In pain and in need of advise

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ShellyS717
ShellyS717 Posts: 7 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi everyone,

I've recently started running and have been out on around 6 runs. I'm really enjoying it and picking up quite quickly, managing around 3miles at the mo.
In last few days I've had pain on the base of my heel on my right foot, I can touch/press it with no pain but to walk on it is causing me pain and making me limp. It hurts most when either getting up first thing in the morning, after work when I've been on my feet most of the day and walking up and down stairs and makes pain shoot up my leg. By the end of the day my foot feels hot and as if it should be swollen. It can sometimes feel like I'm on the verge of getting pins and needles but never do.
I really don't want to miss to many days Running so any advise would be gratefully received!
Ps. I do have a good make/cushioned running shoes so don't think it would be them.

Shelly x

Replies

  • Luciewithienoty
    Luciewithienoty Posts: 15 Member
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    Have a read of this & see if the symptoms are similar:
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plantar_fasciitis

    Sounds a bit like Plantar Fasciitis - especially the early morning pain
  • GillianMcK
    GillianMcK Posts: 401 Member
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    Whilst you say you have a good make of shoes, did you get fitted for them and get gait analysis done??

    Can stress enough how important the CORRECT shoes are, if you haven't already done so go to a running shop and get put on the treadmill to have your gait analysed (I always take my last pair of running shoes with me so they can see the wear on them) and then get fitted for proper running shoes with the support in the correct places, running shoes also only have approx 400-600 miles in them, I only use mine for running, they don't get to go to the gym or walk to the shops or do anything else (with the exception of walking from the finish line of a run to the car, where they are changed for my other trainers).
  • BerryH
    BerryH Posts: 4,698 Member
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    Definitely sound like plantar fasciitis to me, the bane of my life! Getting refitted for running shoes (my gait had changed) and Sorbothane insoles made a huge difference.

    In the meantime, rest up, take ibuprofen, and put a round bottle of water in the freezer to roll under your foot for 15 minutes a few times a day.

    As a side note, I've now switched to Vibram FiveFingers barefoot shoes which have eliminated a lot of former running twinges BUT they're not for everyone, you have to build up gradually and you must use mid-foot landing.
  • _Zardoz_
    _Zardoz_ Posts: 3,987 Member
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    I agree PF maybe ease up a little as you maybe going at this too quickly as it takes your tendons and joints a while to get used to the stresses and strains of running. There are some good exercises such as rolling a frozen water bottle on the base of your foot. (google them). I had it for a while but found it went once I'd lost some more weight.

    As for gait analysis from a 'running store' personally I'm always skeptical as unless done by a specialist Running Phsiotherapsist or othopaedic specialist (not linked to a shop) it's normally just an excuse for a running shop to sell you the brand of shoes that they stock. It is though worth looking at your shoes if they are causing problems
  • lawlorka
    lawlorka Posts: 484 Member
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    Definitely Plantar Fasciitis. I know I've been there!

    Honestly, you need to rest. I had to take 6 weeks off running, get inserts for my normal every day shoes, wear a Strasbourg sock at night, and go get my gait analysed and a proper pair of running shoes.

    I still feel the niggle every now and again, and the sock makes a reappearance to try and prevent it coming back!

    I know you don't want to miss days running, but if you don't rest this now, you won't be able to run at all. My GP had to give up running because he ignored it, was barely able to walk for a year, and now can't even attempt running without it coming back.

    Best take action now before it gets worse, and action in this case is just rest. No high impact exercise at all. I took up Spin and Swimming while I was suffering.
  • ShellyS717
    ShellyS717 Posts: 7 Member
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    Thanks for all the advise guys really appreciated! X
  • ShellyS717
    ShellyS717 Posts: 7 Member
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    Where did you get the inserts for shoes? X
  • Phrick
    Phrick Posts: 2,765 Member
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    Where did you get the inserts for shoes? X

    I suffered from Plantar Fasciitis for a couple of years straight, the inserts that helped the most (I tried several brands) are called SuperFeet - the green ones. Run about $40 a pair but so worth the investment.
  • ShellyS717
    ShellyS717 Posts: 7 Member
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    Thank you I will look into getting some! X
  • BerryH
    BerryH Posts: 4,698 Member
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    I got Sorbothane Double Strike insoles from Amazon.
  • ShellyS717
    ShellyS717 Posts: 7 Member
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    Thank you x
  • Phrick
    Phrick Posts: 2,765 Member
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    If you have a Sport Chalet store nearby, I recommend you get whatever inserts you end up with, there - their return policy is stellar if you sign up for their free Action Pass. Even if you wear the inserts for a few days, or even up to a month, you can return them if they don't work out. Heck you can even return worn shoes if they're not just right. Their prices are sometimes a bit on the high side but the return policy is worth it, at least for the period of time when you're just trying things out to find what works.

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