It has been one week since I underwent surgery on my right metatarsophalangeal joint and would like to keep record of my progress, if any. I had been dealing with anterior and medial MTP pain for almost 11 months and any running really aggravated it. Even walking was painful and the joint would "pop" with almost every step. Radiographs were undiagnostic and steroid injections provided only temporary relief.
Running or any semblance of training was very difficult and not very enjoyable. I manage to do what I could as far as conditioning while I continued to battle the mystery pain. My mileage dropped from around 35-40 miles per week of running down to around 5 treadmill miles per week. I was fortunate to transition into weightlifting to maintain some fitness and strength.
After an MRI, recommended by a foot orthopedist, a diagnosis of a 5mm defect on the articular surface of the first metatarsal bone with overlying cartilage irregularity or possibly focal osteochondral injury. It was determined due to the duration of the injury, lack of any significant improvement with conservative methods, and the affect is had on walking/running, surgery would be the best option. On March 17, 2013, an arthroscopy of the MTP was performed with Microfracture. The arthroscopy procedure would remove the cartilage defect and microfracture is the process of creating small fractures on the bone at the area of cartilage loss. These holes or fractures create a clot which stimulates new cartilage formation.
Leading up to the surgery I did my best to keep my fitness as I knew I wouldn't be running post-surgery for awhile. In February 2013, I ran the the Tallahassee Marathon on pitiful mileage and no real long run training. I was fortunate to finish around 3:11. The following month (March 2013) I completed the Albany Snickers Marathon in one last attempt for a BQ(Boston Qualifier) (who was I kidding!). I ran with a friend for several miles on pace. However, the lack of distance training and the foot issue caused me to really struggle after 21 miles. I "limped" to the finish just under 3:16. A week later I ran the Gate River Run 15K in Jacksonville, 60:24. In early April I finished the Springtime 10K in 38:12, a huge PR - but not where I would be without the chronic foot problem. In mid April I was fortunate enough to run my favorite race, at least at the 5K distance, the Palace Saloon 5K. There were over 1,600 runners and I finished around 18:21. Just shy of my PR of 18:17. I really love those two races as I help with the websites for the events each year and they really gather a lot of interest. The final three races prior to surgery were the Rose City 10K in Thomasville, GA. I struggled a bit but finished around 38:57. Finally, on May 11th I ran the last two races before surgery - the Marzuq Shriners' Mother's Day 5K at Maclay Gardens and the Beer Mile at a friends' going away part. I finished 18:56 and 7:42, respectively. And that was it! My last race until, who knows when!?
Now just over a week after surgery I will say I am managing as well I could hope. I've begun the flexing or motion exercises required to help it heal correctly. It is somewhat painful but necessary to have a positive outcome. The most difficult part is limping around and avoiding placing too much weight on the toe. Taking it one day at a time. I cannot stand to sit down and do nothing.
Most of the GWTC team is going heading over the Eglin AFB to run the Gate-to-Gate 4.4 mile race. The club has competed as a team the last several years and more recently has dominated all classifications. This would be my forth year running but I'll be cheering for my fellow runners instead. They are very strong, probably the strongest team we have sent. Until next time!
