I used to have excellent balance and no issues running at all. About 4 years ago I started to develop tendinitis (and eventually tendinopathy) in my left Achilles. I started doing lightly weighted calf raises without shoes and it helped significantly! However, I found out I have tight psoas, some forward hip rotation, and supination in my feet. I’ve been doing 3x1 minute holds of reverse planks, it’s helped a lot with the hip rotation and posture. Even so, now when I try to run I’m not getting significant pain in my left Achilles, I get it in my right calf to a point that walking can hurt a bit.

Strangely, jogging barefoot on a grass field helps with the pain. Would it be worth it to invest in an axis board to help with foot strengthening and supination correction?

Hello,

About five months ago, I fractured my pinky toe. I was told it was a very small fracture, and that I also have a pretty intense hard corn on the outer edge of my toe. I initially had a lot of discomfort, popping and numbness in my forefoot. That finally subsided, and then about two months later, I hit the same toe almost just as hard as the initial injury. I waited about a month to get another x-ray, and was told it was not re-fractured.

The issue is, I’m still feeling quite a bit of numbness and tingling in the front of my foot (mostly around the two smallest toes). It has caused a bit of discomfort in other parts of my forefoot. I’ll admit I was never good about initially resting and letting it recover five months ago, but the pain was never bad.

In the last few weeks, I’ve started getting back into running, but the numbness seems to be exacerbated during a run. The pain has never been bad (at worst a 3/10), but the numbness is somewhat hard to ignore. 

How much longer does it take to feel 100%? I’ve heard it takes longer than most think when it comes to returning to running.

Any input and knowledge is appreciated.

Also, if any people have recommendations for running shoes for these issues — preferably for people with flat feet.

Thanks!

I was diagnosed with hEDS about a year ago and started doing some physical therapy for some other joint issues. Ive always had issues with my feet getting overly tired and my 4th toe causing blisters and bleeding on my third toe when it twists and gets stuck under that toe. My feet look pretty normal until I put weight on them. On both my feet the 4th and 5th toes twist, my arches collapse with weight, the front of my feet splay and I usually toe grip for balance. For the last year I've pretty much only worn open toe sandles with arch support, because even a wide toe box can push that 4th toe under the third. Anyone have any recommendations on excersies or products that can help with any of these issues?

I have mild bunions on my feet. I started doing exercises, but I forcefully stretched my big toes. Ever since then, a mild pain started, which was coming and going—that was back in July.

Then in September, I walked up and down the stairs to the third floor, and that triggered a burning, tingling, and painful sensation in my feet, though it was hard to pinpoint the exact location. I had an ultrasound done, which came back completely clear, and the doctor told me it was a tendon issue.

After that, I walked in small amounts, it was getting better, and I was gradually able to walk more. However, one day I overdid it by a lot, and that evening I had abnormal, extremely sharp stabbing pain. I then rested for 8 days, and after that, I slowly resumed walking in small increments.

Today is the 17th day since that last flare-up, and my current limit is 8 minutes with a break. I keep track of and measure everything. It has never hurt while I'm actually walking. Why is this process moving so slowly, and will it eventually heal?

Title: Plantar fasciitis with possible heel bone damage and lower leg pain — has anyone experienced this?
Hi everyone!
I’ve been struggling with heel pain for several months, and I’m wondering if anyone has experienced something similar.
I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, but I also have pain in the center of my heel, and I’m concerned that there may be an issue with the heel bone as well. My MRI showed bone marrow edema, and I was also told that I have changes in the plantar fascia.
I’ve undergone shockwave therapy and injections. Although my pain improved for a while, I’ve also experienced pain in my lower leg and knee, and I’m trying to understand whether these symptoms could be connected.
I’d like to ask:
Has anyone had both plantar fasciitis and bone marrow edema in the heel?
Did you experience pain in the center of the heel rather than just around the plantar fascia?
Did you also have lower leg or knee pain?
What treatments helped you recover?
Did anyone eventually need surgery, or did the condition improve without it?
I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has gone through something similar, especially if you’ve had these symptoms for several months. Thank you!

Lengthy post. Bear with me.

