How neuroma in your toe may affect how you run in the Miami half marathon

Q. I am a 69-year-old runner who has had pain in my left foot between my third and fourth toe. This pain has changed my gait and now I have developed left hip pain. I am able to run, but it is limiting my training for the Miami half marathon on Feb. 2. Running is important to me and I don’t want to stop. Any suggestions?

A. What you describe as one injury altering your gait can result in a secondary injury in another body part. Your foot injury may be a condition known as a neuroma, which is an irritation of a nerve between your toes.

This can be felt as a sharp pain, a burning sensation, tingling or numbness. It is important to make certain that you do not have a stress fracture from overuse that can also cause pain when running.

Neuromas can be treated with wider running shoes, not walking barefoot, anti-inflammatory medications or an injection.

Your hip issue may be an ITB syndrome. This is caused by a muscle that runs from the pelvis to the outside of your lower leg being tight and rubbing on the bone on the outside of your hip.

This is treated with rehab to improve your flexibility. Both conditions should be seen by an orthopedic surgeon to make sure it is safe to keep training and also to get yourself better so you can enjoy the race.

Dr. Harlan Selesnick is team physician of the Miami Heat and Inter Miami. Send your questions to HarlanS@baptisthealth.net