AboutScott Demaree Expertise I can answer questions about training, physiology, nutrition, technique, equipment and injury prevention. My background is not medical, so I will not be able to answer detailed questions about injury treatment. However, during 30 years of endurance exercise I have had a few injuries so I feel qualified to talk about things that have worked for me and others.
Experience I have been a long distance runner since 1978 and took up racewalking in 1982. More recently, I have worked as a certified personal trainer helping people with a wide range of exercise needs. Last year, I coached several people to successfully finish the Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk in Dallas (60 miles in three days).
Organizations American College of Sports Medicine, American Council on Exercise, National Science Teachers Association
Publications Journal articles associated with my graduate work with me as the primary author were published in the Journal of Nutrition, Acta Physiologica Scandanavica. Additionally, I co-authored the chapter on exercise metabolism in ACSM's Resource Manual for Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 4th Edition. Finally. I co-authored a book for beginning marathon runners (Marathoning 101).
Education/Credentials I have recent Master's degrees in Exercise Science from Wichita State University and Nutrition from Texas A&M University.
Awards and Honors I won national championships in the 1986 100-Kilometer Racewalk and the 1989 24-Hour Run.
Expert: Scott Demaree Date: 8/30/2007 Subject: Foot Pain
Question When I am on the treadmill I get pain on the outside bottom of my left foot between the ball of my foot and my heel - the thicker area on the other side of my arch. The pain is not on my arch. I only get this pain while using the treadmill not while walking outside for exercise or just daily walking. I don't have pain there at any other time. After doing some research on the type of shoe I needed, I bought Nike specific walking shoes trying to alleviate the pain. They didn't help at all. I have a wide foot but not extremely wide - I can wear regular shoes with no problem but wide shoes are more comfortable. I have a normal arch - determined by using the "wet foot" test. I would like to (need to) continue exercising but the pain makes it difficult.
Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide!
Answer The fact that it only hurts on the treadmill makes me think you are walking differently in that situation. In my case, treadmills make me nervous that I might step off the track, and I know that don't relax so I can walk naturally. Any extra tension could cause you to change the orientation of your foot or tighten the muscles and tendons in the foot. This could lead to inflammation in parts of your foot, causing pain.
I'm only speculating, but in any case, the only real solution would be to avoid using the treadmill, or at least minimize its use. If that is not possible, buying running shoes, which generally are more cushioned, might help. Running shoes are fine for walkers. A running specialty store should have someone who can help you find the most appropriate shoe, and yes, you might have to pay more for one that will help your problem.
