I know what everyone’s been thinking- “Gee, we haven’t heard much about Jenny’s foot lately. What gives?” Well, I’ve been saving it all up for RUNFESSIONS! I’m linking up with Marcia as she opens her “runfessional.” So how is it going? WELL.
After dealing with this foot issue for two years, I finally got fed up. It still hurts, and no one can give me a clear diagnosis. The latest is that there’s a possible subluxation of the cuboid joint, which frankly sounds like bullsh*t to me. Then, right at the height of my frustration, my doctor’s office raised the price of the shockwave treatments I’ve been getting from $125 to $150. Bad timing, guys. Very bad timing.
In the absence of any helpful guidance, I’ve taken matters into my own hands, and have made three changes:
!. I stopped wearing my orthotics.
In case you’re having trouble keeping track of all this, I got orthotics right around Christmas. My doctor explained to me that I have a “difficult foot” which would benefit from orthotics. I have a very high arch and over supinate, especially on the left side, and I’ve used orthotics in the past, so this seemed like good advice.
After an adjustment period, I was wearing the orthotics almost all the time. I’m on my feet all day but can luckily wear running shoes to work, so I had been wearing the orthotics both for running and at work.
Well, as time went on I felt that the orthos were working well for my runs, but at the end of the workday my foot was just throbbing in pain. It felt like the arch of the orthotic was stabbing my foot. I remember that in the past, I wore orthotics for running only. So I’m still using them for running (at least for now) but have stopped wearing them the rest of the day, and my foot feels so much better. I can’t say I’m pain-free completely at the end of the day, but it’s a huge improvement.
2. I’m increasing my Sunday “long” runs…
…but I’m taking Advil before I run.
I started to wonder if, possibly, I’ve just forgotten how to step down normally on that foot after all this time. And I was getting really miserable about not doing longer runs, so I figured “what have a got to lose?” Best case scenario, the Advil will mask any pain (I don’t usually have much while I’m running) and allow me to step down naturally, which could possibly break me out of a vicious cycle.
My first longer, Advil-fueled run was a six miler, and then this past Sunday I went eight miles. Both runs felt amazing, and my foot held up well. So far, so good.
3. I fired my doctor.
After eleven shockwave treatments, I canceled my appointment for #12. And when I called up to cancel, I told them that it was too expensive, my insurance isn’t paying for it, and I’m not seeing results. The woman I talked to said she would pass it along to the doctor and that he would call me.
He did call me, twice, but both times it was while I was at work and couldn’t answer. So I haven’t spoken to him yet. In the meantime (ironically) I think I’ve actually, finally seen a glimmer of improvement in my foot. Sometimes it hurts just as much as ever, and sometimes I step down, bracing myself for pain that never comes.
All along the doctor said that the shockwave treatments were doing something, that healing was happening even if I couldn’t feel it, and that eventually the pain would be gone. Are the shockwave treatments finally kicking in? Or is it the Advil? Or am I completely delusional, and will soon be hobbling around in a boot?
For now, I’m loving my longer runs, which means I’m enjoying life a whole lot more. We’ll see where this new “plan” will take me- stay tuned for the next update in May Runfessions!
What do you have to runfess? Ever taken Advil before a run?
41 Responses
My dad is a nephrologist (kidneys) and would absolutely freak out if he heard about your advil regimen! Apparently, chronic use of it can damage your kidneys especially if you use it before a run. None the less, I am glad you are still able to get out and enjoy your runs again. I can of course feel your frustrations w so many shockwave treatments and still having pain. How do you know if they really helped or not? Curious to hear what you Dr says! Maybe they will offer you a frequent patient discount or something. Hang in there friend!
Oh, really??? Well… I don’t want kidney issues. Maybe I better go without the Advil this week. Eek.
