Thread: arches of feet really sore

I'm mostly barefoot or wearing flip flops and each morning when i wake up the arches of my feet and sometimes the balls are so sore..could this be from not wearing good shoes? any exercises to relieve or prevent the pain? should i go ask dr scholls? hehe

Originally Posted by jesennia

I'm mostly barefoot or wearing flip flops and each morning when i wake up the arches of my feet and sometimes the balls are so sore..could this be from not wearing good shoes? any exercises to relieve or prevent the pain? should i go ask dr scholls? hehe

Flip flops are terrible for your feet! Treat yourself to some better sandals -- birkenstocks, SAS, etc.

Sore feet in the morning is a main symptom of plantar fasciitis. Google it and you'll find stretches to do. In addition to streching the feet, you need to keep the calf muscles well stretched.

Oh, and I see on wikipedia, plantar fasciitis is also called "flip flop disease" by podiatrists. ,r:;

gah!!! guess i'll be buying some new shoes when we go on vacay..thank you!!!

Hi Jes
Your feet probably need more support, a sole with arch support -- like Birkenstocks for sandals, and maybe even inserts for your other shoes.

My barefoot and flip flop days are long over. I always have to have something to support my feet. I'm only barefoot in the shower now!

Go see a good podiatrist while you're "down" with the boob stuff. Most chiropractors can fit you for orthotics, just ask if they offer that service.

Take care of your feet! Mine are permanently deformed from a childhood of "not getting" the proper shoes.

Take care of your whole self, for that matter! I was going to post to the "closing shop" thread and then I saw this foot one...

I love my Volcanic veil!!
Suzan

yes, I have similar pain when I wear shoes with no arch support. weirdly, a shoe with no support affects me worse than going barefoot does.

what are your arches like, Jes? Are your feet unusually high in the instep?

Its not just the lack of arch support. On the news I saw where someone did a biomechanic analysis of people wearing flip flops versus regular shoes, and when wearing flip flops people shuffle their feet, and the heal strikes the ground at a different angle which produces more shock impact on the foot. Also people clench their foot muscles more to keep the flip flops on.

intersting. I wonder if the flexibility of the sole is also a factor.

yup i have REALLY high arches. will be shopping for some birks when we go to kona tomorrow (hilo doesnt have much for selection)

Jesennia, if you have exceptionally high arches I would recommend a pair of Birkenstock's sandals for high arches, unfortunately, you are limited to two of their less-attractive choices for this level of support, but they are the only shoe that I can walk for miles in (and I even have custom orthodics. . . and they dont come close to the Birks for comfort).

I also bought a couple pairs of the cuter Birks for when I want to dress up a bit more, and still do some walking.

Link to un-attractive, but OH SO COMFY Birks:

[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Womens-Birkenstock-Florida-Nucbuck-Cocoa/dp/B000HDTKHO/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1213666053&sr=8-1]Amazon.com: Women's Birkenstock Florida Nucbuck with High Arch: Apparel[/ame]

You might also want to check out Keens

Keen Footwear - Product

{{{HUGS}}}

I have really high arches too and I find it difficult to find shoes with good support, but Earth Shoe from Wal-Mart works great and is very reasonably priced (under $20/pair.) I putz about in them almost exclusively all summer long. My pair were at least 5 years old (lived in Sparta when I bought them and have been in Knoxville for about 5 years) and I just bought a second pair this summer so they hold up really well.

Also, a good choice for flip flops are reefs. They're flip flops with arch support and they're super cute.

Here's a link to closeout prices on Reefs:
Reef Sandals

You will certainly have a bit of arch support but the other issues will still exist. They are cute and the prices on the link are appealing. If I read correctly, free shipping.

I have plantar fascitis and that sounds like what you are suffering from. Wear supportive shoes and not flip flops. Be sure to stretch your feet daily. You can also tape your arches for additional support. When I have flare ups I find wearing dance sneakers or jazz shoes with neoprene arch really works. Also I put Spenco arch supports in shoes including in dance shoes.

Discount Dance Supply has these wonderful arch band supports that work wonders: Discount Dance Supply

And if it doesn't get worse, do go to a podiatist. Plantar fascitis can be crippling to a dancer.

