Foot pain - linked to shoes?

[GreaterManchester]

I'm part way through week 3 and I've been experiencing pain in my right foot under the arch. It's usually a dull ache but gets worse when bending my foot, for example when walking down stairs. I bought very cheap running shoes (£16) from Amazon because I didn't want to spend a lot of money until I knew I wanted to keep running. Would properly fitted running shoes make a big difference, or am I best waiting until the pain subsides then getting back into it? I've taken a break for now as I don't want to make my foot any worse.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

It could be shoe related, and more comfortable running shoes will probably help minimise it, but it could be an injury... hard to tell. There are also strengthening exercises for the foot and toes, one of my favourites is laying a teatowel out flat on the floor, and gathering it in with your toes. Sounds like heel drops would aggravate it though. If pain persists get a medical opinion, but I’d say an investment in shoes is only going to help long term regardless.

Great job so far, hope you’re running soon.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

Sounds a bit like plantar fasciitis (have a google) which is what I had until I changed shoes. It’s very common in runners, and can be extremely painful. Mine wasn’t very, so I was able to continue running.

Of course yours might not be that at all. but either way it’s better to have your gait analysed and sort your footwear out before you do any real damage.

Good luck! 😀

[GreaterManchester]

Thanks for the all advice - I'll get myself some decent running shoes and see how it goes!

[BargainRzl Graduate]

To add to cheekychipmunks' comment above, I was going to say the same thing. It does sound like plantar fasciitis.

I have suffered from this several times in my right foot - it first hit when I was wearing a pair of shoes with no arch support and I unexpectedly ended up having to walk several miles in them (because there was a massive traffic jam because of an accident).

In the last couple of weeks it has flared up a bit and made it painful to walk with no support between my foot and the floor - i.e. when I get out of bed barefoot in the morning. However, I have found that as soon as I put my supportive running-trainers on, it becomes barely noticeable, and not only has it not affected my running at all, but I am noticing no worsening of the problem as a result of running. I live in my running shoes as they are so comfortable and so supportive.

I rather suspect that if I was still using the £30 pair of Puma trainers I started out in, this would not be the case and I'd currently be incapable of running or walking any distance because of the foot pain.

Get thee to a GP for a formal diagnosis. And to a decent running shop for some better shoes...

[Hidden]

It could be pf as others have suggested but it might just be bruising ( won't necessarily look bruised) just from pounding the pavement surface in footwear thats not very forgiving. I am always banging on about the right footwear for running because its important, but gel insoles can be a cost effective way of improving the shoes you have. If it is bruising it should ease after a few days, if its more serious then it probably won't.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

If you are wearing poorly supportive shoes, then they may well be causing issues.

This post is my advice about buying running shoes healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Have you read the guide to the plan? healthunlocked.com/couchto5...