Running injury; any possible remedies/precautions?

Question

I recently started running about 3 miles a day. I'll run one day at the gym on the treadmill when I lift and on days I don't lift, I run on an asphalt track built around a lake nearby. My right big toe seems to balloon up, turns red/purple and pains me to a limp after a run. The next day it gets substantially better to the point where I can run again, but it still hurts a bit. The pain in between is substantial, sometimes, to the point where I can't concentrate on what I'm doing. I really enjoy running and have no plans to digress. I have a 4 month old pair of Nike Shox that are broken in well, if that makes a difference. Please let me know if you have any suggestions on remedies or precautions I should take as I am new to running.

Answer 1

I'm an avid outdoor and treadmill runner and I can tell you that Nike Shox are not considered a running shoe. Go to any running store and most likely will not carry Shox. I have a pair of Shox and use them when lifting weights or wearing them outside. I love the way they look but I know the toe compartment in the shoe is compact.

My advise is to go to a running store and have them fit you for a 2 or 3 different pairs that they recommend. You choose the pair that feels the best to you. They can tell by looking at your feet whether you may have issues (such as under pronate, over pronate, etc) All of these can be corrected with the proper running shoe and the proper fit.
Some running stores have a treadmill in the store and they offer "gait analysis" so they can watch your form while you run.

I over pronate and this has been corrected by a pair of Brooks Addiction 7's.

Since you are at a gym, try to also cross train on Elliptical and Stairmaster. Both are excellent cardio machines.

In closing, Runners World has an EXCELLENT online site that deals with topics like injury prevention and training programs. They even have a great listing of running shoes.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

I haven't heard of this particular injury before... some things to consider:

1) Your shoes are too tight or too loose. Be sure you have running shoes. At four months old, perhaps some of the cushioning has worn away. You may want to consider changing them.

2) If you are running on a track, you are probably always turning the same way. If you can, run it in reverse once in a while.

3) I have problems with treadmills too. I get the nastiest blisters from them if I use them too much.

4) If all else fails, you may want to check with a podiatrist or other doctor. You may have a broken bone in there that is flaring up.

You may want to look at http://www.coolrunning.com and check out their injury section. You may find the symptoms that you have there.

Sorry I couldn't help you specifically.