Lower Leg/Foot Pain

[Mandaree]

Hi Everyone,

So I started Couch to 5K back in June last year, started doing parkrun, got well and truly hooked on running and am now training for a half marathon in April!

I've been following a beginners half marathon training plan on MapMyRun, running 3 times a week and I also do yoga to help with strength.

I have been lucky to be relatively injury free during this time, but about a week ago, I started getting a dull ache in the back of my left heel. I wouldn't even call it pain really. My calf was quite tight as well, I started doing eccentric heel drops and foam rolling daily. It did ease up a bit, but the achilles still feels a bit stiff/achey? Again, I wouldn't call it painful, just not quite right. I found some advice to roll the calf, but also treat below the area as well, using a spiky ball on the bottom of your foot. I noticed when doing this that the arch of my foot with heel pain felt tender. Is this all related to the achilles or is my issue actually plantar fascitis?

I appreciate that you all are probably not doctors, but just looking for some advice if anyone else has experienced this?

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

It's all connected! You will be best served to continue with eccentric heel drops, three times a day I suggest. This sort of thing comes up often when we start exercising explosively, and as we age our tendons age too and they can start to feel the heat!

It's only been a week, but if it persists and it's worrying you it would be the best idea to see a good sports physio.

Good luck! xx

Re. the half marathon - check out our Spring Half Marathon Group, latest post here:

healthunlocked.com/marathon...

[Mandaree Half Marathon in reply to roseabi]

Thank you! I will keep up with heel drops and rolling. I just had a gait analysis done and have invested in some proper running shoes as well so hoping that will help!