I am really tired of writing about my foot woes, and I am sure you are tired of hearing about them too. However, I just want to update you about one more piece of the injury puzzle. Then I’ll move on and share my workouts from the week.
So I went back to the podiatrist on Friday to get “fitted” for orthotics. I put that in quotes because gone are the days where you actually get your foot casted. He simply had me hold up my feet and then scanned each foot with an iPad and camera for about 20 seconds. Crazy, huh?
Before I gave the official go-ahead for the orthotics I said I wanted to talk a little more first about how things felt. I said that I didn’t necessarily think the tape from last week helped. My foot felt fine when I ran on Saturday, but I don’t usually have any pain when I am running. I usually notice it later in the day or sometimes when I first wake up. He said it was completely my decision, and if I felt like it was getting better I could wait and come back another time if I wanted the orthotics.
I thought about it for like 10 seconds and decided to get them. At this point, it comes and goes and has been going on for so long that I know I will be frustrated when it doesn’t get better.
Before doing the foot scan, he looked at my foot again and poked around. I was easily able to point out where it felt the most tender. He noted that along with my PT tendon, that the muscle that connects to my big toe (I think it’s the flexor hallucis longus) was also probably inflamed. He wanted me to work on big toe strength and mobility, and told me how to do that.
I got home and thought about what he said and had flashbacks of hearing this before.
When I went to the UVA speed clinic it was suspected that my right big toe was causing problems with my toe-off and could have contributed to piriformis issues on that side.
3 years ago when I was marathon training I had tightness in the same place I am now struggling with- but it was so minor I pretty much forgot about it! Good thing I have a blog because this is what I wrote:
On another note, I saw my chiropractor on Wednesday and mentioned the on and off foot pain. He thinks that my big toe is not strong enough (also- I have a blister on my big toe- which is a sign to him that either my shoes are not right or I am driving my toe down incorrectly.). He did some ART on my inner ankle area and showed me how to do some self-massage for trigger points there. I also need to start doing toe exercises. Really? Like I don’t have enough to worry about with running all the miles, stretching, foam rolling, core work, etc? But whatever I have to do to run injury free I guess.
He drew on my leg where I need to work the knots out. He suggested I take a picture of where he drew so that I wouldn’t forget.
Apparently the big toe can cause all sorts of running injuries. Check out this article for a better explanation than what I could provide.
Ok, so add that to my list of things to work on. Anyway, I am going to give the orthotics a try and see if that helps.
Here are my workouts from last week:
Monday: 3.2 miles
Tuesday: Strength training
Wednesday: 3 miles
Thursday: 30 minutes spinning
Friday: 45 minutes yoga (focused on core)
Saturday: 30 minutes spinning, 30 minutes CX WORX
Sunday: 1 hour walk
I also did my PTT exercises and stretching every day, plus kept track of it all! (Having it recorded makes it so much easier to write these recaps.)
Do you know whats missing from this week? Yoga in a studio. It’s still a spring goal but this week was just too crazy to get there. The school system I work for has spring break this week, so last week everyone was cramming in everything to get done before they are off. I am taking a few days off next week, but it will be nice to catch up on work stuff and personal stuff. When life gets busy and stressful I think about what things I can cut out and something like yoga is usually the first to go. Especially when it’s my first time trying a new studio- that adds a whole new level of stress! At least I did some yoga at home.
How were your workouts last week?
Has another ever looked at your big toe strength as a source of injury?
What’s the first thing to go when you get busy/stressed?
How long will it take before you get your orthotics? Are they something that should provide relief right away? I hope that they will be the answer you’re looking for! Enjoy your spring break!!!!
Not sure how long it will take to get them. I think they said about 2 weeks, depending on how long it takes to get them shipped here.
This is really strange but in addition to my PTT, I had a partially torn FHL tendon. Seriously, we are foot twins!!! I had zero strength in my big toe which obviously pays a big part in running. The band is great for building up the strength in the toes. And balance exercises barefoot. I shared a workout today on my blog that has some of those that helped me.
That’s so crazy that we really do have the same foot issues! I am definitely going to try your balance workout!
The iPad scanning is so cool!
As far as injuries, I think everything is connected. If one part is weak or “off”, the whole “system” will be off
Yes, that is so true!
I love my blog for being able to look back and find things we forget about! maybe now you can really solve things by tying it all together. I certainly hope so. it’s time for your foot (and toe) to be all better. I want to take an orange theory class but I just can’t seem to find the time to get there!
I finally made it to yoga today! I was the only one in my office because everyone else is on spring break so I was able to get out a little early which made a huge difference.
I love my blog for being able to look back and find things we forget about! maybe now you can really solve things by tying it all together. I certainly hope so. it’s time for your foot (and toe) to be all better. I want to take an orange theory class but I just can’t seem to find the time to get there!
COME ON BIG TOE WHY YOU GOTTA BE LIKE THAT?! Feet are fascinating. So many bone and tendons and places for things to go wrong. Let’s hope that this is the solution!
I know, right?! This better be it because Im pretty much out of ideas!
Wow. I have to say these puzzle pieces are fascinating. And frustrating for you, I’ll bet. A friend of mine went through all kind of foot stuff that had her strengthening her toes by lifting marbles with them. Still hoping you get resolution on this soon.
My podiatrist wants me to get a 1 pound weight to lift with my toes. Im just using random objects around the house for now!
I also like to wear Birkenstocks when I am not running bc they are so supporting and help my PF. Oh the foot woes are so annoying aren’t they? I really hope that the orthotics help you
The foot woes are extremely frustrating but Im so happy I finally bought a pair of Birkenstocks!
