Foot pain - Gazelle

[JulieB]

Hi everyone,

I wear an orthotic insert in my shoes because I have flat feet (aka fallen arches). If I don't wear them, I get a horrible pain all along the bottom of my feet. Needless to say, I always wear them!

Due to this condition, low-impact exercise is a must for me. I have a stationary bike I really like, a treadmill I don't like so much (but not because of foot pain) and I recently got a Gazelle.

I was really surprised the first time I used it - my feet started to hurt immediately! I had planned to do 20 minutes, but quit after 12, not because I was tired or winded, but because my feet were aching so badly!

Has anyone else experienced foot pain using the gazelle? Does anyone else out there who wears orthotics use a gazelle?

I tried it again last night for 5 minutes after I cycled, it wasn't too bad...I don't know if this is the kind of thing I can ease into or if it will be impossible for me to use the Gazelle...

Any info appreciated!
Thanks, Julie

[Miss Phode]

Sounds like Plantar Fasciitis (sp?). I had a problem with this when I first started exercising. You may need a new pair of gym shoes. As the weight came off, this stopped being a problem for me. I don't use a gazelle though, I use an eliptical or Cybex Arc Trainer at the gym. Sorry, I have no idea if this info helps. I had the same problem with pain though about 10 minutes into my workout. Like I said, as the weight came off, the pain lessened, and now I don't have a problem with it at all.

[Keetje]

Hi Julie,

I have similar issues with my feet and wear orthotic inserts. Do you wear the full sports inserts?

Sounds to me like this is something you may have to ease into, we are both about the same height and weight and, having seen the gazelle on youtube, know that I would have great difficulty even managing 5 mins!

I ride my bike to work and do the occasional bit of swimming and walking.

A physio friend said to me that knee problems and fallen arches/overpronation can be helped by tightening your butt muscles - perhaps you could try that while you are building up on the gazelle.

Keetje

[JulieB]

Hi Keetje , thanks for the info - I have never heard of the butt muscle thing, but I'm willing to try anything. I think I'll continue to add the gazelle a few minutes at a time after my cycling for now. Maybe I can work up to 20 minutes in time & alternate between the cycling/gazelle/etc (I get bored easily)I guess its butt-crunches for me tonight

[Keetje]

re. the butt muscles, just...er...clench while you are exercising.

How on earth does one put these things delicately? Well you know what I mean

Keetje

[JulieB]

Thanks. Delicate enough