Why Does Running Make My Feet Sore?

Dr. Nace answers specific questions from runners on the blog once a month. If you have a question you'd like to ask Dr. Nace, click “ask the doctor” at the bottom of the page.

I have been struggling with soreness to my feet. I have tried a variety of different running shoes, but I have still not found a pair that really makes much difference. Sometimes I can do 16 miles with very little trouble and other times I do 12 miles and I'm in a bit of pain for two or three days. I have seen a podiatrist who supplied me with inserts that lift my instep, but the problem seems to greater if the pavements slope downwards from right to left and the right is a lot worse than the left. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks, Paul

Paul,

It sounds like you could potentially be developing inflammation of the joints in your hindfoot/rear foot. Typically, problems in the rear foot lead to difficulties with uneven ground so I would recommend staying off of uneven terrain and begin training on a softer surface like a rubberized track to take some pressure off your feet. A good stretching program for your calf muscles is also a way to alleviate some of the discomfort. It would be a good idea to consult a doctor to get weight-bearing imaging of your feet as well.

Dr. James Nace, MD

James Nace, MD is an orthopedic surgeon-joint replacement and doctor of general orthopedics specializing in hip, knee and shoulder joint preservation and reconstruction. He practices out of the Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Maryland. Throughout his career as a physical therapist and orthopedic surgeon, Nace has gained the most satisfaction from treating runners and all types of athletes for their injuries and helping get them back to training and competing.

Click “ask the doctor” below to send us a tip on a running injury, or to ask Dr. Nace a question.

Ask the doctor