Run Run Away

Question:

A couple of days ago I decided to start running.  After having read some information, I noticed that my shoes wear on the outside heel.  Therefore, based on many things that I read, I thought that I was an over-pronator who needed motion control shoes.  I then read up on which shoes received good reviews from Runners World and decided to go and try on a few pairs at my local running shop. I finally decided to purchase a pair of Sauchony Grid Hammer shoes.  They felt pretty good at the store and when I ran around in the parking lot. Nevertheless, when I took them for a walk/run the first night I came home a little sore.  Then, the next night I walked/ran and came home and found that the outside of my right foot was very cramped and both my right calf muscle and thigh hurt. Can anyone help me out.  I am not sure if I just need to work through this or if I purchased the wrong shoes. Help!!!! Myaknfeet

Response:

If you just started, take it easy and give yourself some time to get used to running.  Try alternating walking and running for 20 minutes at a time, 3 times per week, until you feel comfortable running the entire time. Of course you could try different shoes, too.  Most people land on the outside of their heel – this is normal and it doesn’t mean you over-pronate.  You might be better off with a simple, neutral shoe. As you get used to running, give thought to your form.  If you learn to run feeling like you’re falling forward, just catching yourself with each step, you’ll land much less hard on your heels or maybe not on your heels first at all.  This will make running much easier on your shoes and the rest of you and allow you to wear lighter, simpler, running shoes. -S- – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A couple of days ago I decided to start running.  After having read some information, I noticed that my shoes wear on the outside heel.  Therefore, based on many things that I read, I thought that I was an over-pronator who needed motion control shoes.  I then read up on which shoes received good reviews from Runners World and decided to go and try on a few pairs at my local running shop. I finally decided to purchase a pair of Sauchony Grid Hammer shoes.  They felt pretty good at the store and when I ran around in the parking lot. Nevertheless, when I took them for a walk/run the first night I came home a little sore.  Then, the next night I walked/ran and came home and found that the outside of my right foot was very cramped and both my right calf muscle and thigh hurt. Can anyone help me out.  I am not sure if I just need to work through this or if I purchased the wrong shoes.

Response:

I started running about 4 years ago at the age of 47.  In the last two years, I usually run about 4 miles every other day.  I went thru all of the aches and pains and they have always worked themselves out until now.  About two months ago I developed a soreness in the balls of both feet.  Needless to say I have cut way back on my running trying to let it work out, but the pain will just not go away.  First thing in the morning it is even very difficult to walk, but seems to ease up as the day goes by.  Anybody else ever run into this???  Thanks……Dan

Response:

As you’ve discovered, soreness of many kinds are associated with running and all exercises.  For your situation, the first thing I’d do is change the insoles in my shoes, if you have not already done so.  The standard insoles sold with most shoes are crap.  Personally, I use Dr. Scholls Dyna-Sport Insoles (no I do not work for them), and there are others. This is a trial and error type problem, so when your feet are up to it, run with the new insoles.  If that doesn’t work, change them again, but don’t throw the old ones away — you may need them later.  If, after 2 or 3 new pairs of insoles, you still experience the pain, you may need to try new shoes. Finding the right combination of shoes and insoles has helped me to alleviate several running associated aches / pains / chronic injuries.

Response:

Hi, I get this too sometimes.  The bottoms of both my feet will hurt at the balls mostly.  I always thought that it was just too many miles in that pair of shoes.  I found that even if I just rotate them with another pair it usually goes away. I don’t know what causes it or what it means.  I wonder if diet plays a part in it?? Good luck, Jennifer – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I started running about 4 years ago at the age of 47.  In the last two years, I usually run about 4 miles every other day.  I went thru all of the aches and pains and they have always worked themselves out until now.  About two months ago I developed a soreness in the balls of both feet.  Needless to say I have cut way back on my running trying to let it work out, but the pain will just not go away.  First thing in the morning it is even very difficult to walk, but seems to ease up as the day goes by.  Anybody else ever run into this???  Thanks……Dan

