I am really fustrated at the moment because I have had to take 2 weeks off running because of my ankle. Just FYI, I usually run 3 times a week, 4 miles each time I go out, although I have only recently increased my distance to that.

About a month ago I hurt my right foot, just one time when I was out running it just started to hurt half way round for no apparent reason. The next day I could hardly walk and when I looked it up on the internet it appears that I had Metatarsalgia. I took a week off running and it started to feel better, although even now it is not right.

After a week back at running the same thing happened, but in my left ankle, it just started hurting half way round and stupidly I carried on running for another mile until it was so bad I could hardly walk. The next day I could hardly walk at all. I have since taken 2 weeks off running, and although it is better, it still hurts just walking.

I want to go running again because I am so worried that having time off, I will be too unfit to run, but I am also worried that if I run too soon, my ankle will be really bad again.

So has anyone got any advice as to what it wrong with my ankle and how long I should leave the running, or can I start now and see how it goes? How quickly will I loose fitness by having time off?

Sorry for the essay of a post, and thank you if you managed to read it all!

it takes about 2 weeks i think to start loosing fitness... you could try something like swimming or some other form of cross training to keep the fitness going?

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BP, You are holding tension in your ankle when your run and more than likely pushing your foot to the ground really hard. Don't rush your foot to the ground, but instead pick them up off the ground. You won't run any faster by hitting the ground hard. Extra cushioning in shoes will not help with your ankle pain.

Don't worry too much about fitness - 2 weeks is nothing, you'll probably even run better after the period off. Why not be more concerned about your overall physical shape - the less pain you are in the better and faster you will run. When you get back running, don't try and protect it (ankle/foot) as you will end up tensing it even more and re-injure; take your focus away and try and run lighter.

Ok thank you so much for the advice. I am going to run for just a mile tonight to see how it is.

Edit: Ok I ran a mile but my ankle hurts so much. It just seems like resting it is not helping at all. I just wish I knew what was wrong with it and how long it will take to get better.

I have spent ages trawling through the internet to find what is wrong with my ankle and foot and it would appear that I have peroneal tendinitis. Has anyone had this?

I haven't, but I'll just *bump* it for you in case anyone else can help!

I haven't, but I hope you get it sorted soon and can get back out enjoying your running

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BP, if it is peroneal tendinitis then you are holding excess tension in the ankle, landing on the lateral edge of your foot and not allowing your foot to pronate normally. There is a good chance you are striding out too much (the further you stride out the more chance you will land laterally on the edge of your foot).

Rest lots and take it easy otherwise this can take a long time to sort itself out (i.e turn into tendonitis)

Ok, thank you for the advice. I did a run tonight with it strapped up and it wasn't too bad.