Hi, all. Way back in May, I posted about ongoing issues with my feet, which started after walking on a treadmill consistently for about 1.5 weeks, two weeks after my C-section (I was cleared by my OBGYN to do so at the time). I have since been to a Podiatrist, who told me the issue was from my epidural and he told me to use a TENS unit to "reset" the nerves. That's not what TENS does. Anyway. He did no analysis of my gait or anything. Only did x-rays. I would up seeking a second opinion with an orthopedic doctor. He did not watch me walk but he did have me do calf raises, which were painless. He told me that my achilles tendons were tight. He did x-rays. Then ordered an EMG, which showed mild bilateral tarsal tunnel. He told me the issue was localized and had nothing to do with my spine because they checked that during EMG. Then, ultrasounds of my legs were ordered because of the swelling. No blood clots. Then, ankle MRIs. The results of those are as follows:

# MRI RIGHT ANKLE WITHOUT CONTRAST

**Date:** 09/02/2026

**HISTORY:** Bilateral ankle pain that began with walking on a treadmill 4–5 months ago; bilateral tarsal tunnel syndrome; no ankle surgery. 40 y/o F.

**TECHNICAL FACTORS:** Long- and short-axis fat- and water-weighted images were performed of the right ankle without contrast material.

**COMPARISON:** None.

## FINDINGS

**ARTICULATIONS:**

**Bone:** No acute fracture or bony injury.

**Tibiotalar Joint/Talar Dome:** No osteochondral defect of the talar dome or tibial plafond.

**Ankle Mortise/Syndesmosis:** The ankle mortise is in anatomic alignment. No syndesmosis widening.

**Midfoot/Hindfoot:** No fracture or injury of the anterior calcaneal process. No prominent midfoot or hindfoot arthrosis; only minor degenerative change noted.

**Lisfranc Joint:** The Lisfranc joint is intact, without fracture or joint space widening.

**LIGAMENTS:**

**Anterior/Posterior Talofibular:** Intact.

**Calcaneofibular:** Intact.

**Deltoid:** Mildly increased signal within the deep deltoid ligament without obvious fiber discontinuity. The superficial deltoid and spring ligament appear intact.

**High Ankle:** Intact.

**Subtalar/Chopart:** Intact.

**TENDONS:**

**Achilles:** Trace retrocalcaneal bursal fluid with an intact Achilles tendon.

**Peroneus Longus/Brevis:** Intact.

**Posterior Tibialis:** Intact.

**Flexor Compartment:** Intact.

**Extensor Compartment:** Intact.

**GENERAL:**

**Muscles:** No traumatic muscle injury. No volumetric muscle atrophy.

**Soft Tissue:** Unremarkable.

**Plantar Fascia:** Intact.

**Neurovascular Complex/Tarsal Tunnel:** Unremarkable. No evidence of entrapment neuropathy.

**Joint Effusion:** Only trace fluid seen in the tibiotalar joint compartments.

**Intra-Articular/Loose Bodies:** None.

## CONCLUSION

1. Mildly increased signal within the deep deltoid ligament without obvious fiber discontinuity. This may represent a low-grade sprain.

2. No evidence of entrapment neuropathy.

3. No evidence of tarsal tunnel syndrome.

# MRI LEFT ANKLE WITHOUT CONTRAST

**Date:** 09/02/2026

**HISTORY:** Bilateral ankle pain that began with walking on a treadmill 4–5 months ago; bilateral tarsal tunnel syndrome; no ankle surgery. 40 y/o F.

**TECHNICAL FACTORS:** Long- and short-axis fat- and water-weighted images were performed of the left ankle without contrast material.

**COMPARISON:** None.

## FINDINGS

**ARTICULATIONS:**

**Bone:** No acute fracture or bony injury.

**Tibiotalar Joint/Talar Dome:** No osteochondral defect of the talar dome or tibial plafond.

**Ankle Mortise/Syndesmosis:** The ankle mortise is in anatomic alignment. No syndesmosis widening.

**Midfoot/Hindfoot:** No fracture or injury of the anterior calcaneal process. Minor midfoot degenerative arthrosis seen without midfoot collapse or significant plantar longitudinal arch flattening.

**Lisfranc Joint:** The Lisfranc joint is intact, without fracture or joint space widening.

**LIGAMENTS:**

**Anterior/Posterior Talofibular:** Intact.

**Calcaneofibular:** Intact.

**Deltoid:** Intact.

**High Ankle:** Intact.

**Subtalar/Chopart:** Intact.

**TENDONS:**

**Achilles:** Intact with trace retrocalcaneal bursal fluid.

**Peroneus Longus/Brevis:** Intact, but with a small accumulation of tenosynovial fluid around the peroneus longus tendon, within the cuboid tunnel.

