I'm training for a marathon and after 8 miles of running the balls of my feet hurt. What is the cause and fix?

Question

I ran a marathon last year and I had this problem, but not to the extent that I am this year. The pain gets really bad and it makes me walk more then I want. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Get to a sports-medicine podiatrist and find out what the problem is.  Are you blond ??

Answer 2

i am going to take a stab in the dark and say that it could be the fact that you are running 8 miles on the balls of your feet. the farthest i run on the balls of my feet is half a mile in a race. you need to modify your running technique so that you land in a more efficient and balanced way

Answer 3

It may be one of two things.  My foot cramps after I pass the 1:20:00 mark, which is right around 8 miles for me.  I found that I tie my shoes just a LITTLE too tight when I go for longer runs.  They cramp when the blood really gets moving, so I loosen the laces, but still tie a good knot.  This gives my feet more room to swell and do what they do.

The other thing is that you  might be chopping your steps and landing on the balls of your feet, or even the arch.  If it's bad mechanics, the pain might be referring to the ball of your foot and not the actual area.  I would go to a marathon store or running store and have them watch me run on their treadmills.  The staff usually has one person who is very skilled at the keniesiology (sp?) and the mechanics of the body.

Good luck!

Answer 4

the biomechanics of your feet can change over time. especially once you get over 10 miles or so.  

go to a running store and get fitted. the store clerk will look at your feet, look at your shoes, and put you on a treadmill (if it's a good store) to watch your feet while you run. then he'll listen to whatever you have to say about your feet. then he'll fit you for shoes that are right for your feet and will prevent that pain.

make sure to buy new shoes at least every 3 months, especially if you're training for a marathon.

also, what the person above said. going to a foot doctor can't hurt!