Hello everyone. I'm hoping for some help as I don't really feel like dealing with doctors over something in the Orlando, FL area unless things get really bad.

I've never had any foot problems, ever. But over the last 2 weeks, both feet have been giving me problem. It's much more severe on the right foot, but somewhat on the left, so both feet.

I'm on my feet a bit and was wearing Merrell shoes daily, the same shoes I wore for over 1 year without any problems. They have great feel and fit. I own probably 40 pair of shoes ranging from ASICS, Brooks running shoes to NIKE all around, Merrell hiking/trail shoes, Skecher casual, Allen Edmunds dress, and my favorite: Johnston Murphy casual dress. I'm theorizing that the Merrell arch support is actually bothering me now so I'm staying out of them and wearing shoes with LESS arch support over the last few days.

Now I'm staying out of them to see if it helps.

What happens is that after periods of rest, even as short as 1/2 hour of highway driving time, but worse with additional time, both feet will essentially freeze up. They loosen very quickly though. Much worse on right side.

In the morning I'm completely frozen up on right foot, but again within 5 to 10 steps, I'm loosened up again though definitely feel pain in the arch of the foot when walking. I also have paint or sensation I should say in the outside bottom of the feet.

I have NO pain whatsoever in the heel area. I have very high arches I think. I'm fairly active with projects around home and dog walking. But I am not doing any physical activity aside from home stuff. It is POSSIBLE that I strained the foot while doing heavy lifting of (furniture around home, plasma tv, etc., while rearranging for a Christmas tree). I wonder?

Thoughts? Is this serious or should I just give it time? It has been about 2-3 weeks at this point without getting worse than it is now.

Thanks everyone (anyone).

David

Sounds to me like it could be plantar fasciitis. This usually occurs in flat feet, or feet with high arches. Pain is typically worse in the morning with the first few steps because the plantar fascia is not stretched out, and tightens up. Also why it feels better after it loosens up and stretches out after a few steps.

To start off, make sure to ice it at night or after a lot of time on your feet. Freezing a can and then rolling it under your foot works well. In the morning before getting out bed, or after resting, and before going to bed, give yourself a little foot massage. Use lotion or baby oil, and with your thumb, start from your heel, and while pushing down and adding pressue, run your thumb all the way up to the ball of your foot/toes. This will help to lengthen and stretch the PF. You can also roll your foot over a tennis ball. If it gets worse, go see a doctor.