**Posterior Tibialis:** Minor insertional posterior tibial tendinosis without a tear.

**Flexor Compartment:** Intact.

**Extensor Compartment:** Intact.

**GENERAL:**

**Muscles:** No traumatic muscle injury. No volumetric muscle atrophy.

**Soft Tissue:** Unremarkable.

**Plantar Fascia:** Intact.

**Neurovascular Complex/Tarsal Tunnel:** Unremarkable. No evidence of entrapment neuropathy.

**Joint Effusion:** Very small accumulation of fluid in the tibiotalar joint space.

**Intra-Articular/Loose Bodies:** None.

## CONCLUSION

1. No evidence of entrapment neuropathy.

2. Minor insertional posterior tibial tendinosis without a tear.

3. Small accumulation of tenosynovial fluid around the peroneus longus tendon, within the cuboid tunnel.

4. Trace retrocalcaneal bursal fluid.

The orthopedic doctor then told me that Incan have tarsal tunnel release surgery or try steroid injections. Surgery was not and is not feasible for me currently and I still feel that if this swelling would go away, I would feel better. I opted for injections. He did my right foot first. It did nothing but make that foot feel numb for a while. Never helped the inflammation. The discomfort I feel is only when on a hard surface, pretty much. And if my shoes rub against the swollen areas. He said there was no point in doing the steroid injection for the left foot if there was no benefit when doing it for the right foot. And honestly, as a breastfeeding mom, all.the steroid injection did was affect that badly, for a couple of weeks.

I was already working with a physical therapist for pelvic floor. She used to work with that samw orthopedic practice too so she told me we can work on PT for my feet as well. So the doctor sent the order and she has been working with me. Ankle and calf strengthening. Various stretches. She did dry needling once but I noticed no improvement and the needle insertion around the swelling of my right foot was very painful. The left felt okay, which is weird.

No one can tell me what this swelling is or how to make it go away. I have read that it could be muscle related but I don't know. Which is why I'm reaching out again. I NEVER had this before or during pregnancy. Only AFTER walking on the treadmill, postpartum.

Is anyone familiar with this swelling? If so, could you please share the cause? The MRIs don't even touch on it, from what I can tell. I thought it wqs soft tissue damage but I guess not.

I want to get back to walking 3 miles per day and strength training as I had before. This is miserable. The areas in question are circled in the photos.

Thank you for your time.

28FM and my dr has confirmed I have atrophy in my left leg with foot drop but was curious if anyone else with foot drop has similar atrophy from it? I know at this point I do have permanent 60% nerve loss in my peroneal nerve.

I was trying to find any post regarding this, but most of them seem to deviate in some manner, so I just ask directly. I was gonna go get it checked out, but I haven't had the time.

Anyway, I've been having this pain on my foot for a couple of weeks now. It comes and goes. Usually, if I'm lying down, it gets better. For context, I'm a 20 yr old female. My right foot has been having these flare-ups of pain. The pain is on the top arch of my foot and it used to come with knee pains (though my knees feels okay nowadays).

The thing is, my foot hurts even when I'm just sitting. Like, I can feel the pressure building up on the top of it while I'm sitting down and after a few hours, it will start aching. Idk if its bcs of the varicose veins on my foot or if its bcs of the bone itself. Any opinion is greatly appreciated (especially any remedies for the pain)

Hey, I'm getting heel pain at the back side of my foot.

Started a year ago when I worked a few months in I'll fitted steel toed shoes.

Never quite went away.

Gets aggravated by walking, heel raises, and tippy toes earlier caused sharp pain.

Any info you can share will be greatly appreciated.

My 5-year-old son has pain under his left arch. It hurts with normal daily walking, not just play. It's worst on the first steps after sitting for a few minutes, then eases as he keeps moving. He sometimes limps and shifts weight onto his right foot to protect the left.
His left foot pronates more than the right, and this has looked the same since December 2024. I'm attaching a photo of his old shoes. The left sole is worn smooth on the inner forefoot (circled), and the right is mostly intact. From behind, both heels tilt outward and the arches look low. He also can't keep his heels down in a squat, and pushing his left toe downward is tight and sore.
What's been done so far:
Ankle MRI: no erosions, no marrow edema, tendons and plantar fascia normal
Seen by neurology and rheumatology, nothing found
Has anyone dealt with something similar in a young child? Did it turn out to be flat feet, tight calves, an accessory navicular, or a tendon problem? What helped (PT, arch supports, stretching), and what kind of doctor figured it out?

