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Having Foot Pain and Feeling Discouraged

runningmommycrosland
runningmommycrosland Posts: 23
edited December 2024 in Social Groups
I have been running pretty consistently since January. I did the couch to 5k program, and now I'm doing "base training" for a half marathon. I start "official training" in about a month. I am discouraged, though. I have tried about 5 different types of shoes and cannot seem to get rid of foot pain. I have tried minimalist shoes (Brookes PureConnect), barefoot shoes (Merrell Pace Glove), getting fitted at a running store (Brookes Ghost5), etc. The pain is always there when I run... no matter what shoe I wear. In fact, my pain was significantly worse when I ran in shoes from the running store (Run On). Not only did I have pain in my foot, but also in my knee (that was new). I'm not sure what else to do. I guess the only other option is to go to a chiropractor or doctor to see what's going on. The pain is in the ball of my right foot, and it goes up into my toes.

Anyone else have this issue? If so, what did you do? I am so discouraged that I won't be able to do the half marathon! I can run 2.5-3 miles okay, but after that is when the pain is really bad.

Replies

  • sakamanojr
    sakamanojr Posts: 378 Member
    Since you have already tried many different pairs of shoes I would recommend that you get your foot checked out.
    There may be something wrong that shoes will not correct. Keep a positive attitude and listen to the medical advice you receive as we runners have a habit to try and run through injuries and make it worse.
    Send me a message if you have any other questions and good luck :)
    Saka
  • runningmommycrosland
    runningmommycrosland Posts: 23
    Since you have already tried many different pairs of shoes I would recommend that you get your foot checked out.
    There may be something wrong that shoes will not correct. Keep a positive attitude and listen to the medical advice you receive as we runners have a habit to try and run through injuries and make it worse.
    Send me a message if you have any other questions and good luck :)
    Saka

    Thanks for the encouragement :-). I made an appointment for tomorrow. We'll see what happens :-).
  • l3ugjuice
    l3ugjuice Posts: 233
    Yep, I have the exact same problem. For me, it was shoes (as evidenced by the 20 pairs in my closet I cant run in).

    There are two types of shoes I can run in w/o either pain in my foot or pain in my lower back: Asics Gel Strikes, and Reebok Zig Flys.

    Also: apparently I have a really goofy foot, and an even goofier gait.
  • pdworkman
    pdworkman Posts: 1,342 Member
    I would add a few recommendations of things that have helped me. These are in addition to having your foot evaluated, not instead of!

    - Also get a gait analysis done by someone experienced. Have it videoed, not just eye-balled. My PT thought that my gait looked just fine when he watched it with the naked eye, couldn't see the issues with it until he slowed the video way down. (I knew that I would have gait issues because of my significant leg length discrepancy, but I have accommodated it my whole life and it is very hard to see the changes.)

    - Get some accupuncture for the pain. It can make a huge difference.

    - Take a pen or marker and mark the places where the pain is localized when it is at it's worst, because without fail it will feel a bit better when the doctor looks at it, and you won't be able to point out the exact location it is centred. (Do this for every doctor you are consulting!)

    - Do pilates/core strengthening. Anything from the top of your head right down to your feet could be causing foot pain, it isn't necessarily caused by your feet. Also do leg strengthening - squats, lunges, stretches, etc., but don't skip core work. Swimming or pool running are also supposed to be very good.

    - Take glucosamine regularly for at least a month.

    - Ice your foot and leg at bedtime while you're watching tv or doing something quiet and comfortable. Icing it after a run never worked for me. I was always too busy getting ready for the day and would not spend enough time on it. Ice not just the area that hurts, but all areas around it, anywhere the pain shoots up to, anything that feels warm or tender while you are relaxing. You may find that you really stiffen up while doing this, but rest assured that it will be better in the morning than if you didn't ice it. Take ibuprofen before bed, and again before your run next day.

    - Dial it back. When does the pain start? If it starts at 2.5 miles, then keep your runs to 2 miles for a while. Once you're feeling strong, add a walk break and run for another minute or two. Increase *very* gradually, and if it starts to hurt, stop and walk. If it only happens when you run fast, then work on running slow for now. If it hurts when you run down or up hills, then walk the hills. Find the things that trigger it, eliminate them, and continue to build your base on "safe", non-painful runs until it heals. You will be able to move ahead, but if you do it too fast, you're going to be injured.

    - If your foot/gait require you to get orthotics of some sort, you start training from scratch. Don't try to run the distances that you are used to. Start extremely slow. Slow jog for a block, walk for a block, etc., and if your muscles start to cramp or foot starts to hurt, then walk home. Increase your mileage very slowly. It will take weeks, but keep you from getting an injury from wearing the orthotic without allowing your body time to adjust to it.
  • nermal6873
    nermal6873 Posts: 344 Member
    I had a similar problem for a bit and took a little over a week off to ice and rest before trying new shoes again. I wasn't giving my foot enough time to feel better before running again (even bough my pain also didn't start until around 2 miles). Hope your appointment goes well. Keep us posted!
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