Foot Pain after Running

Discuss injuries, health issues, medical research and other related things.

Moderators: Boss Man, cassiegose

Atticus
ESTABLISHED MEMBER
Posts: 124
Joined: Thu Sep 11, 2008 9:44 am

Foot Pain after Running

Post by Atticus »

Oops, I did it again (and not in a good way). I went running today and did about 2.5miles. Running, walking, and sprints. I think the sprints are what did it to me.

Mainly right foot. In the middle below the top balls of foot is rather discomforted. I did this before ages ago when I one day decided to run like 4 miles on the track. But that was a MUCH more horrible experience. I couldn't even put pressure on it for 3 days. This time it's not as bad. I can walk on it, put pressure on it, I can just feel the discomfort coming.

I haven't really "ran" too often lately. I think that's probably problem. I guess it's like buying a new car. You can't just put the pedal to the floor when you just get it. You gotta break it in first.

I'm not sure if it's an issue, but usually walk a little wide. As in feet point more outwards than straight. I blame this habit on when I was in school and always had to not step on people's feet. But however when I run I think I tend to try and straighten feet out (to attempt to correct walk and to improve running). Could that have anything to do with it?

Also the real main question I guess I got here:

Any remedies for this foot discomfort?
swanso5
VETERAN
Posts: 10658
Joined: Mon Jan 16, 2006 4:25 pm
Location: melbourne, australia

Post by swanso5 »

get fit to run, not run to get fit

why do you have to run?

www.uponlinetraining.com
Atticus
ESTABLISHED MEMBER
Posts: 124
Joined: Thu Sep 11, 2008 9:44 am

Post by Atticus »

swanso5 wrote:get fit to run, not run to get fit

why do you have to run?

www.uponlinetraining.com
Starting June 22nd I am required to run 3 miles every Mon, Wed, and Fri. So I'm trying to get 'fit to run' now.

Any pointers to aid this?
User avatar
Boss Man
SITE ADMIN
Posts: 15458
Joined: Sat Nov 25, 2006 3:27 pm

Post by Boss Man »

Several things to consider.

1. Are you using a Pronated, (Ankle rolls inwards), regular or Supinated, (Ankle rolls outwards), style?

This would have some bearing on what type of shoe to wear.

2. You might need orthotics.

3. You might have caused yourself Plantar Fasciitis. the Plantar is a strip of connective tissue running between the Heel and Ball of the Foot. Plantar Fasciitis is an inflmmation of the area.

4. You might have triggered some form of Tendonitis.

5. It's a simple strain.

6. You're using some sort of improper technique.

7. You're using worn out shoes, that allow more impact on the balls of the feet.

8. You're using a very hard terrain, so perhaps use a more grassy or softer terrain if possible.
Last edited by Boss Man on Fri May 29, 2009 12:07 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Atticus
ESTABLISHED MEMBER
Posts: 124
Joined: Thu Sep 11, 2008 9:44 am

Post by Atticus »

Right now I use a decently new pair of Nike Shocks. I believe I run with ankle rolling inwards.

I'm gonna let it heal up and try it again (just to make sure it wasn't a one time deal). If not I'm most likely going to go to a place that specializes in running shoes and get me a pair distinctively for feet.

When you run, you're supposed to land on your heel and roll to your toe, right? I think the sprints are what really did it to feet. Since I'm not used to it and I do nothing but keep on tippy toes (probably more like "running" on tippy toes). That may be the culprit as well.

I've ran that 1.25 miles before, and did some sprints int he field. And walked back without any complications at all. I did it another time without any complications (that time no sprints).
User avatar
Boss Man
SITE ADMIN
Posts: 15458
Joined: Sat Nov 25, 2006 3:27 pm

Post by Boss Man »

No you don't heel strike when running, or you could get Shin Splints, and possibly Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, maybe an Achilees Heel issue as well.

You should go for front foot first.
Last edited by Boss Man on Fri May 29, 2009 12:08 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Atticus
ESTABLISHED MEMBER
Posts: 124
Joined: Thu Sep 11, 2008 9:44 am

Post by Atticus »

Boss Man wrote:You should go for front foot first.
I'm having trouble wrapping mind around this.. what exactly do you mean? Land flat footed? Landing on upper foot first.. where does the rest of the foot come in?


*edit*

I realized when I run/walk I tend to land on heel and roll on the outside edge of foot (away from the arch. I have a high arch).

