foot pain

Question
QUESTION: Hi John. I've been slowly building up mileage for the past two months after recovering from a hip fracture. Now, the top part on the joint of my big toe is hurting.  It has been bruised and achy for 2 weeks and now it is swollen. I'm really careful about wearing loose fitting shoes and not tying the shoe strings too tight. Does this sound like a stress fracture? I'm having a bone density test next week as I've had 2 fractures in under a year, neither were due to trauma.

ANSWER: Hi Lori
It doesn't  sound like a fracture.I would have to know how it was bruised and under what circumstances it happen and when you started to feel discomfort and also some bio past and present with your program.Two fractures in a year means something lacking and diet is always on the list.I would also have your vitamin D levels checked which can also be a factor along with height weight.
Ge me this info and we can zero in a little closer if that is ok with you.You can call me here in albuquerque NM anytime if you would like for more clarity.

All the best

John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for getting back to me so quickly. The foot pain came on gradually over the last two weeks, no specific incidence or injury - I was aware of some mild discomfort and slight bruising but it wasn't impeding my running.  The last two days it has been swollen and more noticeably bruised and much more achy, becoming uncomfortable wearing shoes.  I had a hip fracture late November and a pelvic fracture last May.  Started running again in January, short easy runs and have been building up mileage. The only real change this week is a speed workout last Tuesday and hill workout last Thursday.  I run 5 days a week with 1 of those days as a long run - plan to do a 14 miler tomorrow. Hope this is enough info and I'll check into the vit D test, recently started taking calcium/vit D supplements. Thanks again for your guidance. -Lori

Answer
Hi Lori
When you felt the foot pain coming on that is when you should of adjusted your training till things felt better and diagnose what the problem is.Symptoms of discomfort always get worse.The building up of mileage and then the speed workout and hill workout on top of an already weak muscular skeleton system was the culprit.Speed work and hill repeats are real killers if not performed properly and with adequate rest leading up.I feel the problems your acquiring are directly related to your schedule and not balancing it out properly.Just one current example is you have foot problems and your going out on a 14 mile today.That is totally crazy.It makes no sense when your struggling with foot problems.If you continue with this kind of training your situations with injuries will continue.

All the best

John