Foot Pain After standing a couple minutes
by Madison
(Richfield, PA, USA)
It started one day when I was in the store and was walking a long time (I had been to previous stores as well, it was basically a night of being non stop on my feet). I was walking with my mom, we took a corner to go into another aisle and my right foot cramped up severely. I literally just dropped everything I had and grabbed my foot. I sat there massaging it but nothing helped. For about a half hour I sat there crying holding my foot that still was cramped up and had to have my mom help me out to the car to go home. I was not wearing good shoes, flats in fact. It’s 4 months later and I can barely stand for long before my foot starts to hurt, then eventually after awhile will lead to cramping up again if I ignore it. I’ve been to a doctor and a orthopedic dr and they both don’t know what it is, even after x rays. I do not do any running or anything that could have contributed.
I recently bought a good pair of Nikes and added cushioned gel insoles that helped temporarily, but I was in a store yesterday only to find after maybe 10-15 minutes of walking and standing, it was hurting already. As soon as it hurts I freak out because I picture that happening all over again. If it’s really severe, my foot can also stiffen up a bit.
It’s not the walking that is a huge issue, it’s
just standing. It actually eases a bit if I walk a couple steps, but even that, after awhile, gets my foot hurting.
I’ve tried 2 new pair of shoes. I’ve tried inserts. I’ve tried more water. I’ve tried exercises for weeks. Nothing is helping and I’m to the point I cry over it because I’m clueless. I just want to be back to the way I was.
I know some in this group ask for age, gender etc. so I’m a 16 year old female.
I really want to find something to do, I’m out of ideas and I’m extremely depressed avoiding going anywhere now. I feel trapped basically because without anywhere to sit, this happens EVERY time.
RESPONSEHi Madison,
You do not mention where in your foot you are getting your pain and of course that would be very helpful.
Based on your narrative, my first thought would be a condition called a
midtarsal fault (you can read about it on my site). It is essentially a collapse of your arch that for most will cause pain on the top of the foot, particularly when standing and walking. This condition will be aggravated by wearing "flimsy" shoes that offer no support.
X-rays will appear normal to most doctors including most orthopedists. A good podiatrist should be able to make the diagnosis.
So, if your pain is occurring on the top of your foot, my first guess would be a midtarsal fault.
Ask your parents to make an appointment with a podiatrist in your area.
Marc Mitnick DPM
DISCLAIMER