Right now most of the pain/discomfort is in right foot, right side below the 3 toes (mostly pinky/ring toes).

I'm guessing I'm going to need better shoes to fit body's way of running? or...?
Last edited by Atticus on Fri May 29, 2009 12:11 pm, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
Boss Man
SITE ADMIN
Posts: 15458
Joined: Sat Nov 25, 2006 3:27 pm

Post by Boss Man »

No I mean you plant on the ball and under the Toe, then the rest of the foot should follow.
Atticus
ESTABLISHED MEMBER
Posts: 124
Joined: Thu Sep 11, 2008 9:44 am

Post by Atticus »

Boss Man wrote:No I mean you plant on the ball and under the Toe, then the rest of the foot should follow.
I added some stuff from last reply. Also so you mean.. you hit the ball under the toes. Then you put your heel down?
User avatar
Boss Man
SITE ADMIN
Posts: 15458
Joined: Sat Nov 25, 2006 3:27 pm

Post by Boss Man »

Yes more or less. I don't actually run, well except sometimes when there's a bus to catch, but I know how I tend to run naturally, and it's kind of how I described it.

Yes it sounds like you might need a different type of shoe perhaps.
Atticus
ESTABLISHED MEMBER
Posts: 124
Joined: Thu Sep 11, 2008 9:44 am

Post by Atticus »

amatlack wrote:Get better shoes. I have the same issues as you, and it's called underpronate (sometimes superpronate)...."overpronate" is when you roll inward, which is what most people do.

If you use a pair of shoes for a while, turn them over and look at the tread. The tread will be worn down on the outside but not the inside.

I think mine is also due to a high arch. :D

You need to go to an athletic shoe store and explain. If you say, "Show me the shoes for underpronation" and they look at you like you're from another planet, go to another shoe store.

Also, especially with running, you need to make sure that you're getting new shoes at least every 6 months. I get knee issues, so when knees start tweaking, I know I'm past due for new shoes...like now......

Thing is, most shoes are made for the overpronated folks, so if you get a regular pair of shoes, it might be making your problem worse. It's hard to find shoes for underpronation. If you get a neutral shoe, that will work too. Just make sure there's not extra support forcing you to roll further outwards.
You are a godsend. I'm going to a New Balance store tomorrow to find new shoes.

Anyone know any good brands of shoes?
Packard
VETERAN
Posts: 1321
Joined: Mon Nov 17, 2008 9:31 am

Post by Packard »

When you run your foot should strike the ground when your foot is right beneath you. If you have a heel strike you are over-striding.

If you are sprinting (220 yards or less) then you can get up on the balls of your feed and run off your toes. But still you foot will strike when it is directly beneath you.

This article is fairly clear: http://www.runningplanet.com/training/running-form.html
Atticus
ESTABLISHED MEMBER
Posts: 124
Joined: Thu Sep 11, 2008 9:44 am

Post by Atticus »

Packard wrote:When you run your foot should strike the ground when your foot is right beneath you. If you have a heel strike you are over-striding.

If you are sprinting (220 yards or less) then you can get up on the balls of your feed and run off your toes. But still you foot will strike when it is directly beneath you.

This article is fairly clear: http://www.runningplanet.com/training/running-form.html
That helped very much. Thank you.
Atticus
ESTABLISHED MEMBER
Posts: 124
Joined: Thu Sep 11, 2008 9:44 am

Post by Atticus »

amatlack wrote:
I wear New Balance. Adidas does make a trail running shoe (or they did) for folks like us. But I still like the New Balance.

I know a couple marathon runners that swear by Asics or whatever they are. Never tried them.
buddy swears by Asics and he was just a cross country guy. I may look into those. But I'm most likely going with New Balance. Since they seem to be working for you, and I got a store nearby.
Atticus
ESTABLISHED MEMBER
Posts: 124
Joined: Thu Sep 11, 2008 9:44 am

Post by Atticus »

amatlack wrote: I've heard it said that the higher the number of the NB shoe, the higher the quality. I don't know if that's the case...but they do seem to be slightly more expensive!
shoes are going to be mainly for the police academy. For six months I'll be running 3 miles 3 times a week. So I want feet in the healthiest shape possible. Which means paying much for a great pair of shoes.

I'll go in there and talk to the guy/girl.
Post Reply