Running: pain on bottom of foot

iRun4wine
iRun4wine Posts: 5,126
edited September 22 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi all-

Just posting a question here kind of as a last resort before I think about seeing a doctor. I have talked to a whole bunch of people that really know their stuff about running, and no one has been able to come up with why the bottoms of both of my feet hurt so much when I run. It just started in the last month or so, and I'm fine until about 7 or 8 miles, and then they ache so badly that it's nearly unbearable:sad: . I've tried multiple pairs and brands of shoes- been fitted by 2 different professionals at the running store, and still haven't had any success in figuring out the problem. I've tried running on the rubber track rather than concrete, and that doesn't help.

I don't think it's an injury because it's perfectly equal pain in both feet. As I said, I'm just kind of posting this as a last resort before I schedule an appointment with a doctor if it doesn't begin to improve.

If you have any thoughts or suggestions, please share! :flowerforyou:

Thanks.

Replies

  • AndriaLL
    AndriaLL Posts: 162
    Have you tried orthotics? Not the ones that are made for everyone, but custom made ones? I have really bad feet (bunionectomies, stress fractures, tendinosis, hallux rigidus, plantar fasciitis are just a few I deal with on a regular basis) and can't even consider running without them.

    Also, when I had plantar fasciitis once, the pain was on the bottom of my foot, not just the heel like it usually is. That is something you shouldn't try to run through. It will only get worse, so you may just want to see your doctor before something gets damaged permanently.
  • minnesota
    minnesota Posts: 204 Member
    well it happens to a lot of us. I get pain around mile 6 and just suck it up. I have tried insoles, but those make my IT band hurt. I don't think it's anything medical just the wear on your feet. When I take time off from running it isn't that bad, but during training and running 1/2 marathons it comes on every time I reach mile six. I just try and ignore it. Sounds like you are doing all the right things with your shoes i.e. getting fitted and switching them out every 350-500 miles. I wouldn't dare run on concrete as there is no give to it. I stick to pavement and woodchip trails. I will say I have never had pain on woodchip trails.

    Sorry no miracle answer, but at least you know you aren't the only one. :)
  • JennSever
    JennSever Posts: 8
    oh my goodness, i have the very same prob. reading your post was like reading my problem! i have bought new shoes, gotten a massage and still, after about 30 min of ANY kind of exercise, the bottom of my feet hurt so bad! i have to say that i am pushing through it, as i have just made so many excuses in the past as to why i "can't" lose weight etc. so i am hoping that if i continue to lose the weight as i have been doing, the pain will subside.
    (i don't have insurance so going to the dr. isn't an option right now)
    pls let me know if you find something that alleviates the pain.
    good luck!
  • minnesota
    minnesota Posts: 204 Member
    I also take ibuprofen an hour before I run...seems to help a bit.
  • eryka77
    eryka77 Posts: 1
    I had this and went to the doctor and it was plantar fasciitis. It was pain from from my heel all the way through the arch of my foot, hurt so bad but was worse in the morning. If this sounds like you, you can google it to find some treatments but what I had to do was, stretch the bottoms of my feet daily, several times a day. The best stretch for me was to stand on the edge of a stair with the ball of my foot on the edge, my leg straight and pushing my heel toward the floor.
    I also wore orthotics in my shoe, just bought some from CVS, nothing prescription. And finally, ibuprofen. The doctor told me if this didn't work then I may need to get night splints to wear to bed but luckily for me the stretching routine worked.
  • iRun4wine
    iRun4wine Posts: 5,126
    Thanks for the replies.

    I do take excedrin before I run and it doesn't help. The pain is no better on softer surfaces, and its not the kind of pain I can "suck up" so thats not an option. I wish it was!

    Looking forward to other responses, too.

    Thanks.
  • Nich0le
    Nich0le Posts: 2,906 Member
    I also take ibuprofen an hour before I run...seems to help a bit.

    Hey Kelynn....here's my advice, Ibuprofen is not the best relief for feet because there isn't any muscle in your feet, only tendons and the tendons don't respond to anti inflammatories as well as muscle, although I have found it helps with the fasciatis.

    I would highly recommend just going to the doctor, I didn't find any true relief for my feet until I went to the foot and ankle specialist. They will be able to tell you right away if you over or under pronate, if you have any arch issues and they should be able to recommend some orthotics, mine had inexpensive inserts in the office to try before spending the $400 a custom pair would cost. I have had great relief from the inexpensive pairs and then using the information about my feet to go to the asics website and find which shoes are specificallly made for my issues. All of the running shoe sites have a shoe fit guide that will help you with this. I got really anal about it and made a chart of brands and styles then I hit the stores and tried on an infinite amount of shoes until I found 2 pairs I really liked.

    I have dealt with plantar fasciatis, tendonitis on the top of the foot and pain that runs along the outside and bottom of the foot, unfortunately for the last two I was told to rest, surprisingly I was told to keep moving with the fasciatis to keep that tendon from tightening....also if you think it is plantar fasciatis, most noted for immediate heal pain upon getting out of bed in the morning, you need to keep your calves nice and stretched too and you can use a yoga strap and before icing sit with your feet propped up and put the strap around the ball of you foot and pull your toes toward you and that will help stretch all the foot muscles.

