Need some feet help

[eyor44]

well, actually heel help. Did a long walk yesterday, 16 miles, and towards the end the back edges of my heels began to hurt. We were considering going farther, but the last 1/2 mile they hurt enough that I decided to stop to check them. No redness or blisters, just hurts. Taking off my shoes and socks helped, but I can still feel them today and I am wearing sandels. Possibly was my shoes as I had never worn that particular pair for a long walk before, but they are broken in. Same socks I usually wear.

I have never felt this before and am trying to figure what to do before my next walk. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[John VN]

Too long of a stride, too heavy on the heel plant, shoes do not have enough padding, not leaning forward enough

Just some information on walking techniques that have allowed me to walk injury free at an OK pace for longer distances....

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3011389

 

[cewait]

Too long of a stride, too heavy on the heel plant, shoes do not have enough padding, not leaning forward enough

Just some information on walking techniques that have allowed me to walk injury free at an OK pace for longer distances....

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3011389

of these, options 1, 2 and 4 are what I see with most folks who are having foot issues. Walking is a normal thing, but as folks try to gain speed, they tend to err by increasing stride length which causes a heavy and breaking action foot plant.

I would make sure that you are stretching your legs out regularly and possibly foam rolling your calves. You may also be suffering an Achilles issue that manifests itself as heal pain. So post walk, make sure to stretch out the calves, quads and hamstrings before heading into the house.

Good Luck

 

[eyor44]

Thank you both for your time. John, I am going to re-read your other thread more slowly to make sure I get everything. You have some very good tips. I do believe the problem may have been my stride. I normally walk with a short stride, but my friend was having a problem getting go yesterday and we were slower than normal, almost at a stroll and the problem didn't start until we had made a pit stop. We did stretch when we stopped, but perhaps not enough. Thanks again for the tips.

 

[John VN]

Thank you both for your time. John, I am going to re-read your other thread more slowly to make sure I get everything. You have some very good tips. I do believe the problem may have been my stride. I normally walk with a short stride, but my friend was having a problem getting go yesterday and we were slower than normal, almost at a stroll and the problem didn't start until we had made a pit stop. We did stretch when we stopped, but perhaps not enough. Thanks again for the tips.

Just a side note, you can have a short stride and still heel plant with significant force. Even after all the walking I have done, I continue to get caught in that cosmic drift of complacency resulting in more heel plant than I really want at times.

If you are doing everything correctly with your form, a shoe with more heel cushion might be needed.

Good luck.

 

[eyor44]

Just wanted to update:
We were back on our regular track last night and did 12 miles. I had some minor discomfort towards the end, but nothing like Sunday. This morning, I was perfectly fine. I also had my regular shoes on.

 

[cewait]

good show