Foot Pain After Injury: Causes and Recovery Time - Rehabilitation

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After sustaining an injury to your left foot from being run over by a vehicle, it is understandable that you are experiencing pain, particularly around the cuneiform area. Given that you have already undergone an X-ray which showed no fractures, it is likely that your symptoms are related to soft tissue damage rather than a bony injury.
The presence of a hematoma (bruising) and subsequent pain can be attributed to several factors. When the foot is subjected to trauma, the surrounding soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments, can be injured. In your case, the pain you are experiencing near the cuneiform bones could indeed be related to the long toe flexor tendons, which may have been strained during the incident. If you resumed walking too soon after the injury, it could have led to tendonitis or inflammation of the tendons, which is consistent with your suspicion of tendon involvement.

Tendonitis can occur when a tendon is overused or subjected to stress before it has fully healed. The symptoms typically include localized pain, swelling, and sometimes a feeling of weakness in the affected area. In your case, the pain during walking suggests that the tendons or surrounding structures are still irritated and may require more time to heal.
In terms of recovery time, it can vary significantly based on the severity of the injury and how well you adhere to rest and rehabilitation protocols. Generally, soft tissue injuries can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to heal completely. Since you have already been managing your symptoms with ice and elevation, continuing to avoid excessive walking and gradually increasing your activity level as tolerated will be crucial.
Physical therapy may also be beneficial in your recovery process. A physical therapist can provide you with specific exercises to strengthen the muscles around the foot and improve flexibility, which can help prevent future injuries. Additionally, they can guide you on proper techniques to avoid putting undue stress on the injured area as you return to normal activities.

It is important to listen to your body during this recovery phase. If you experience increased pain or swelling, it may be a sign that you are pushing too hard. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider can help monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as necessary.
In conclusion, while it is possible that you are experiencing tendonitis due to the initial injury and subsequent activity, the best course of action is to continue resting the foot, engage in physical therapy, and gradually return to normal activities. With proper care, you can expect to see improvement over the coming weeks, but it is essential to be patient and allow your body the time it needs to heal fully. If symptoms persist or worsen, further evaluation may be necessary to rule out any underlying issues.