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Click to view kissiffer4's profile Rookie
kissiffer4
2 posts since
Nov 10, 2006

Aug 2, 2007 9:23 AM

Metatarsal/Gout Problems - Nike 1/2 Marathon at the w/e!

Hi,

I am running the Nike Half Marathon in NYC at the weekend, however, my right foot has flared up quite considerably in the past few days. I have had various issues in the past (broken sesamoid), however, I have recovered from that injury as well as can be expected.

The problem now, however, is that along the top of my right foot there is a red inflammation and pain when I try to run. Strangely, however, if I apply any pressure using my fingers to the top of my foot there isn't any pain at all, so (correct me if I am wrong!) there does not seem to be a fracture of any kind.

I am 30, and the last time I saw my podiatrist about similar symptoms (over a year ago) she told me that I may have gout. Gout?! I thought people didn't get that until they were a lot older.

Anyway, apologies for rambling, but I have two questions:

i) Is gout a possibility at my age?

ii) If I had a fracture, would I know about it? i.e.) Would I still be able to walk around with relatively little pain?

ii) Should I still run the 1/2 at the w/e? I know that I will anyway, but I am just a little concerned right now.


Thanks!!

Christopher
Click to view pamadden's profile Rookie
pamadden
4 posts since
Feb 24, 2006
1. Aug 7, 2007 10:17 PM in response to: kissiffer4
Hello,

I can relate to this. I've been running for years but am now training for my first half marathon. I've been slow and steady about upping my distance because I have not wanted to overdo since I have had three metatarsal stress fractures in the past ten years. For about a month now, the top area of my left foot has been feeling strange. When I push on it there is no pain. There is sometimes after I run, a sort of tingling feeling, and when I walk barefoot (which I seldom do) the foot feels delicate but again, there is no pain. After hot runs (in FL, they're all hot in the summer), the toes on my left foot swell. I ice every time I come in from running.

Believe me, I've poked and prodded and pushed on my foot to make sure it wasn't a fracture. It sure doesn't feel like the ones I've experienced since there is no pain (and no little red spots or bruising). I've wondered about arthritis (and gout is a form of that). Like you, I'm stumped. I asked a running coach who suggested it may be a nerve problem.

At this point, I'm going to monitor my foot and if it grows too uncomfortable, I'll seek out a medical opinion. In the meantime, it sure is a weird feeling!

Good luck to you on this!

Anyone have any similar experiences?

------------------
P.
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Click to view Tiger Dude's profile Pro
Tiger Dude
69 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
2. Aug 9, 2007 10:32 AM in response to: kissiffer4
Gout is usually for the over-40 crowd, but that doesn't mean it can't happen to younger folks. gout is usually in the big toe or close to it. Drink lots of water to get rid of it, plus anti-inflammatories.

I don't know near enough about foot anatomy to talk about fractures.

Run the 1/2 if:

you don't mind not being able to walk afterwards, and

you can get back to the start/finish if your foot goes south during the run.
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Click to view kissiffer4's profile Rookie
kissiffer4
2 posts since
Nov 10, 2006
3. Aug 9, 2007 7:18 PM in response to: kissiffer4
Well guys, I ran the 1/2 in 2:10 and felt pretty sore afterwards. Still not quite sure what the problem is with the foot. It is still pretty red - mostly around the middle area of the bone that runs up the foot from the big toe. I have been walking around without too much pain so I'm still not quite sure what the problem is. Nerve damage? Gout? I am laying off the beers, drinking a lot of water and resting up for the next couple of weeks. I'll see what happens from there. I guess the only way to determine a stress fracture is to get an MRI, but this is major $$$ for me, so I guess I'll go the rest route first.

Cheers!
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