it and feel it as long as I was in the right spot.

Re: Stress fracture in foot???

Thanks for all your help girls! I am thinking more and more it is tendonitis. I have a dr appt tomorrow and have been laying off it to be safe. I was able to do the ellipitcal on Saturday so replaced running with that!

I will let you know what I find out!

Re: Stress fracture in foot??? UPDATED

Ugh, went to the dr, he said it is a 4th metatarsal stress fracture or the start of one. It did not show up on the xray but he said that is normal. He can send me for a bone scan but said he pretty much knows what it is. He pressed up and down the top of my foot and when I said OUCH he told me which bone it was. Funny thing is, I never thought to check the top of my foot, when I step down, that is when I feel the pain so I was always icing and touching the bottom and sides and couldnt find the actual spot it was hurting.

Anyway, since it is the beginning stages I may be ok for my marathon on 11/1. I have completed most of my long runs. My pain is not so bad, a 5-6 at most. It hurt bad the first day but with rest it has gotten better. I asked if I can run this weekend and he said I can try but if it hurts I should stop. I am allowed to cross train and will do ALOT Of that to keep me in shape. At the time of the marathon I will be at the 5 week mark from injury so I hope I do not screw up my foot. I have to go back to see him in 2 weeks for another evaluation.

Message edited 10/8/2009 3:36:15 PM.

Re: Stress fracture in foot??? UPDATED

Good luck Jenna! Even if you take a week off, you should still be ok.

Re: Stress fracture in foot??? UPDATED

Please be really careful. My girlfriend just had a stress fracture that didnt show up right away in the xray...a week later it did...apparently they take a little while to show. She was in a boot for 6wks and is now easing into cross training and then running. She was also training for NYC.

I would stay away from running for the next two weeks at minimum. Before you run again I would request another xray, because if it is a stress fracture you shouldn't be running! Do pool running and the recumbent bike...if your foot is ok you will be fine for the marathon. Just keep the cardio up and be easy on the foot.

You already put the mileage in so don't worry. I know it's easier said than done but I had achilles tendonitis right before my first marathon and didn't run for a few weeks before the marathon...even missed my last long run. I did great...very sore after...but finished...and finished strong!

Wishing you all the best!

Re: Stress fracture in foot??? UPDATED

Oh my goodness Jenna I am so sorry!!!! I hope it heals quickly and that you are able to do your marathon.

Re: Stress fracture in foot??? UPDATED

Thanks girls. So I was able to run this weekend, did 15 miles, very slowwww! No pain at first but after mile 3 I felt the nagging pain. It is not terrible, on a scale of 1-10, I'd say a 5-6 at most. I am cross training during the week like a mad women, like elliptical for 60-70 minutes. I go back to the doctor in a week for another xray. I know I shouldnt run on it and may take off the next few weeks but playing it be ear!