I have been getting back into running mainly and have been doing alternating days of running/walking.
Forefoot hurts after a while doing either (40-50 mins) but it is probably like a 2 on the pain scale, annoying but not really affecting anything.
I have asic running shoes that fit pretty well with gel insoles I got from the athletes foot.
Before I make an appointment with a podiatrist, is there any point to change insoles or specific running socks? If so can anyone recommend some to me?
How long have you been running for again, what sort of distances and frequencies are we talking about? Alternating days of 40-50 mins walks / runs sounds like you are likely overdoing it if you are just getting back into it.
In my old age (late 30's) I have realised when I get back into running I cannot dive in neck deep straight away and need a bit of time to adjust, else my body hates me and the running stops before it has really started.
I am in my 30s as well.
Was running for a few months daily but took about 6-7 week break from it and getting back into it again.
I used to run about 5K a day, pretty slow at about 8km/hour.
Why did you request to close your previous post?
Asking the real question. I like it.
Wrong section so moved it to the right place.
Isn't it normal to experience aches and pains after exercise? A 2 out of 10 isn't too bad. Especially if you haven't been doing it for a while. Your "technique" might be a bit off until you/your body gets used to that movement again.
My body starts the day 3/10 on the pain scale before I even get out of bed, so 2/10 after an hour of running doesn't sound bad. I twisted my ankle eight years ago and it still hurts and clicks when I rotate it.
Could be plantar fasciitis/stress fractures.
Might need to take time off and let it heal.
then ease back in with 20-30 minute runs.
Bruh I'd pay the cost of getting professional help (physio, podiatrist or sports chiro) from someone specialising in running injuries, the advice will be worth its weight in gold.
Source: I'm a sports chiro.
I will give it another week and if the pain continues Will go with this option.
As a Podiatrist…. I would recommend seeing a Podiatrist…
Haha great đź‘Ť.
If you have private health extras check what you are covered for, in my case I have physio cover but not podiatry, so I would go to physio.
Yeah I have physio as well but probably will just go to the specialist instead of stuffing around.
You won't be able to just rock up to a specialist. Will need a referral. And a gp won't refer you on to a specialist for a 2/10 pain.
You are right, will make that booking tomorrow.
I think by "a specialist", OP meant a podiatrist (as opposed to a physiotherapist, who is not specialised in feet).
Don't think a referral is required to see a podiatrist.
Getting old bruh
Yeah man, cracking knees and balding….closer to death every day haha
As a physio, I wouldn't necessarily say that you need "professional" but that it is just me.
Given that you said you are getting back into it I assume you were running pain free some time ago and the main variable is deconditioning and sudden increase in load. You could either reduce volume and see if you kind find a load tolerance that doesn't aggravate and start from there and are volume/intensity in at a slower rate.
I also wanted to note you said you are running/walking alternatively, perhaps the extra steps from walking is also adding significant volume to your feet that is just a bit too much.
Then there are the variables of how you running. I tend to see a lot of people overstriding and landing with a lot of force, focusing on improving cadence (steps per minute) is a good way to reduce those types of strains.
if doing those things yourself is too much or you would rather have some guide you through it, then yeah, see a professional.
Thanks for your thoughtful post.
I am going to experiment this week in breaking up the walk/running into two shorter sessions and see if it makes a difference. If not I will reduce it to 20 mins a day and see if that makes the pain go away.
Interesting point you brought up about cadence, I think I have more noticeable pain on my walking days than my running days. Does it make a difference in terms of landing if walking on a flat surface vs a incline?
No problems.
A few notes, maybe consider that the walking comes the day after running and therefore, maybe the pain is an exacerbation from the running manifesting in the walking day. That isn't as unusual, I generally feel achy when walking the day after a very long run but if I go for a run it kinda dissipates. Also walking might give you more time to attune yourself to the feeling of pain and centre more on it.
The type of surface does affect gait mechanics but there are also a lot of individually in how people walk and run so it is hard to say what it is happening.
Another thing to consider is if the "pain" is stable and not getting worse, maybe continue on (if you can tolerate it). I personally go through many niggles (running 100km/weeks on barefoot shoes) but rarely have the need to make a significant change to my training, even when experiencing overuse injuries.
Take this with a grain of salt as this is the internet and I haven't assessed you, seek a provisional if you are concerned
drink Milk. Full Cream. 2 cups. Works for me but I'm a teen so what do I know.
maybe it's just tendonitis? if you haven't exercised to that degree in a while, your body may just need a bit of time to get used to it again.