Arch Pain in Left Foot/Flat Feet - What to Do?

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michybeans
michybeans Posts: 106
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi all,
I've been working out regularly for a few months now, some of it at home (30 Day Shred, etc) and some at a gym (elliptical, treadmill, bike). I try and do 1hr of cardio 1-2 times a week at the gym in addition to the at home stuff. All was fine for months. Then suddenly, starting a few weeks ago, I get terrible arch pain in my left foot only while exercising at the gym. It has happened in the right too but only a few times. Now it's getting to be every time (left foot only), and I have to cut my workout short and it's so frustrating (not to mention painful). Pain lasts anywhere from 10-20 minutes and I literally cannot put pressure on it or walk. It's like it goes numb and spasmey too.

I've only had my shoes about 6 months, they are Nike running shoes. I've tried arch support socks (tight in the middle), insoles, stretches (I find stretching helps it go away faster but I want to prevent them - and I do stretch/warm up before workout). What can I do so this doesn't keep happening when I work out? I never get them any other time other than at the gym.

I have flat feet if that matters... although I used to play soccer, run track and all that with no problems. However I got very bad knees from that so I can't run anymore - all I am doing at the gym is walking (briskly)uphill on treadmills and elliptical/bike, lower impact stuff.

My Nikes are super comfy and I never have this problem when I'm out walking around town or hiking with the same shoes, just the gym.

Sorry for the long post. But any ideas you have to help me out would be so appreciated! I just wanna workout and this is getting in the way! Thanks. :)

Replies

  • cafeaulait7
    cafeaulait7 Posts: 2,459 Member
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    You might want to tape them or get a brace. Google around. Just don't try anything for long if it doesn't work. It'll basically help or not help. Good luck! I have to tape mine for plantar fasciitis sometimes. It works great. That could be what you have going on. I'm sure there aren't that many ways to tape arches, so you'll find something, lol.
  • elsdonward
    elsdonward Posts: 81 Member
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    A couple of years ago I went to a specialist with a similar complaint - and straight away he told me that my hamstrings were too tight - he made mestretch up and down with my foot every night and morning - do lots of lower leg stretches to free off your sinews and also take a small can and roll each foot backwards and forwards on it (whilst watching TV?

    iT GOT RIDE OF MY PROBLEM - OTHERWISE YOU CAN GET SCHOLL INSERTS FOR FLAT FEET
  • michybeans
    michybeans Posts: 106
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    Thank you both for replying - I will definitely try taping, and also those stretches! Hope it works. :)
    Cheers!
  • virpags
    virpags Posts: 8 Member
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    I swear by Powerstep Original full length orthotic insoles. I had similar problems earlier this year and went to a podiatrist. He game me these insoles to use asap while having custom orthotics made. I could tell an immediate difference after only one workout. And, I have never used the custom orthotics because they make my shoes too tight. I would say I have at least 95% improvement just with the Powerstep insoles. You can buy them on Amazon or protherapysupplies.com. Good luck!
  • RonW956
    RonW956 Posts: 105 Member
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    I had the same problem.
    Honestly I never had much luck with Nike shoes.....for some reason they just hurt my feet and toes during extended wearing.... I found out that by wearing different shoes a day helps a lot. For example, I'm close enough that I can walk to work each day so I wear my regular tennis shoes, (nikes, lol) walk to work and at work I change into my work shoes, (Dr. Scholls) then back into my tennis shoes for the walk home and before I head out for my jogs I change into my Merrell running shoes...that and some Ibuprofen helped too....
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,209 Member
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    Pain lasts anywhere from 10-20 minutes and I literally cannot put pressure on it or walk. It's like it goes numb and spasmey too.

    Symptoms that severe should be checked out by an orthopedist.

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