Foot Pain

Tri-Doc:

I recently bought some new light-weight racing flats andnow the bottom of my foot has started hurting, more during slower longer runs but also during speedwork. What can this be and what do I do about it?

Angie

You most likely have developed a condition know as plantar fasciitis, inflamation of the muscle and tendons that span the underside of your arch. These structures span the arch like a bow-string and can be injured by sudden stress or, as in this case, by progressive overuse complicated by a change in equipment. If you recently added speedwork, that could have added insult to injury.
My personal experience has been that this responds well to the use of ice, massage, stretching, anti-inflamatory meds (Advil or Tumeric [if you prefer holistic nutritionals])in addition to utilization of more supportive shoes to train in. You may consider custom orthotics if this proves resistant to simple techniques.

Tri-Doc