foot pain, outside of left foot at the top, right below the small toe

I run a lot, training for a marathon.  For a couple of runs I have felt a bruise like pain on my left foot, right below the small toe.  This morning when I got up, it hurt to walk on.  Any ideas?

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

The common reason is faulty footwear and inflammation of the toes and feet. I would suggest you to take anti inflammatory medications, rest your feet for a day, use ice packs to decrease the inflammation and to change into appropriate foot wear when you start afresh.

If symptoms continue then you would need an examination near an orthopedician to rule out complications.

Take care!

[heltont23]

I have great running shoes, and have specially fitted orthotics.  I took two weeks off, it didn't go away.  I have had two sets of x-rays, so far it isn't a stress fracture.  The doc ordered a bone scan to rule out a stress fracture.  Yesterday when I was running it would kill when I first started to run, but then it would go away.  I'm still training on it, until I know what it is at this point.  

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

I would suggest you to rest and not to exert yourself till properly diagnosed. Take NSAIDs intermittently and also apply ice packs.

If required go for an MRI to diagnose any soft tissue problems. X-rays will diagnose all bony problems.

Take care!