    I could go on and on but see your doc and when you get a chance hit runners world up and look for stretches that will help.
    Hey, great job last weekend by the way! :drinker:
  • iRun4wine
    iRun4wine Posts: 5,126
    Thank you nicole. I am checking in from my phone. Will write more tomorrow
  • brityn
    brityn Posts: 443 Member
    Get the book BORN TO RUN. It's about the history of running...Very easy easy entertaining read. It explains about a lot of very common problems and injuries people have when they run. Very informative and will give you a new desire to get out there and run your *kitten* off
  • iRun4wine
    iRun4wine Posts: 5,126
    Get the book BORN TO RUN. It's about the history of running...Very easy easy entertaining read. It explains about a lot of very common problems and injuries people have when they run. Very informative and will give you a new desire to get out there and run your *kitten* off

    I've read it- great book :smile:
  • iRun4wine
    iRun4wine Posts: 5,126
    I also take ibuprofen an hour before I run...seems to help a bit.

    Hey Kelynn....here's my advice, Ibuprofen is not the best relief for feet because there isn't any muscle in your feet, only tendons and the tendons don't respond to anti inflammatories as well as muscle, although I have found it helps with the fasciatis.

    I would highly recommend just going to the doctor, I didn't find any true relief for my feet until I went to the foot and ankle specialist. They will be able to tell you right away if you over or under pronate, if you have any arch issues and they should be able to recommend some orthotics, mine had inexpensive inserts in the office to try before spending the $400 a custom pair would cost. I have had great relief from the inexpensive pairs and then using the information about my feet to go to the asics website and find which shoes are specificallly made for my issues. All of the running shoe sites have a shoe fit guide that will help you with this. I got really anal about it and made a chart of brands and styles then I hit the stores and tried on an infinite amount of shoes until I found 2 pairs I really liked.

    I have dealt with plantar fasciatis, tendonitis on the top of the foot and pain that runs along the outside and bottom of the foot, unfortunately for the last two I was told to rest, surprisingly I was told to keep moving with the fasciatis to keep that tendon from tightening....also if you think it is plantar fasciatis, most noted for immediate heal pain upon getting out of bed in the morning, you need to keep your calves nice and stretched too and you can use a yoga strap and before icing sit with your feet propped up and put the strap around the ball of you foot and pull your toes toward you and that will help stretch all the foot muscles.

    I could go on and on but see your doc and when you get a chance hit runners world up and look for stretches that will help.
    Hey, great job last weekend by the way! :drinker:

    Nichole, thank you SO much for taking the time to write me such a detailed reply. I know you've been through a lot as injuries go, and I definetely value your advice. The pain is BEST in the morning when I first get out of bed and worse at night. It hurts mainly at the ball of my foot- the heel is fine. That's why I'm thinking it's not plantar fasciatis (spelling? :huh: ) but who knows. I think you're right.... I think it may be time to visit the doctor- although finding one that isn't a moron is tough :laugh:
  • CakeFit21
    CakeFit21 Posts: 2,521 Member
    YES! Everything Nichole said!
    I was diagnosed just a couple of weeks ago with Achilles tendonitis, (pain that runs along the bottom of the foot/arch to the back of the heel) and the foot/ankle doc said the treatment is the similar for plantar fasciatis. Orthotics have helped me tremendously, and although I'm still having pain it is getting better. Stretch stretch stretch! It really helps.
    Good luck!

    Go straight to a foot/ankle specialist if you can. :smile:
  • iRun4wine
    iRun4wine Posts: 5,126
    Thanks, karincakes. I think I'll be scheduling an appointment with a doctor :ohwell:
  • ezrida
    ezrida Posts: 36
    First of all get a professional diagnosis before you spend more time, money and effort.
    I am dealing with plantar fasciitis for more than a year now in both of my feet(!). I understood that treatment efficiency is very individual. If something works for one it may not work for the other. There are many treatment techniques that you can try.
    Did you try Taping? I have found it very useful. Taping will keep your foot from getting injured again and will help you get through your daily routine and running exercises. There are a few Taping techniques you can use.
    I also found a very informative website with more good ideas in:
    http://www.plantar-fasciitis-elrofeet.com
    Take care & Good luck
  • iRun4wine
    iRun4wine Posts: 5,126
    First of all get a professional diagnosis before you spend more time, money and effort.
    I am dealing with plantar fasciitis for more than a year now in both of my feet(!). I understood that treatment efficiency is very individual. If something works for one it may not work for the other. There are many treatment techniques that you can try.
    Did you try Taping? I have found it very useful. Taping will keep your foot from getting injured again and will help you get through your daily routine and running exercises. There are a few Taping techniques you can use.
    I also found a very informative website with more good ideas in:
    http://www.plantar-fasciitis-elrofeet.com
    Take care & Good luck

    Thank you- I will check it out :flowerforyou:
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