Ask the Expert
Sheryl recently asked the question:
Why does the ball of my foot start burning after five miles into my run?
There could be a number of things causing the ball of your foot to burn while running, but more often than not this is probably a sock or shoe issue.
Do you wear cotton socks when running? If so, when moisture gets on your socks they will start to feel like sandpaper rubbing against your feet. Consider getting some running socks that, among other things, offer wicking to keep your feet dry and cool.
If the ball of your foot is hurting you could potentially be a forefoot striker, and your foot could possibly be slipping back and forth in your shoe causing the burning sensation. If your foot is moving around too much in your shoe your shoes may not be sized correctly or your foot could have changed due to weight loss. If your foot feels numb, your shoes could actually be too small since your foot swells when running.
Some wicking socks and the proper pair of running shoes for your feet should do the trick. I suggest taking in your current shoes to a specialty running store and they will help you to determine, with a gait analysis and proper shoe fitting, the proper running shoes to get based on your feet.
Do you have a question that you’d like to ask Curtis? Submit your running-related question and it may be answered in a future Ask the Expert column on I Run Flint!
About the expert: Curtis Thompson is a multiple time state champion in track, thirty-year Crim runner, and owner of Complete Runner in Flint. Follow his running blog to learn more running tips and product reviews.
