I was injury-free for the first 45 years of my life.  That’s because I did nothing (exercise-wise.)

Then I began to exercise to stay active and healthy.  Here’s what happened:

• about 14 years ago – strained metatarsals on right foot – from tennis
• about 11 years ago – broken 5th metatarsal on right foot – from waterskiing fall
• about 5 years ago – frozen right shoulder, spinal stenosis –  from golf
• about 4 years ago – meniscus tear in left knee –  from tennis
• about 15 months ago – Achilles tendonitis in right foot – from running and/or tennis
• 9 months ago – broken left ankle – from an icy fall
• Tuesday – see below for my own diagnosis:

The extensor tendons come from the small muscles in front of the leg. They cross the front of the ankle, pass over the top of the foot, attaching to the big and lesser toes. These tendons function to pull the foot upward as well as work with the Achilles tendon and calf muscles to pull the foot downward. When they are over stressed they become inflamed and painful. Extensor tendonitis is commonly caused by tightness of the calf muscle, over exertion, or falling of the foot arch. Treatment consists of stretching, orthotics, and oral anti-inflammatory medications. In more severe cases, a removable below the knee cast may be utilized until full healing can occur.

I am trying to not freak out!

I assume that it is from overuse which is logical.  I have been running, walking & biking for the last 4 months with a recovering left ankle.  That’s puts extra stress on my good foot.

I felt fine on Sunday and great Monday evening playing tennis.  In fact, I played my best tennis since returning – even won 6-1. 6-3 with two different partners.

Then Tuesday morning, I got up early to run and the top of my foot hurt when I started to run.  I hoped that the pain would go away but it didn’t.  I tried to walk/run and not make it hurt which was very awkward.  I stopped and iced and took ibuprofen.  I did that yesterday and I plan to continue with ice and ibuprofen. (It does feel a lot better today than on Tuesday..)

I know rest is the solution.

Do I run tonight to test it?  Do I skip my race (for the Cure) on Saturday?  Do I skip my long run over the weekend?  Do I skip tennis next Monday & Tuesday (it is hard to get subs!!)?

Injuries SUCK!

Happy Running!  Anyone experience the same problem?