Foot care and exercise

[Masel]

I started at the Y last month and my feet hurt quite a bit after I use the elliptical or treadmill. It helps if I try to push down with my heel but I wonder if I'm just asking for trouble. It is the outside of my left foot that hurts the most. Will this go away as my muscles get stronger?

[Linda on the move]

I bet you need either new shoes or better shoes (if they are new). I suspect that either the cushion part of your shoe is worn out or your shoes don't fit right or something like that.

[Violet2]

Yes it should get better with time.

I also would look at some new shoes and vary your workout so you're using your foot differently each time for a while.

In massage therapy we used a 'wringer' technique to release muscles in the feet.

Sit in a chair or on a couch, somewhere you can be upright.

Bring the affected foot to rest on the opposite knee so you can reach it.

With one hand, wrap palm across the ball of the foot, so fingers and thumb are on either side of foot.

Other hand cups the heel.

'Wring' gently like you're wringing a washcloth. You can twist as far as you like but be gentle until you know what your tolerance is.

Should feel good to neutral. If it hurts, don't do it.

V