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The response to the question below was authored by Marc Mitnick DPM

Running leads to stress fracture?

Hello Marc,

In Nov/08 I overdid it while getting back into my running routine at the gym. I felt a pain in my right foot while on the treadmill and had to stop. Later that day, while trying to go for a walk, I noticed the pain again and the only thing that made it possible to continue was by walking without putting my heal of my right foot down. Since then I have done some ultrasound treatments at physio and some laser treatments. Slowly it improved so that I could walk with my heel touching the ground though I am still not able to run and if I go for a walk I still have pain.

The doctor I have seen suspects a stress fracture. X-rays have been negative so he has ordered a bone scan. I have heard differing opinions about a) how necessary it is and b) the negatives in terms of radiation I am hesitant to expose myself to the radioactive isotope without being clear about it's necessity.

Couple last points:
-I am a 30 year old woman with a fairly healthy lifestyle. I do have trouble staying off my foot altogether.
-I don't think it's relevant but I will mention just in case that I am on a daily dose of Mezavant (5-aminosalicylic acid or mesalamine - essentially an anti inflammatory) for ulcerative colitis.
-The pain in my foot was originally in the cuboid area. Now the most tender spot is in my 4th metatarsal.

Questions:
-Does it make sense that I am still in pain over 5 months later?
-Is the radioactive isotope that is injected during a bone scan potentially harmful? -What are my best treatment options at this point?
-Can I expect that this will ever heal altogether?

Any help you can give is very much appreciated. I cannot express how eager I am to get back to my former quality of life (able to exercise; no pain)! Thank you for your time!

Best,
Leigh

Hi Leigh,
If you are concerned about the isotopes then an MRI would be a better option as there is nothing taken internally for that test, plus an MRI will also demonstrate any soft tissue damage that may be causing your pain while a bone scan will not.
Your problem has been going on way to long for you to assume it will heal on its own.
I would be concerned about stress fracture, I also would be concerned about cuboid syndrome (you may read about it on my site).
If no pathology is found, then I would suggest you consider physical therapy in an effort to move this problem along.
Marc Mitnick DPM

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Apr 21, 2009
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Pain on top outside of foot
by: Judith

For 3 weeks I suffered pain, swelling in my Right foot on the inside but on the top part of my foot..not down into the arch. It got better about 2 weeks ago and this week I now have pain and swelling on the outside of my Left foot. What is up with this? It doesn't seem to fit anything I have found on line.
I am 61 and am about 30 lbs overweight. I am on my feet off and on at my job.

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Regards,

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New Zealand

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Arizona

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Poland

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South Carolina

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anonymous

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Seattle, WA

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New Jersey

Thanks so much for answering my question. You've been more help to me than my own Dr. has been lately. Thanks again....I hope to be able to walk without pain someday.

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Evansville, IA

Dear Marc

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Jackie

San Diego, CA

Dr. Mitnick, Just want to say thank you so very much for your quick response and very informative reply! After reading what you had to say, I called the doctor's office and was able to get in and see him the same day as my injury. Toe was x-rayed and luckily, it is not broken or fractured. Very badly bruised and will probably lose the toe nail. And although my toe and toe nail are still very black and blue and very sore, they ARE both starting to feel a little better. So again, thank you! I am so very happy that I came across your website. The service you provide is outstanding and immeasurable!

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location unknown

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Colorado

Wonderful advice

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This is the best site for foot problem info.

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location unknown

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Canada

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Wisconsin

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North Carolina

Many Thanks Dr Marc!
Thank you for your response. It sounds like a good plan to me. He did not cut the wart out first ...

KG

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Bessie Mae

Florida

Dear Dr. Mitnick, Thank you so very much for taking your time to answer my question. You have greatly relieved my anxiety related to the continual tingly I feel in my feet. I will share your response with my podiatrist next week. God bless you for having this question and answer page on your website! Most gratefully,

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New Jersey

Thank you. you were more detailed than what others have told me they finally called from the last xrays and my son is now in a cast for 2 weeks he did have a fracture that was not noticeable.

a mom

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Lenoir, NC

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Bellevue, WA

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Jodi

location unknown

Running leads to stress fracture?

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