For anyone that is interested in my foot woes, here’s the scoop: Turns out I have severe bi-lateral PF (which I knew) as well as calcaneal bursitis under my right heel, which has been causing the severe pain. Normal width for the plantar fascia is 4mm - mine was just over 8mm, so the inflammation was extreme and acute. The doc took immediate action to try to bring down the swelling by using ultrasound as a guide for a shot of cortisone, which he located directly in the bursa. Because he went in from the bottom of the foot, it hurt like a BITCH yesterday, but feels better this morning.
My plantar fasciitis is a symptom of my biomechanics - I'm bowlegged and under-pronated, and my big toe locks in mid-foot stance, so my foot never has a chance to recover, thereby putting a ton of pressure on my plantar with every step I take (rear and forefoot valgus, I think, for all you biomechanics nerds). The orthotics that I had made did nothing to improve the pressure my gait was putting on my plantar – but instead actually increased it by putting an extremely rigid plate under my already extremely rigid foot. On the bright side, however, the rigidity of the orthotic did actually protect my foot during Cascade Crest – and gave me some relief from the constant tugging… but then it came back to haunt me during the run around Mt. Hood, because my feet were alreadypretty badly damaged at that point (and the bursitis had set in). Would I do Mt. Hood again, if I had the choice? Maybe- but most of the severe issues I'm experiencing now, are directly related to pushing through that particular run so soon after CCC. If I hadn't already pushed through the year on bad PF, Mt. Hood whouldn't have been an issue. But because I had taken "band-aid" steps to be able to compete well at CCC, I should have known better than to think I would be able to a) run Mt. Hood pain free, and b) keep up with the 3 other elite runners who were there (Phil Kochik, Gary Robbins, and Rune Melcher). I pushed too hard, over-compensated laterally in an attempt to alleviate some of the bilateral foot pain, and everything just kind of hit a wall about 30 miles in - and I knew I needed a break.
I have basically not done any running since Mt. Hood, which was in mid-September. Ironically, it wouldn't have mattered if I had or hadn't, because the inflamed bursa sack would have remained regardless (mostly because I'm on my feet all day at work anyway). But the pain was so severe to even walk, that running was out of the question, regardless of whether or not I wanted to hit the trails. It's been a good break for me. I've been running pretty solid for about 3 years now; I have progressed to a level I never thought possible, and have not only completed previously unthinkable distances, but have actually competed in a few of those races as well. Every step I take is a learning experience - and I'm hoping to be able to come back next year stronger, smarter, and healthier (both mentally and physically).
The prognosis is good – another month completely off of running and any sort of cardio that tugs on my plantar (meaning no elliptical, not that I’m going to miss it). I’ll be on a strong NSAID for 3 weeks to help with the swelling, do a ton of stretching and icing, wear a new and improved night splint every night to bed, and then I’ll get fit for new orthotics at the beginning of the year (when my insurance allows me to get a new pair). I should be running by December, and back on the race circuit by Chuckanut
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