Foot Pain When Running After Pregnancy

I recently got a question from a twenty-something you mother who was starting to run again. She had her baby about a year ago. Shortly after taking up running again, she started having pain on the outside of the foot. She explains, "I started back at the gym again. But recently my right foot hurts when I run. It practically leaves me crippled for a day or so afterwards. The pain is at the outside middle area of the foot where it ridges out." She wants to know if this is normal.

First of all, foot pain is never normal. Not before pregnancy, during pregnancy, or after pregnancy. The area of the foot that she is describing is most likely the base of the fifth metatarsal bone. This can be concerning for several injuries. The first concern would be a fracture or broken bone. This could have begun as a stress fracture during pregnancy. It is important to make sure that a stress fracture doesn't get worse. Stress fractures can usually be treated with rest and immobilization or support. If it gets worse and progresses to a more complicated type of break, they sometimes will need surgery.

Another possibility is a different type of foot fracture known as an avulsion fracture. This is where the tendon (peroneus brevis tendon) that attaches to that bone actually pulls so hard that it yanks a small piece of bone off. This injury is common among people who sprain their ankles. In effect, the peronues brevis muscle causes the injury during a failed attemept to stabilize the foot and ankle as it starts to roll. Unfortunately, it causes a fracture instead.

Still another possibility would be a torn peroneal tendon. If the peroneus brevis tendon was stretched out and weakened from the hormones related to pregnancy, it could have become torn. Most of these tears are really splits along the course of the tendon. If your run on them, they will usually get worse.

All of these conditions can easily be diagnosed by your local podiatrist, or podiatric foot surgeon. Under no circumstances would it be a good idea to run and just hope the pain will just go away. The more serious conditions can be diagnosed with and exam, x-rays, and if necessary, and MRI.

Although pregnancy is often related to many different types of foot pain, it is best to seek treatment early. The earlier treatment can begin, the better the outcome.


Dr. Christopher Segler is an Ironman Triathlon Finisher and award winning foot doctor specializing in elite athletes. He also specializes in the unique needs of pregnant women with foot pain. His podiatry practice is at the Ankle & Foot Center of Chattanooga. You can order a FREE copy of his informative book about common causes of foot pain at http://www.AnkleCenter.com.