Wow, I never thought that the big tow could cause so many issues. I always learn something new when I read your blog posts!
I hope that the orthotics help your foot pain.
Well I guess thats good! I feel like Im going to be a resource for injured runners after all this.
It’s amazing how everything connects and something as seemingly small as the big toe can make a huge difference. Hopefully knowing this will quicken your recovery!
It’s pretty crazy, right? Thanks, I hope so too!
They use an ipad for orthotics? Mind blown. I hope they help! And wine on the porch sounds like the perfect way to spend a weekend day.
I was so surprised by the iPad! I thought they were going to have to actually get a mold of my feet like they used to do.
I’ve never thought about the effect of your toe strength on running – that’s really interesting. I hope the orthotics help you moving forward.
I agree that blogging/logging your workouts and notes are SO helpful with looking back at reoccurring issues. Hope you have a great spring break and enjoy some yoga – I’ve been missing it too!
Thanks! I finally made it to yoga today and it was so worth it!
Would you share some of the exercises you are doing to strengthen your feet and toes?
Sure! I wrote this post with most of the specific exercises Im doing.https://www.milebymileblog.com/posterior-tibial-tendonitis-ptt-recovery-plan/ My podiatrist also said to lift a 1 pound weight with my toe (like put the weight on top of my toe and try to lift just the toe with my foot on the ground.
Isn’t it weird how the smallest things can have a huge impact? I never thought my calves were an issue before moving to CO and getting a new chiro, but the strengthening exercises she’s given me have help me. No wonder my chiro stresses the kinetic chain. It may not be something big, but it can have big effects.
Everything is definitely connected, it can get so confusing and complicated! Glad the exercises have helped you!
I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you that the orthotics help!
Thanks so much!
Hopefully those orthotics will help. In the mean time your plan of recover looks nice sitting out on your patio w a glass of wine:)
I have those same brooks launch shoes and when I first got them I got a blister on the back of my heel and I thought oh heck maybe it’s the shoes, but luckily it has healed up and haven’t got one since.
It’s a great way to recover:)
And Im glad the blister didnt come back!
I hope your orthodics come in soon and that they really help! I totally agree that wine (and/or beer) is definitely needed for recovery.
Thanks! Alcohol is such an important part of getting through an injury:)
Hopefully you will get an answer and resolution soon. You pretty much need your feet, and therefore your big toe, for running, right???
Yep! Pretty important parts for running, so they need to just start cooperating!
Fascinating about your toe. I hope you get this figured out asap. My right leg has been giving me issues again and I hope I can get it worked out bc I’m done with injuries.
Ugh I know what you mean about being DONE with injuries. I hope it gets resolved quickly for you!
WOW…big toe strength? It seems I remember reading (or being told?) something about toe strength when I had my first PF flare…and I was advised to practice picking up stuff which my toes…maybe I ought to keep doing that, as a means of prevention (?) All is fine for me now…but I’m just embarking on non-stop double-digit long runs now for the next couple months and I want to keep things “good.” Your journey through all of this stuff is very educational for the rest of us 😉
It really is all connected! I feel like toe stuff can be done all the time (I’ll work on lifting up my big toe by itself when Im brushing my teeth) so it may be a good idea to try to add it in when you can!
I would never have thought the big toe would have any bearing on anything! I feel like I never use it for anything useful! I’m so sorry you are struggling with it! Hopefully, the orthotics help get things better for you.
It’s pretty surprising, right? I guess it sort of makes sense, but is nothing something we typically hear about strengthening!
Sport to hear you are dealing with this pain, that’s not fun. Hope it sorts itself out soon for you.
Thank you!
Good luck with your orthotics! And I can’t get over how cute your Birkenstock ‘s are!! *swoon
Thanks! They are new and I am loving them- its nice to finally have sandals that are comfortable and supportive!
Who knew the big toe could play such a big role?! I hope the orthotics help!
It’s so crazy, right? Thank you!
OH, the things we learn about our bodies! I have weak toes too. You’re supposed to be able to raise your big toe without raising the others and I just can’t. Hopefully you can get things sorted out soon.
It’s harder than it sounds! Thank you!
OH, the things we learn about our bodies! I have weak toes too. You’re supposed to be able to raise your big toe without raising the others and I just can’t. Hopefully you can get things sorted out soon.
I haven’t had experience with foot pain or injury, but know people who have. They had to do toe strengthening exercises. I have lots of experience with knee injuries. It does seem like everything is connected from top to bottom. I had to really start working on my form 2 years ago and shortening my stride which was already really short to begin with! Lol. Hope you are free from foot issues asap!
It really is all connected! Ive been working on increasing my cadence, which is definitely related to taking shorter strides. Its tough to make changes to your running form!
I’m going through almost the same thing Lisa- my foot pain and right big toe pain has been so severe I had to cancel my Match 5th Marathon. I like that you used the word “puzzle piece” about your diagnosis because foot pain/injury really isn’t all that black and white, and there are so many factors that contribute to this type of pain. As a runner it’s double frustrating to find the right answer…
I hope the orthotics will help you. So far mine didn’t help much, but maybe I might need an iPad screening of my foot as well – sounds pretty fantastic!!
I have no idea if the orthotics will help but I figure at this point its worth a try. I hope your foot feels better soon! So sorry about your marathon:(
The power of the big toe! I damaged a tendon in my big toe a couple of summers ago- do the exercises and yoga, it will get stronger. I also used buddy tape and taped it to the other toe for yoga, it really helped. Feet are fascinating but we can’t do a thing without them. I hope it all comes together for you! and yes, a glass of wine is always a good answer! 🙂
Thats a good idea to tape it! You are right, the feet are so important!