While running on a treadmill a while back I changed my stride. I am normally a heel sriker, but I wanted to change my stride and try to strike with the ball of my foot, for a change. Within the first few strikes I had a sever pain in the arch of my foot and had to quit running. The pain is still there whenever I walk very far, and running is not even an option due to the pain. Has anyone ever had this happen, or have any idea what I may have done to my foot ?

Yes, I know.....I need to go to podiatrist, but I figured I'd check here first just to get an idea.

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Posted by aldawg2323

Lafayette

Member since Jan 2010

494 posts

Posted on 4/18/22 at 5:58 am to GWM

no idea about specifics, but think that our currently accepted footware is a crutch that has made most of our population's feet weaker. i would guess that your arch hurts because it is detrained and weak. consider purchasing a minimalist shoe like a xero or vivo. this is something ive been focusing on with my parents - foot specific training, meaning barefoot exercises in the yard. just run barefoot in the yard a bit and youll see thats how your foot should strike ground and propel you forward. Then, run barefoot on the road in front of your house. like most muscles it takes time to train and see the benefit so start now

im no doctor, just think about this a lot

This post was edited on 4/18/22 at 6:01 am

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Posted by LSUfan20005

Member since Sep 2012

9224 posts

Posted on 4/18/22 at 6:52 am to GWM

Your arch musculature was weak and inflexible, you likely strained or potentially micro-tore some of that poor tissue. I recommend rolling your arch on a kids super bouncy ball (the ones in the machine at Old Navy are perfect for this) and resting. Roll every hour.

I am firmly in the “heel striking is an abomination” camp. This is only made possible by raised footwear.

Like the previous poster mentioned, Xero is my favorite. Recommend you start with Altra as a transition shoe if interested in trying minimalist.

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Posted by GWM

Member since Aug 2021

1565 posts

Posted on 4/18/22 at 8:51 pm to LSUfan20005