Problem with fleshy pad on front of feet

[lpart]

I have been having a major problem with pain in the pads of both feet just behind the toes. I only experience this problem when wearing a stiff soled hiking boot. I am wearing a pair of Schnee Beartooths which are the most comfortable boot I have ever worn. My first hour or about 3 miles are fine and then it begins. Within a half an hour I can barely walk. If I remove my boots and put on light hikers or running shoes I am fine. This happens with any stiff soled boot - Kenentreks, Russells, Irish setters, Schnees. You name it. It is really affecting my ability to get out in the rough country where a lighter boot is not adequate. I have a late season elk hunt with a lot of hiking at 9-11,000 feet and a backpack sheep hunt in the NWT booked for next summer. I would appreciate any feedback that anybody can provide.

 

[Brock A]

I am no boot guru or foot pro but I would suggest hiking more. If you can go 3 miles before you feel pain it sounds like everything is fitting good. Toughen those feet up ;-)

 

[ol490]

I have had a little soreness there as well in the past. I bought inserts from lathtrop and sons called high country synergy inserts. They helped.

 

[tenth1]

I'm no expert, but may have the same problem. It is exasperated when trekking downhill on hard trails. My problem is really high arches (I think, still finding the end all do all). I tried all sorts of insoles and then found some by aetrex with a "ball" in the arch area. This has significantly helped in my stiff boots

 

[darcytribe]

I have a similar issue with my lowa tibetts. I currently have the lathrop inserts in there which help some from the stock ones. After several miles the pain begins in the balls and heels of my feet. While walking it feels like all of my weight is on those two areas of my feet and my arch isn't bearing any of the weight. .

 

[justinspicher]

I think you need to walk more. Regardless of your insole and outsole, your feet aren't prepared for what you're asking them to do. Wear your boots more often, your feet will toughen up and you'll have no issues.

 

[darcytribe]

Just found this online. Rings true as my left big toe does start to go numb if I push through the discomfort...
Definition

Morton’s Neuroma is a common foot problem associated with pain, swelling and/or an inflammation of a nerve, usually at the ball-of-the-foot between the 3rd and 4th toes. Symptoms of this condition include sharp pain, burning, and even a lack of feeling in the affected area. Morton’s Neuroma may also cause numbness, tingling, or cramping in the forefoot.

Cause

Morton’s Neuroma is a foot condition caused from an abnormal function of the foot that leads to bones squeezing a nerve usually between the 3rd and 4th metatarsal heads. Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma often occur during or after you have been placing significant pressure on the forefoot area, while walking, standing, jumping, or sprinting. This condition can also be caused by footwear selection. Footwear with pointed toes and/or high heels can often lead to a neuroma. Constricting shoes can pinch the nerve between the toes, causing discomfort and extreme pain.

Treatment and Prevention

The first step in treating Morton’s Neuroma is to select proper footwear. Footwear with a high and wide toe box (toe area) is ideal for treating and relieving the pain. The next step in treatment is to use an orthotic designed with a metatarsal pad. This pad is located behind the ball-of-the-foot to unload pressure, and relieve the pain caused by the neuroma.

If problem persists, consult your foot doctor.

 

[Tim in Wa.]

I have the same problem complete with the high arches
Tim

 

[Sage950]

I had the same problem. Bought a new pair of lowa boots and the first few times I walked in them had the same experience. I'm training for ironman Arizona so I'm in running shoes that are considerably more flexible. I put in Dr. Shoels inserts and that helped some. Just came back from 6 day wilderness hunt and happy to report all went well. I think the keys for me were a little recovery the inserts and the boot breaking in. Hope this helps.

 

[SethH]

I had a tender spot on my right foot right where you are talking about while on my CO trip. It did get a lot better by the end. I think it might be as mention that we just needed to toughen our feet up a little more. Good luck, I hope you find something that helps.

 

[Beendare]

My take; Could be a few things but what works for me is the right fit soft insoles. As you get older you lose the cushion on the bottoms of your feet. This shows up quickly with hard sole stiff boots but can be mitigated with the right insole. Typically the ones that come with your boots are crap.

 

[Jager]

It is really affecting my ability to get out in the rough country where a lighter boot is not adequate.QUOTE]

You have answered your own question, you are not able to use the stiffer boots, so I don't understand your reasoning that a lighter boot is not adequate. The lighter boot works for you, so regardless of what you read in a mag or on the net, the lighter boots are your individual best option.

On the other side of the coin, forget how good a pair of boots or a pack are supposed to be, the wearer IS going to suffer from discomfort at some stage while walking.

 

[lpart]

Thanks for the help guys. I went to a podiatrist and darcytribe nailed it. It's a nerve problem alright. We are starting with steroid injections, 3 times 3 weeks apart in each foot. If that doesn't do it we will try minor surgery to remove the offending nerves. Dr. said we should be able to eliminate the problem one way or the other.

 

[lpart]

Just to close the book on this item I had the surgery in mid December. Both feet at the same time. Good news is it appears to have worked. I am having no discomfort at all at this time although I have yet to shoulder a pack and climb. I am feeling very good about NWT sheep hunt in August now.