Post-hike foot pain

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#1

I completed my thru-hike about 3 weeks ago and have developed some pretty intense pain in my feet. During my hike, I had some minor pain up until I hit Harper’s Ferry, then it subsided for the rest of my hike. A few days after I returned home, the bottoms of my feet started to hurt and I’ve had pain (but only when weight-bearing, not when I’m off my feet) everyday since. Could this be my feet re-adjusting to regular shoes and sandals or my arches shrinking back to normal, etc.? And if I’m walking a mere fraction of what I was walking on the trail, why would this happen now? If anyone has had this occur to them post-hike and/or has any advice, please be sure to let me know!
THANKS!!!

Wildcat

#2

It could be heel spurs. If so, your feet usually won’t hurt while not weight-bearing, but will really hurt badly when you first stand up after sitting or laying down for 10 minutes or so. Then after a few steps, your feet will feel better, only to start hurting again after a mile or so.

That happened to me about 5 years ago. It took me several months to get over my heel spurs. I bought some heel inserts and some good walking shoes, and took up reading and watching television for a month. I never put weight on my feet without first flexing my feet about 10 times each, then lacing up my walking shoes. That includes when you get up at night to go to the bathroom. Never go barefoted for even one step. Take a bath instead of a shower.

I learned that it is very easy to re-injure your feet during the first month. That’s why it took me about 3 months to get over the heel spurs.

Bass

#3

Try rolling a tennis ball with your foot. This may hurt some, which is an indication that it’s working. It helps stretch your arch. This may not be your problem, but it’s a cheap fix if it is. It helps me. Good luck

Cj

#4

I had similar pain. After my hike, the best pain-abating footwear was my Crocs. I wore them everywhere and NEVER went barefoot, even around the house. Best thing that ever happened to my feet, those Crocs. Was about a month and a half before I transitioned back to wearing even New Balances again, and even those had Spenco hiker insoles. I still had little spasms of achiness and funny little nerve tingling in my toes for weeks and weeks after I stopped walking every day. Your body adjusts and changes back into a non-hiking mode, and even that change isn’t painless.
Stay off the dogs, wear cushioned footwear as much as possible, NO barefoot time except in the shower. Crocs rock. They saved me. Good luck!

Foots pain

#5

I also had a lot of foot pain after I finished my thru. It lasted for a couple of months. The feeling on the bottom of my feet has still not returned to where it was before I hiked. I finished four years ago.

Grampie

#6

plantar fasciaitis!!!

lobster

#7

Thanks for all your help friends. I guess my best bet is to just take it easy, stay off my feet whenever possible and let time take care of things. Thanks again!
Cheers!
Wildcat

Wildcat

#8

I had foot pain from a past surgery area becoming inflamed. A cowker of mine encouraged me to try buying a pair of “Crocs”. I did so…& it made an almost instant difference. Simply stated, the pain went away. Guess that it’s cuz walking on these shoes is like walking on marshmellows! The even better news is that Payless Shoes has the exact same thing at half the price. Two employees at the more “up-scale” store told me that they bought shoes at Payless; (tho they didn’t wear them to wk) We all discovered the cheaper shoes to be identical in form & fit to the upscale store shoes. Upscale stores charge $30/pr, & Payless charges $15 /pr. Whereever you go, cheap or $$, do consider giving them a try. :cheers best of luck!!

leah