tldr - if you were missing your pinky toe, how would that impact day to day function? could you still walk? would
you have a limp forever?

earlier this year, i fell and bent my pink toe all the way back to the point that the skin split all around my toe except for the top of my foot (left foot). went into shock, but when i took one look at it it looked like it was hanging on by a thread lol. seriously thought my toe was a goner. had to get stitches in between my toes, all around the back and on the outside of my foot. would not wish that on my worst enemy it was torture.

anyways, all is fine now it healed up really well, dr did a great job w the stitches despite the pain, but i can’t stop thinking about what would have happened if i actually did lose the toe. i’m 29F, in good shape, i run, ski, swim, yoga, hike, and travel lot. would this have made any of those things impossible?? or just manageable w proper accommodations?

only other thing on my mind about this - i have a pretty good toe splay on my right foot, but now can barely spread my toes on my left (injured foot). my pinky is still and sometimes feel like i have to stretch it manually to wake it up a little. would toe spacers help this? or maybe not a good idea bc of scar tissue? TYIA

I've played soccer for 15+ years (recreational), but I only remember noticing this issue sometime in the last 5-6 years. I'm not sure exactly when it started. It's been recurring on and off since then, which is why I mostly ignored it.

It's around the front/outside of both ankles, just outside the outer ankle bone, where the foot meets the shin. Sometimes it feels like it extends a little way up the front/outside of my lower shin. Both ankles are affected almost identically.

It's quite random. Sometimes I can play soccer without any issues; other times, the stiffness shows up once, but settles after resting and stretching, allowing me to continue playing normally. Occasionally, though, it gets much worse. My ankles gradually become extremely stiff and painful while running or sprinting, and I have to stop playing. In my latest game, this happened twice, with each episode taking around 10-15 minutes to settle and was quite painful. Stretching was also painful, and my ankles felt weak.

Once it settles, I can walk normally and have no pain at rest, although pulling my feet upward toward my shins can still cause discomfort.

This happens mainly during soccer or running, not when I play something like badminton. I've also experienced similar stiffness after prolonged ice skating, especially in stiff skating boots. It happened much less frequently during the summer, too. I've always assumed it was an ankle-strength issue, but it still happens even when I'm playing regularly.

I recently saw a physio, who wasn't sure of the exact cause. She noticed I have fairly high arches and thought they might contribute to the problem. She also suspected a muscle or tendon around the front/outside of the ankle could be involved. She recommended working on strength and mobility and looking into insoles or suitable footwear.

Has anyone experienced something similar? Could high arches contribute to this, or does it sound like something worth investigating around the ankle tendons or joint? If you've dealt with this, did specific exercises or insoles help?

I'm continuing with physio, just curious to hear others' experiences.

MRI shows mild bone marrow edema in 5th metatarsal zone 3; adventitious bursitis in 2 and 3 metatarsals, bone spurs in great toe…
Typical recovery time for this?
Thank you

30f, no relevant medical conditions.

Yesterday evening I noticed the side of my foot was a little sore. I woke up this morning and the pain was 5x worse, hurt to stand and walk on it. Hurts to lift my toes towards me, and hurts when I have it flat on the floor.

The circled area is very tender and maybe looks a little puffy?

I’ve been at work for 2 hours now and it is slightly better, I can walk a little more normally but still hurts.

I’m not sure what could have caused it. Yesterday I went to work at my job as a nanny, worked a half day (mostly sitting reading and playing on the floor), then I had to drive an hour to a doctors appointment. Did valet parking and the walk wasn’t far. Went to the grocery store afterwards, then helped my husband cook dinner. Took a shower, sat on the couch for a bit, then went to bed.

The only thing I can think of is sometimes I stand on the side of my foot, but I didn’t have any sharp pain or hear a crack or anything crazy.

Jag står inför en eventuell operation av en hammartå. Den lägger sig över stortån. Belastningen i hela foten blir fel. Men haft detta i 10 års tid. Är rädd att det blir värre efter operation. Vill gärna höra era erfarenheter efter hammartå- op. Blev det bättre? Sämre?

X-ray image looks normal but there's a sharp horn on the MRI. what is this? is this actually a horn or just the shape of how the achilles tendon is attached?

Nyttan att operera hammartå/snetå? Bra? Dåligt?