Hello!,

I am a moderate runner. I run probably between 4-8 miles a week. I am having a very difficult time with my left foot at the moment. I work the night shift and have to work as I have no option otherwise. I have a sharp excruciating pain coming from the arch/middle of foot area. Its on the pinky side. Not the far outside just inside of the outer muscle. It feels deep inside fo the foot and i cannot locate it very well by touch. I have to put pressure on it with my body. I have what seems to be a normal footprint when i checked the graphs online. What can i do for it? I dont think I have flat feet so what could this be? Thank you so much for your help Im looking forward to a response! Is there any chance I could have a stress fracture? would it cause this much pain?


I also have horrible shoes I believe this has attributed some of the damage. I wear them on a regular basis even after runs. What kind of insole or orthotic should i look at if i have a regular arch? I love to run and hope to fix this problem. As of now I have quit running until this is resovled!



Joseph

(http://www.foot.com/proforums/index.php?showtopic=286)

First do not wear any horrible shoes.

Yes it could be a stress frcture or a muscle strain or a ligment sprain.

most of those will resolve them selves with 6-8weeks of rest and avoiding any agravating activity. Your foot is unique it could close to what some company has designed their inserts for, but until you try them and see if they're comfortable. Who knows. In general Most people are about 50%succeful (I find) in finding over the counter help. I might be 60% successful.

Without exammining your foot I do not know if it is not a common foot shape. In your case i would wonder if your Fifth Ray is short (pinky toe the long bone from the foot to the toe). That can cause problems with shoe fit an contribute to a bunionet (bumb of bone base of pink toe)forming.

Dear Joseph
For a definitive diagnosis you will need to see a podiatrist. Usually pain at the arch of the foot is plantar fasciitis, which is a inflammation to the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a thin band of tissue overlying the foot muscles. It can definately be irritated by poor shoe gear, increase load created by running and poor biomechanics. Conservatively, you can ice the area, stop running, and throw out your old shoes. If you are in excruciating pain, please see a doctor as soon as possible.

Good-luck and thank-you for contacting foot.com,
sbarlizo, DPM, C Ped
foot.com expert

Dr. Barlizo

He is complaining about the lateral portion of his foot. It doesn't sound like garden variety Plantar Fasciitis.
With all due respect, this sounds like repetitive stress trauma to the base of the 5th metatarsal bone.

Joseph, You mentioned "horrible shoes". If you are wearing them while running as well, you may be pounding the outside of your foot as it strikes the ground, and making it worse while walking.

I would advise you to have your footwear inspected at a specialty shop and get some new shoe gear. Sneakers and work/dress shoes if necessary.

Avoid wearing shoes with hard leather soles, as they offer little cushioning.

As far as orthotics, softer ones, that are in full contact with your foot will cradle an area that needs pressure taken off it. Try to actually go to the orthotic maker as well. Something often gets lost in the mix with a 3rd party. Make sure that the "pinky side" egde of the orthotic you get does NOT cut into the area that hurts.

Best,
Spencer Weisbond, C.Ped.