Problem ache in 5th metatarsal

[JamesB]

Last September (!) I accidentally kicked the pool wall during a swimming lesson. The little toe on my left foot bore the brunt of the glancing blow, and went deep purple for a week. At the time I did not seek medical attention, and proceeded to ice and strap the toe to it's neighbour for several weeks. After a while the toe was comfortable enough to resume swimming short distances, so I assumed I was in the clear. After about six or seven weeks from the initial injury I started running again, but not without problems: usually after I finished my run, the affected toe would ache - and the discomfort spread along the outside of my foot.

I was persuaded to finally get my foot looked at over Christmas after sustaining a separate soft tissue injury. The X-ray confirmed that I had chipped two small slivers of bone from my toe, but the bone injury was completely healed (no alignment problems or other). After explaining my symptoms I was instructed to visit my GP and obtain a physio referral.

As it stands I still cannot swim for more than 45 mins, jog any distance, or even go for a long walk without this annoying ache appearing - but, if I stop what I'm doing and spend a few moments stretching my foot the ache disappears. Do I really need to pursue physiotherapy after all this time? I feel that the right sort of stretching exercise is all I need to work this out, and am contemplating trying some 'Yoga Toes' to see if they help....

Thanks,
James

[Heidi]

Hi
It is worth visiting the physio when the referral comes through as they will be able to advise you on the right exercises to do, as each case is slightly different.
I agree though, you probably do just need to stretch the foot and toes, maybe some strengthening of the intrinsic muscles too. But no harm in getting this checked out too.

[JamesB]

Hello Heidi,

Thank you for your prompt reply. I will go and get seen to!

Thanks,
James