Response:

There’s a lot of stuff that can cause soreness in the balls of your feet, but if you’ve been fine thus far I’d guess something else is wrong and letting this problem surface.  Get new shoes and see if that fixes the problem. -jeff

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I started running about 4 years ago at the age of 47.  In the last two years, I usually run about 4 miles every other day.  I went thru all of the aches and pains and they have always worked themselves out until now.  About two months ago I developed a soreness in the balls of both feet.  Needless to say I have cut way back on my running trying to let it work out, but the pain will just not go away.  First thing in the morning it is even very difficult to walk, but seems to ease up as the day goes by.  Anybody else ever run into this???  Thanks……Dan

Response:

two words…NEW SHOES! Teresa

Response:

It sounds like some kind of fasciitis, especially the part about being most painful when you first get up in the morning.  The fact that both feet are affected casts suspicion on your shoes, so I agree with others who have suggested buying a new pair.  If you can get to a quality running store, they can do an analysis of your running style and can steer you toward some appropriate choices.  Your feet may need some R&R time.  If it is fasciitis, deep massage can help.  And of course, if symptoms don’t improve, see your local sports doctor. I started running about 4 years ago at the age of 47.  In the last two years, I usually run about 4 miles every other day.  I went thru all of the aches and pains and they have always worked themselves out until now.  About two months ago I developed a soreness in the balls of both feet.  Needless to say I have cut way back on my running trying to let it work out, but the pain will just not go away.  First thing in the morning it is even very difficult to walk, but seems to ease up as the day goes by.  Anybody else ever run into this???  Thanks……Dan

Response:

the latest issue of runner’s world has a nice piece on foot massages; you’d be amazed how much good a good rub can do.  even if you gots to do it on yourownself.  get some good massage oil (one with arnica in it will do even more good) and give it a try.  not to mention a good foot soak.  mmmmmm. don’t forget, you spend far more time in "normal" shoes — what are you wearing?  do they have adequate support and cushioning?  your running shoes may be fine; it may be your work shoes that are to blame.  birkenstocks, for example, among several quality brands, can be worth every penny they cost. don’t go cheap on your non-running shoes; they may be the real culprit.  treat your feet well all day long. t.a. (sitting in stocking feet and wiggling out the owies) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It sounds like some kind of fasciitis, especially the part about being most painful when you first get up in the morning.  The fact that both feet are affected casts suspicion on your shoes, so I agree with others who have suggested buying a new pair.  If you can get to a quality running store, they can do an analysis of your running style and can steer you toward some appropriate choices.  Your feet may need some R&R time.  If it is fasciitis, deep massage can help.  And of course, if symptoms don’t improve, see your local sports doctor. I started running about 4 years ago at the age of 47.  In the last two years, I usually run about 4 miles every other day.  I went thru all of the aches and pains and they have always worked themselves out until now.  About two months ago I developed a soreness in the balls of both feet.  Needless to say I have cut way back on my running trying to let it work out, but the pain will just not go away.  First thing in the morning it is even very difficult to walk, but seems to ease up as the day goes by.  Anybody else ever run into this???  Thanks……Dan

Response:

Hello all, Anyone had experience like this?   Developing an increased sensitivity to pressure (almost like a stone bruise) in the ball and heel of both feet?  This comes after months and months of running 5K every other day at 8min/mile wearing good shoes/socks.  Thanks in advance! Mike Parkerson

Response:

Hello all, Anyone had experience like this?   Developing an increased sensitivity to pressure (almost like a stone bruise) in the ball and heel of both feet?  This comes after months and months of running 5K every other day at 8min/mile wearing good shoes/socks.  Thanks in advance! Mike Parkerson

accumulating. Try a generic support i.e. "Spenco 3/4" length or "Gelthotic" and see if this helps. If it doesn’t clear up entirely within  8-12 weeks you may be ready for a custom functional orthosis. Keep me posted. —  Dennis Kiper, D.P.M. 800-DR KIPER http://www.liberty.com/home/footdoc

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