Souzan

Yes, plantar fasciitis isn't just sore feet. Its an inflammation of the plantar fascia and in severe cases the fascia gets torn and chronically inflamed and will really F you up. In severe cases, cortisone treatments and strict bed rest for weeks and weeks may be the only thing that helps, so don't let it get that bad.

...

dear gawd gotta have my feet well off to see the foot doc. thanks for the links...i'm tossing my flops

I have fought with Plantar fascitis also
got so bad it hurt in my heals too, and I had to go to the foot doctor

I still stretch my feet with a towel over the ball, or using the step-stretch every morning. And I make sure I have arch support.....I love my Dansko clogs.

I love my Croc sandals. Not the ugly crocs, these cute ones:
Crocs Cleo Sandals Womens
I have uber flat feet and they make mine feel great!

I love my Crocs too and my Birkies! But the very best has been the costum orthotics made by the podiatrist. Unfortunately after nearly 10 years of excellent wear, one of the puppies chewed up one of them last year. But I did buy some good OTC orthotics and they work well too.

Stretch your feet, Achilles tendon and calves daily. And work on some strengthening exercises too for your feet and ankles. I haven't had a flair up in nearly two years, but I am always vigilent.

Oh, another thing that helps me is to have a variety of shoes in my dance bag. If I am at a workshop or long class, I will switch out shoe types several times during the day. That seems to help.

Souzan

Originally Posted by ssipes

Sore feet in the morning is a main symptom of plantar fasciitis. Google it and you'll find stretches to do. In addition to streching the feet, you need to keep the calf muscles well stretched.

I agree, stretch your legs. Had this problem too.

...

well i cant get in to see a pod doc for two weeks:( so i should just go ahead and buy some new shoes huh? and stretch?

...

well now i can hit macys with a list of name brands to shop for, knowing they are made for this kind of problem..i'd love to buy direct from the site (the keens are cute so are the crocs) but i dont know what size i wear or if they would fit and i hate to wait for shipping back and forth..I'll be in Kona tomorrow and if i have time will hit the Kings shops up near waikaloa

would you believe i only own a pair of flops? terrible. i wear my husbands jogging shoes, might do that tomorrow instead of wearing the flops

guess i should get a nice slipper for the house too huh? we live on hardwood floors and i'm always barefoot

barefoot isn't bad because you use your whole foot.


You can get Keens through REI and other outdoor stores.

Morocco swears by SAS sandals. It's what she teaches in. Even she calls them little old lady shoes, but they have great arch support.

Oh, one warning about Keens - while they are great for the water, they do have a rather distinct aroma to them. everyone says so, even the people who sell them.

{{{HUGS}}}

I have a big collection of flip flops but i started being careful when i noticed my knees and feet were getting bad , I also have high arches.

I walk barefoot on my hardwood floors and it is not a problem. but on days were i teach and dance more than 5 hours a day, I will wear Keds sandals around the house.

If you dont like the look of Birks , I suggest Keds sandals.
they cost 30-40$
They have thongs with a sole made like a shoe, so you have arch support +cushion. they have some cute designs(mine are blue with little flowers, and i have black and white polk a dot) and they are very comfy.



here is the web site :
Keds Shoes - Official Site - The Complete Keds Collection - Classics, Skimmers, Wedges & More

Originally Posted by palmier

They have thongs with a sole made like a shoe, so you have arch support +cushion. they have some cute designs(mine are blue with little flowers, and i have black and white polk a dot) and they are very comfy.

I was told that thong sandals period (regardless of sole type and arch support) are bad for feet & knees because of the way your toes involuntarily scrunch up to hold them on your feet. Sandals with straps that go across the feet were more recommended (both by my son's podiatrist and by my old, cool, chirpractor).

Check Health Concerns on the Wiki: Flip-flop - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is a really timely thread -- I developed PF in my right foot while healing up from bone bruises in my left!

Originally Posted by nasila

I was told that thong sandals period (regardless of sole type and arch support) are bad for feet & knees because of the way your toes involuntarily scrunch up to hold them on your feet. Sandals with straps that go across the feet were more recommended (both by my son's podiatrist and by my old, cool, chirpractor).

Check Health Concerns on the Wiki: Flip-flop - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

They are not meant to be worn for long, but i still wear them for short walks, around the house , at the pool or at the beach.
If i have to walk a few kilometers, go sightseeing , etc i will choose a better sandal.
but i saw a huge difference between wearing cheap and cute flip flops and wearing Keds.