I’m so sorry your foot issue is still such a PIA. I’d be so over all the $$$ tx by now as well. I feel like you should have clear-cut results by now. I’ve heard so much good and bad (mostly bad) about orthotics, I don’t know what to think anymore. I do think the Advil is dangerous on an ongoing basis. I can tell you a story about someone who took some before a 10k and ended up with a very embarrassing mid-race “code brown” situation.
Okay… that’s a good warning. I will NOT take Advil before my next race!!!
This sounds long quite a long slog. I have some foot/leg issues myself and I feel for you in how it can seem like healing is a two steps forward, one step back kind of thing. I don’t know what the solution is, obviously, but I think it’s great that you’re taking charge and making some decisions based on how you feel. As far as Advil goes, I think ibuprofen is pretty dangerous if taken over a long period of time, but acetaminophen is generally safer if the dose is lower? Or is that wrong? I don’t know. Maybe that’s a question to ask your GP? Good luck! Fingers crossed you continue to see progress.
Thank you! Yes, thats a good question- I do have acetaminophen but usually don’t take it because I don’t think it works as well. In any case, you’re right- I shouldn’t take it for too long.
Ugh on the foot, the orthotics, and all the $$$. I can only imagine your frustration with everything. Hopefully your strategy of limiting the orthotics to running will continue to work in your favor . ((Hugs))
Thank you Kim!!! I appreciate it.
I’ve certainly been down this road in the past and got numerous opinions from different specialists over the years on my foot. I’m not a fan of hard orthotics. When the first guy put me in them, I was surprised–neutral gait, normal arch…but what do I know? Well, my big toe got jacked up because I was landing differently. Then I went to the foot/ankle ortho (the same one I used for my fractures last summer) who took me out of the orthotics. Voila! When I got PF again, I went to a sports ortho who had me wear soft orthotics, which I use to this day. HOWEVER, she had me stop running to let it calm down. That worked. So there’s that…
I have nothing to offer you except my empathy and a shoulder to cry on. Sometimes we have to listen to our bodies even if we don’t like what they are saying. Hang in there.
and I second the opinions on the Advil! I also know someone who had a major code brown situation in a race we were running together. I had to drive her home after the race and she was just mortified. I won’t go into details about the condition of my passenger seat after I dropped her off…
Okay, okay! You guys are convincing me! The last thing I need is a code brown incident.
Are your soft orthotics custom made? According to my doctor (wait, why am I still listening to him???) any over-the-counter inserts are bad for me because they’re usually made for people who overpronate, and I have the opposite issue. Sigh.
I was amazed you did it for as long as you did! You really did give it your best shot, so to speak.
Thankfully I don’t need to take a NSADD (whatever that acronym is) before I run, not for the various niggles I’ve had over the years. I try to avoid that sort of stuff as much as possible — but you do you, you’re very knowledgeable & you know your body best!
I hope that your foot continues to improve & you can run pain free in the near future!
Thank you Judy! Normally I avoid NSAIDs as much as possible, especially before running. But I consider this a special situation- we’ll see what happens. I won’t do it for too much longer.
8 miles, that is amazing.
I hear you on the orthotics. I got them after an achilles issue. After I broke my ankle, they were so uncomfortable. I went back, the the stupid dr said, “they are fine. ”
I stopped wearing them and stopped seeing him.
With my new (left) foot problem, I asked about orthotics. They said they may or may not help but are not covered by insurance. Ok, I said “forget it”
I wore newer shoes today and the neuroma behaved better. It’s there but doesn’t hurt much. I’m happy for now.
Hope your foot continues to behave. If advil helps, I say, “take it!!)
Yeah, I know a lot of people don’t believe in orthotics, but my foot was such a mess that it seemed reasonable in this case. I’m still wearing them for my runs, but maybe I’ll stop that as well- we’ll see. Glad your foot is feeling good- you’ve got a lot of races coming up!
