The Foot of the Problem

I've been talking about my foot pain on this blog for a while. Years actually. After many attempts to fix the problem myself, I FINALLY went to a physical therapist this morning. Why did I wait so long? Who the F knows.

I loved the PT. I was almost in tears when she told me we would work hard together on fixing the problem and that soon enough I'd be able to run again. I don't care if I'm never a marathon runner, but I love the feeling of knowing I can step outside and easily run 2-5 miles.

Here's the quick history on my foot/ankle issues:
Growing up I played a ton of sports and twisted and sprained my left ankle multiple times. This never happened while I was playing soccer or tumbling in gymnastics, but right after. I'd be standing on the field and suddenly I'd be on the ground holding my ankle in pain. I never broke my ankle or required more than a few weeks rest, an ankle brace or some tape, except for one instance that left me using crutches for a couple of weeks.

My ankle issues subsided when I started college and did nothing but cardio machines and group fitness classes. That being said, I did experience a few minor ankle twists over the years, especially while hiking and playing basketball my senior year. Cut to my first half marathon in 2011. I successfully trained and completed the half without injury, but during my first few runs post-half I experiences serious pain in my left. It felt like my arches were collapsing and my foot was sensitive to the touch. I had to stop, untie my laces, and limp home. I slowly removed running from my regular fitness routine because the foot pain never subsided.

I eventually started running short distances again (no more than a 10K), until last year, when I was training for the Run to Remember half marathon. You might remember I started mentioning strange pain in my left foot about a month or so before the half. This pain was different than anything I'd ever felt -- it was on the top/outside of my foot, and felt like a bone was being dislocated and popping back in. The type and location of the pain pointed to a potential stress fracture, but an x-ray said otherwise. My doctor recommended a few weeks of rest and seeing if the pain subsided. Sadly, I didn't run the half marathon but did complete the 5 mile race with minimal foot pain.

A few months ago, the foot pain returned and in a new location. Now the pain was focused in my heel and arch. My ankle also suddenly became extremely unstable, culminating in a very dramatic experience at BosFIT that left me unable to walk. I've spent the last few months taking it easy with exercise, focusing on simply walking/using the elliptical for cardio and some mostly stationary strength training. I'm so bored. Before I went to Israel my foot pain and ankle stability reached a peak -- there were days I could barely walk around and I was terrified I wouldn't be able to participate in the hikes or even walk around for hours. Luckily, with the help of an ankle brace and some Dr. Scholls inserts, I was mostly fine while in Israel.

So that brings me to today. I had a great first visit and found out a lot of information about my foot/ankle situation:
- She's pretty positive I have plantar fasciitis. The issues with the top of my foot still need to be figured out, but it's likely being caused by the same thing that's causing the plantar fasciitis and ankle instability.
- My left and right foot need different support. When you sprain your ankle over and over, you stretch out the tissue and it never quite goes back to normal. My foot has had to overcompensate for the weakness and has changed its natural landing. I probably need arch support only in my left sneaker.
- I will likely have to always wear an ankle brace for activities like sports, fitness classes, or anything where I would be moving side to side.
- I need to strengthen my calves and hips.
- I will be able to run again!

I'll be going to her twice a week for the next four weeks, at least. She already gave me a few exercises to start with. I'm so glad I went. Let this be a lesson for my future self that dealing with pain for years is not necessary!!