Expert: Dr George Tsatsos - 11/4/2009

Question
Hello,

I try to stay very active--running several times per week, walking 4+ miles per day, etc. After a 7 mile run last week (mainly on cement) my right foot and my right knee started hurting--and hasn't subsided. The pain is mainly on the outside of my foot, mid-way between my heel and my little toe and also just above my ankle, running up along the side of my leg. It is the strangest pain as it hurts most when just standing or walking/running or when lifting my toes. It alters the way I walk. I tried running through it--but that made it hurt a lot more. It does feel better after rest. I'm wondering if this is something that I need to see a doctor about or if I can push through it and be fine. I have a race in a couple of weeks that I don't want to miss!

Thanks!

Answer
This Chicago Sports Medicine Podiatrist says......
Please read the disclaimer first.

You are supposed to rest it until it gets better-for 3 weeks... but since you have an upcoming race-I am going to give you bad medical information and good athletic info.
Treat it like a badly sprained muscle-it' probably the peroneal muscle or the  extensors of the foot.
PRICE!
Protect-wear an ankle brace.  Check out our website for examples at our online store- www.AnkleNFoot.com
Rest-Decrease running to a pain free level-or begin cross training
Ice-on and of as much as possible for 3 days almost constantly and then as necessary for pain
Compress-Mild ace wrap the area-which will also protect. Do this a lot
Elevate-if it throbs elevate sooner.
After the injury quiets down in a week or so-physical therapy will help.
Max dose of Alleve or Advil for a few days, then decrease dosage over the next 3-4 days. Stop if it bothers you or if you have stomach problems.
The above activity should only be done if the pain does not increase and seems to slowly decrease.You will probably aggravate the injury at the race.
So PRICE again and then let it recover.
Or get better and maybe not do so well at the race-I can't feel your pain.
I do sports also, and I am not the best patient-BUT I make sure I don't let my aches become debilitating.

Make sure you see a sports podiatrist or one certified by the American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics, to give you the best options if it continues to hurt.

Hope this helps!
Good Luck My Friend!





Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661
AnkleNFoot.com
Runnersdoc.com

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