Your body weight places extreme pressure on the joints of your big toe when running. In addition, your big toe rapidly flexes upward during a strenuous exercise event such as running a marathon. These stresses can result in joint pain in the big toe. Because pain can be severe, it is important to understand why it can occur after a marathon and how it can be treated.
Symptoms
Joint pain in the big toe can range from mild to severe and can worsen if you pull or push your toe upward or downward. Additional symptoms can include joint and toe swelling, tenderness, stiffness, inflammation, loss of mobility and abnormal toe alignment. You also might notice bone deformity such as the formation of a large lump on the joint of the big toe.
Causes
Joint pain in the big toe can be caused by the increased mileage, speed or hill work involved with running a marathon. Improper footwear also can place pressure on the joints in your toes, resulting in pain. Joint pain also be due to a stress fracture, bone spur, bunion or abnormal joint alignment, and some medical conditions, such as hallux limitus, gout and osteoarthritis, can trigger joint pain in the big toe following a marathon.
Treatments
Place ice on the joint of your big toe immediately following your marathon to help reduce pain and inflammation. Take an anti-inflammatory medicine like ibuprofen to help ease symptoms, and position a spacer between your first and second toe to help relieve pain. Seek medical attention if symptoms are chronic or severe. Conditions such as a stress fracture, bone spur or bunion might require surgical treatment.
Tips
Wear shoes that are specifically designed for running that have adequate cushioning, stability and arch support. Get fitted at a store if you are unsure what type of shoe will match your foot type. Talk to your doctor about a prescription orthotic device if you have flat feet, a high arch or an abnormal foot type. This type of device will help redistribute your weight, keeping it away from the joint of your big toe.
References
- "Running Times Magazine"; Owner's Manual: Big Toe. Big Deal!; Cathy Fieseler; November 2007
- Cool Running; Foot Pain; Josh Clark
- TrailRunner; The "A" Word; Yvonne Weber; November 2004