Ugh, unresolved pain is the worst. I had foot pain back in 2013 and was dx’d with a stress fracture and was in a boot for months, then had pain in my other foot and got put in a boot on that foot, too. But then it turns out that I had RA, so some of the pain was related to that dx, not a stress fracture. I was seeing a podiatrist and my doctor cousin said to treat with caution when seeing a podiatrist because some are not MDs? Or all aren’t? I can’t remember as it was so long ago. I had a long break from running while I got my RA under control. Then had hip pain issues in 2016 after running a marathon in 2015 and ended up needing hip surgery after doing lots and lots of PT! But I was glad there was a resolution at least. Dealing with ongoing pain for a long time that is preventing you from doing what you love is very hard!!
Lisa, that all sounds like a nightmare!!! You’ve definitely had your fair share of bad luck. Sounds like you got through it all and are managing the RA. I hope you have smooth sailing for a long while now.
Bravo Jenny! I’m not a doctor but I do know for a fact that you are the best judge of how your treatment is going.
I think that the Advil is fine to “break the cycle”. If you needed it for every run that would be different, but for heavens sake you’re taking it once a week for a bit to see how things go. I’m sure it’s fine.
Thank you for the vote of confidence! I was afraid people would think I was being stupid (and maybe they still do, ha ha…) But I’m glad my reasoning makes sense to you.
I know over-use of NSAIDS has some nasty complications, but it doesn’t sounds like you’re not looking to do this forever. And, for the record, I was encouraged by TWO different OB/GYN’s to take long-term Naproxen in crazy high doses to regular periods…the doses they were suggesting sounds absolutely absurd, so I’m thinking your intake it well within the realm of normal. As with all OTC’s, it makes sense to be very mindful of side effects and minimize use as much as possible!
Ugh. Also. I’m so sorry about the foot. Glad you’re seeing some improvement, though. Onward and upward. I truly hope the worst is behind you!!
Ha. My reply sounds like I took waaayyyy too much of something!! I was in the middle of typing a response and kept getting distracted…and then had to put down my laptop in a hurry and posted it so I didn’t lose what I had started. But, boy. Talk about some nonsensical sentences with spelling issues. Sorry, Jenny!
I meant to say it DOESN’t sound like you’re looking to do this long-term. In referencing the Naproxen doses I mentioned, it was truly incredible how much was recommended (and I was to take it for at least a week before my period started + all during my period) to lessen blood loss in heavy periods. I tried a low-dose version of their suggestion for a week or so and felt awful. Then they suggested ANOTHER medication to help with stomach issues (resulting from so much Naproxen), and I took a hard pass on all of it.
All that to say – apologies for the all-over-the-place response and from the bottom of my heart I hope you see amazing improvements in your foot. I also have had very mixed results with orthotics!
Thank you Elisabeth! I did get what you were saying in the first response even though it wasn’t your usual clarity. I definitely am not looking to take Advil for the rest of my life. But you’re right… there are always side affects to keep in mind.
Interesting on the orthotics. Sometimes I do wonder if we end up over-correcting things. (I have the same questions about running shoes.) Right now I’m on-again, off-again with my foot brace. Sometimes it seems to help, while sometime it seems to aggravate.
You had TWELVE shockwave therapies? Did you have a break in between? I think I had four (five max). I did continue to see improvement after my last one, so hopefully you will too.
I hope this new “plan” works for you and you continue to be able to run.
Ah yes, let’s see. I had four shockwave treatments in four weeks, then went to once a month, then took a little break, then came back for more… Yes, i’m definitely hoping that I’ll continue to see improvement.
I’m so sorry your foot continues to be a pain in the arse! I have known a few runners who have found orthotics to be less than helpful – as Coco said maybe too much “over-correcting”.
Others have already shared concerns re: taking the Advil so I won’t add on. I do hope you’re able to find some permanent relief soon. Dealing with an ongoing injury is really draining.
Yes, draining is a good word! I did have a great run today and I didn’t take the Advil. I don’t think it was really making much difference.
