Having heel pain: I'm just starting week 5 but I... - Couch to 5K

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Having heel pain

Iwilldothisthisyear profile image

I'm just starting week 5 but I've started to get pain in my heel when walking. Are there any exercises I can do to help this improve?

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Iwilldothisthisyear profile image
Iwilldothisthisyear
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17 Replies
Sadamski profile image
SadamskiGraduate

Could be a few things, try some calf stretches and see if it helps - youtu.be/cO_puTNyX14

Iwilldothisthisyear profile image
Iwilldothisthisyear in reply to Sadamski

Thanks Sadamski

agedsnailspace profile image
agedsnailspaceGraduate

Check out stretches for plantar facilyitis. What are you running in - could be down to your trainers. Also make sure you are not overstriding. If it persists you might want to try a sports physio.

Iwilldothisthisyear profile image
Iwilldothisthisyear in reply to agedsnailspace

Thanks I will try the exercises. It's worse 1st thing and when walking not when running .

davelinks profile image
davelinksGraduate

Gentle calf stretches & heel drops on the stairs, warm up a bit first..😊

Iwilldothisthisyear profile image
Iwilldothisthisyear in reply to davelinks

Thanks I will try these

Hillrunner2201 profile image
Hillrunner2201

When sitting down try stretching your leg out and then pointing your foot towards your body.

Iwilldothisthisyear profile image
Iwilldothisthisyear in reply to Hillrunner2201

Thanks

Now-runner_NeedsAttn profile image
Now-runner_NeedsAttnGraduate

I tried to "run off" a problem with my Achilles tendon. Big mistake. Huge. I had to call my wife to pick me up as I couldn't walk the 2 km to get home. I'm no expert but I'd recommend resting it until it's 100% before trying to run again.

GoogleMe profile image
GoogleMeGraduate

I am wondering about your running style and whether you heel strike when running? It's the one thing Laura says that I think most of us would counsel against.

Iwilldothisthisyear profile image
Iwilldothisthisyear in reply to GoogleMe

It only really hurts when walking & is worse 1st thing in the morning.How do I avoid heel striking ?

GoogleMe profile image
GoogleMeGraduate in reply to Iwilldothisthisyear

Aim to land either mid-foot or on the ball of your foot - which may mean taking smaller steps.

There are folk round here with *way* more knowledge, links and whatnot about this than me and I hope they are about to come galloping up on their white chargers...

Iwilldothisthisyear profile image
Iwilldothisthisyear in reply to GoogleMe

Thanks - any advice is greatly appreciated

I have just done week 5 run 2 and have tried landing on ball of foot & reducing my stride & the pain is much less . I am doing the stretches as well thanks again everyone

I have now been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis by my gp , it is getting better & the doctor says I can try to start the C25k once the pain is gone

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate

My physio told me to do the heel drops regularly, 5 drops , three times. Repeat three times a day. Wear shoes with at least a small heel (not totally flat). Running shoes should have a heel to toe drop of at least 10mm, actually for PF 12mm drop is recommended .

Good luck, you can do this!

Thanks . I will try that. Doctor also recommended some gel insoles

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