ball of foot pain

Question
Hi. I started running (age 55) after many months after no exercize for .. well a long time. I would do a slow jog for 2 miles. Went every day/ or other for about 3 weeks. I was feeling great. Then I stopped as it was a busy 2 week period. I developed pain on the balls of my feet and my toes are sore if I bend them, especially the the toe next to big toe. It's been a month  plus and they still bother me, especially in the morning. I am hesitant to tart again. I was running n pavement (I maybe should have stayed on the side grass area). Have new balance sneakers that are not worn out. Any ideas

Answer
Hi, Kathryn

Off the top of my head, I'm not sure what exactly you might have done except to run too much too soon.  So, it's possible that you have an injury related to overtraining and over use.

Since I'm not a doctor, I say that's the first place you go and make sure that you get to see a physical therapist to make sure you don't do anything to aggravate it further.

Also, the pavement versus grass thing is really only an issue, generally, if you have other joint problems.  But road races are run every weekend so I wouldn't worry about that too much.

I could very well be your running form.  But start with the doctor.

When you are ready to get back to running, get yourself a personal trainer who can also help you with running (because not all of us can).  If, for some reason, you can't find one, try to find a running coach who can help you with form and mileage progression to fit your goals so that you don't run too far too soon and sustain any more injuries.

I hope that helps and I hope you get better soon.  I know foot injuries are inconvenient, but I hope that doesn't keep you from running if you truly like to run.