Dealing with this so long had to be so frustrating – I’m so sorry! 🙁 Have you gone to a pain management doctor? When my mom was having a lot of back pain, she saw a pain management doctor and he was helpful. She really liked him because while other doctors kept pushing surgery (which she didn’t want to do), the pain management doctor really listened to her and help.
Well… maybe I don’t know what I’m talking about, but I don’t want the pain managed- I want this FIXED. But I definitely don’t want surgery. I do think for back pain, a pain management doctor can help a lot. I have a bunch of clients who go to them.
One of the many things I tried to help with my foot problem was: I went to Fit2Run and had the foot scan done. Based on the pressure points, it recommends a shoe insert. I have high arches and my right foot under pronates/supinates (the problem foot). I was running on the blade of my foot (unintentionally). The insert the saleswoman recommended was Aetrex 805 (just to check out as fyi). My ortho just recommended Spencos.
I also purchased Oofas for around the house (I’m either barefoot or in these in the house. I don’t wear shoes indoors). I bought these when HungryRunnerGirl got them 🙂
Good luck!
Thanks for the suggestions, Karen! Your right foot sounds like my left (problem) foot. I’ll look into those Aetrex. Yes, I’ve seen Janae talking about her Oofos! I have a pair too.
I haven’t read all the comments so I hope I’m not repeated what others have said but I wouldn’t advise Advil before a run. Advil is metabolized by the kidneys which work hard while running so should be used after a run, not before. I was always told Tylenol was safe before a run because it is metabolized by the liver. Having said that I recently was told you shouldn’t take Tylenol either, but I’m not clear as to why. If you choose to take Tylenol just be careful because liver damage is real and it’s awful. I would stick to 325 – 650 mg and not any more. I’m not a doctor but I am an ER nurse and this is the latest evidence based practice. Good luck with the foot!
Thank you very much, Denise! Based on this (and a couple other comments) I skipped the Advil this week. I appreciate you taking the time to warn me. My foot seems to feel the same whether I take Advil or not, so there’s absolutely no reason to take the risk.
Oh my, I am sure you are frustrated. I would have fired my doctor as well. I know it takes time to see results but that is way too many expensive treatments. I have taken Tylenol/Advil during a race but cannot remember if I’ve done it before a race or run. Now I know not to!
Yes, I think we’ve all learned something from my foolishness. Seriously, it’s probably not a big deal to take one Advil every once in a while, but to be on the safe side I’ll skip it for now.
Well yikes, I don’t blame you for being so frustrated by this whole situation!! I don’t want to speak of it outloud, but I’m shocked that my high hamstring issue finally went away. It gave me problems for at least 4 years!! And after PT and my marathon last year, it was finally fixed. I was hesitant to go to PT for years because of the cost, but it wasn’t anywhere near $125/$150 a visit. My dr had mentioned getting a treatment for it and then said it would cost a lot, like around $1,000. I told him I would gladly pay $1,000 to get rid of the pain!! So yeah, I’ve know the feeling. A fresh approach to your issue could help you! Crossing my fingers that things are getting better for you (without that Advil LOL!!).
Stories like your give me hope- even long-standing problems go away eventually. It’s extra frustrating when it’s so expensive- yes, I’ll pay $1000 IF IT’S GOING TO WORK. Grr! I’m glad your issues are resolved.
Honestly, I’m really glad to hear that you broke up with your foot doctor. The pain wasn’t going away so why continue to deal with those expensive treatments?! I think this new plan you have is a good one, and I hope it all works out for you! <3
Thank you Stephany! It’s hard to tell how it’s working so far, but at least I’m spending less money : )
I haven’t had the need to take Advil before a run (knock on wood), but I would if I’d see it benefits. You’re your best advocate in the end and know your body bests, so I think it’s good that you’re listening.
I haven’t taken any Advil lately- I think I just needed to do it a couple times as a confidence booster. Right now my foot feels okay without it.