Why do my feet hurt after running?

Question

I'm a 20 year old male with a slender build. I recently started running, which is the first high impact aerobic exercise I've done in awhile. I'm just doing one lap around my block which is just shy of a half a mile. The first time i did it, I felt extremely nauseated, and my calf muscles and my feet were throbbing in pain. Two days later I ran the lap again almost 10 seconds faster only this time, I didn't feel particularly nauseated and my legs felt fine, but my feet were throbbing painfully. It was excruciating. It felt like someone was putting my feet in vice grips. This lasted for about 20 minutes before subsiding. What could be the problem? Would it go away with more conditioning or is it something else?

Answer 1

You  might be flat footed, or overpronotae when you run, i'd suggest if thats the case get some orthotics in your shoe, and also check to see if you have the right shoes for you, and make sure you don't over stride  and breath deep, relaxed breaths bc pain can mean cramps and that can mean ur not getting enough oxygen in that area.

Answer 2

U may have 2 go 2 a doc to get more information on that.

But I think it may be ur shoes.

Answer 3

Your most likely not wearing proper running shoes - go to a specialty running store (wear what you ran in, so they can check wear pattern and shoe type) and have the staff analyze your gait, over/under pronation, foot type, form, etc.  and try running on their treadmill to see how they feel.  They are experts in this field and are runners themselves.  Don't go to walmart, sportschek, target, etc., they are not informed and generally those stores do not carry higher quality shoes.  

After your run, get a small tub or if you have a foot bath/massager, fill it with icy cold water and add some ice and sit there for 10-15 minutes. this will relieve any soreness and inflammation, take advil if needed. Massage your feet. Try lacing up your shoes differently so there are no pressure points, this could help (do not tie your laces too tight, your feet swells as you run - especially when you go longer distances).  Make sure your wearing moisture wicking socks that can breathe and wick away moisture.  

Make the investment in good shoes if your going to continue to run...ill fitting shoes will just promote injuries.

As far as nausea goes, that could be your pushing too hard, not hydrated enough or no fuel.  Eat healthy and be well hydrated.  Nausea sometimes happen when your not used to pushing yourself, over time that will cease.

Good luck and train smart:)

Answer 4

Not a doctor, but since you've never run before could be your muscles are getting into shape. The pain may be from lactic acid build up in your muscles....which slowly disipates when you stop running.

Answer 5

You probably need to get better shoes.  Try cross trainers.

Answer 6

i think that ur shoes may not have enough support. plus, since ur not used to running, ur feet may not be used to running. it will probably go away with conditioning, but if it persiists, u should see ur docter

Answer 7

It sounds like two things.  You are running on too much pavement and putting your feet through a lot of stress and you might be wearing either the wrong kind of shoe, or too small of a shoe.

As for the nauseated feelings, you probably ate too close to the time you went running.  At first I thought you were going too fast, but it doesn't sound like you are.

Also, try to stretch before and after your run. That might help the pain in your calves. Remember, too, that you are just starting aerobic exercise again. You are going to be sore!!!

Good luck!

Answer 8

if you're running almost a half mile in 3 minutes at this point in time it's too fast.  Start walking for a little bit, ease up to a slow jog, and slowly start to run faster.  This will put less pressure on your feet.  I get shin splints and that's what i have to do sometimes.