Inner Arch Pain

Hi there!

I ran my first marathon in May and had a blast! During the last few weeks of training I saw a physical therapist due to pain in my foot arches. From what I’ve seen online it’s my inner longitudinal arch. My left in particular was giving me a lot of pain. (I should note I have had some serious ankle sprains while in college due to competing in gymnastics way back almost 10 years ago). I would wake up in the morning and they would be so sore but the pain would go away through the day or go away when I began running.

During my marathon my laces were pushing down on the top of my foot making the top so sore and feel loose. I haven’t been running since the marathon because the arch of my foot continues to hurt. It continues to feel like I ran 15 miles the day before even though I haven’t. My chiropractor has been manually releasing my foot and massaging the arch of my foot. I don’t have any pain related to my heel. It’s the inside arch and up to my big toe when it’s being massaged/released. Massaging and cupping has helped but only for that day. The next day I wake up and the pain has returned as soon as I step out of bed. I ran for the first time recently (under 3 miles) and my inner arch was sensitive to touch. However the next day, it returned to the normal pain and discomfort.

I have been off it for almost 4 months and haven’t noticed a big improvement. I need to start building a base (I am signed up to run the London Marathon in April) soon. I am concerned that my foot will not be able to handle it but I need help understanding what is wrong. The physical therapist I was seeing just thought even was tight and overworked from my training. I think it has to do with the instability in my ankle (I overpronate and use stability shoes). I’m at a loss and would appreciate any advice and help!

Thank you! Cheers,

Melissa