AboutStuart Young Expertise I can answer questions to do with all aspects of English football, Spanish football and International football. My strongest area in football is current news. I also have a great knowledge of tactics and strategies.
Experience I have played football from a very early age. School teams, youth club level progressing to semi-professional level and playing at county level.
Question I played my first full, competitive outdoor soccer game yesterday in many years.
I expected substantial soreness throughout my body but was surprised this morning when the most soreness in my body was on the tops of my feet. When I first got out of bed, I felt extreme stiffness and soreness while taking my first steps. Now, I still feel soreness.
I am wearing high-quality cleats but they are a few years old. My first instinct was that my shoes were too small, but at one point in the game my shoe actually slipped off and I had to tighten it! Do you think I need a wider shoe or is this common for someone who plays forward and isn't used to this much contact with the ball on my feet?
Thank you.
Answer Hi Elisha,
You are probably getting pain on the tops of your feet due to the lack of physical activity involving using your feet in a contact sports environment. To overcome stiffness and pain I would recommend icing the tops of your feet after every game for 10-20 minutes and then repeat a couple of times at hourly intervals just for one day though.
If you think your boots/cleats are good enough and comfortable enough, then it is probably a case of getting used to running around in them again.
If you normally don't tie your cleats up tightly, then I suggest putting an extra pair of cotton socks underneath so that there is slightly more comfort for your feet. This will absorb any impact that comes your way and also give you that much needed comfort to prevent any pain after the game.
