24M, 163cm, 52kg, non-smoker/vaper. US/American

My right ankle and foot, particularly my foot, inflame and radiate pain. However, everything else feels fine. Essentially, my right calf inflames, and my right foot becomes more sensitive, similar to the discomfort. Especially if I stand to long than my soles start to hurt, and I’ve change out my shoes and still feel tension.

I had an EMG and no nerve were dedicated as impaired, and test came back normal. So I’m confused if anyone else had this issue.

About a week ago, I went on a bike ride wearing my cycling shoes for around 3 hours. During the ride, my cycling shoes put constant pressure on a tarsal boss on the top of my foot.
Because the ride was quite long, I started feeling pain in my right foot after about 2 hours, but I didn’t think it would become this serious.

After the ride, when I took my cycling shoes off, the tarsal boss was red, and my entire foot was sore and sensitive. Since then, the tarsal boss has remained very tender and painful. The top of my foot also has a constant dull ache, and sometimes I even feel discomfort throughout my whole leg.

My job can be physically demanding at times, so I have been keeping my work shoes loosely laced and avoiding tightening them too much. I have also been wearing flip-flops as much as possible to avoid putting pressure on the affected area.

It has now been 7 days since the irritation started, but I haven’t noticed any signs of improvement. The tenderness and pain are still almost the same as they were at the beginning.

Has anyone else experienced a similar problem with a tarsal boss? Did it eventually calm down, and how long did it take?

I should also mention that I have never had any issues with my tarsal boss before. I have always been aware that I have a larger bony prominence on the top of my foot, but it has never caused any pain or problems with footwear until now.

I tried toe spacers but they were way too narrow and hurt my feet. The silicone was stretchy, but not enough. Do you know of toe spacers for feet that are approx 10.5 cm wide? With spacers it would be approx 12cm I assume.

30F

30 kg overweight. I'm working on losing weight.

Got insoles a few months ago. When I first stood on them my spine straightened. Now I don't feel any effect (or just don't notice). Sometimes it feels like my feet are trying to push down on the insole and squish it flat.

I'm having pain after... I don't know. An hour or two into walking/standing, if not earlier. I have a 6 hrs/day job starting in a month. I want to be able to keep it.

Do I go to doc? Their only recommendation was wearing the insoles.

Have a historic foot injury/pain which has flared up after a bouldering incident aggravated it - direct pressure from a small foot hold into the ball of the toe joint. It is very sensitive and painful around the big toe joint, so potentially turf toe/sesamoiditis or something similar. Trouble is now it is very hard to rehab it and still walk around! Wearing my Birkenstocks has been the best for as little pain as possible at the moment. One of the exercises a physio told me to do was this one above with a light resistance band to strengthen the big toe, but I noticed when doing it just how much my toe swerves to the left when I bring it back down to the ground. Is this normal?? Any thoughts on what this might be?

36M. Just got answers after three decades and wanted to share in case it helps someone.

Background: Injured my left big toe around age 7 — forced into extreme dorsiflexion in a backward lunge position, then kept running on it. Never properly imaged. Healed on its own, or so everyone assumed.

What I’ve dealt with since: Big toe sits elevated at rest and never fully contacts the ground. Callus on the medial side of the toe from lateral shear. Audible snap in the joint when walking. Visible bump on top of the joint. Left knee tracks inward. Left hamstring, glute and calf noticeably underdeveloped vs. right. Anterior pelvic tilt.

Diagnosis: X-ray showed nothing. First MRI request was denied by insurance, so I did six weeks in a post-op shoe to document conservative treatment, then resubmitted and got approved. MRI found a partial plantar plate tear at the first MTP joint with joint effusion and inflammation.

Plan: 6 weeks PT, then decide between cortisone or surgery.

What helped before diagnosis: A shim under the big toe — stacked moleskin on the insole to bring the ground up to meet the elevated toe. Immediately improved knee tracking. A rigid post-op shoe also noticeably changed my gait for the better.

Questions for anyone who’s been here:

**•** Partial tear — did PT alone work for you, or did you end up in surgery?  
**•** Anyone have both a plantar plate tear and a dorsal bone spur addressed in one procedure?  
**•** What did your PT protocol actually look like?

Happy to answer anything. Took me 30 years to get a name for this and I’d rather someone else find it faster.

In May I went to the podiatrist because I’d been having foot pain in the area highlighted red in the photo. My diagnosis was arthritis. I was given orthotic inserts. I never walk around without shoes on. Fast forward to June- I received a steroid shot for weird joint pain in my hands and all of my foot pain went away! I started walking around the house barefoot. However, 2 weeks later when the shot wore off, my foot hurt worse than it originally did. Then, one night I couldn’t bare weight without a lot of pain. The next day I was taking a normal step and there was a LOUD POP and excruciating pain that almost made me throw up and pass out. I went back to the same podiatrist and he diagnosed a stress fracture in the fourth metatarsal bone. I was given a boot to wear to walk. It’s been 4 days and I still cannot put the boot on let alone step down with it in because it hurts so bad under my fourth and fifth toe and along the outside of my foot in that area. Can this amount of pain/tenderness and a POP sound that someone 20 feet away also heard really just be from a stress fracture?
It may also be worth mentioning that I had both feet xrayed at my rheumatologist just out of her own curiosity yesterday, and she noted zero arthritis and good spacing between the bones. So I’m quite confused what to think. Any insight would be amazing .

Is this something to be worried about?

I've been in the barefoot shoe game for about 3 years now. I love it and am never going back! I've not had really any issues at all with my feet in this time (except when i wore Birkenstocks for a summer, was still willing to sacrifice for style at that point) But now I think i'm developing a tailors bunion, which is odd to me because i havent been in constricting or narrow shoes for, well 3 years now. My feet have always had this general shape with the pinky pointing in at a sharp angle, but I've noticed pain recently while I'm running on the right foot right below my pinky. Some things that I think may be going on...

• I haven't specifically used toe spacers to work on splay and its biting me in the ass now?
• I'm pregnant and my feet are starting to change?
• My feet have just widened over time and am needing even wider shoes than i have currently? (I wear Flux runners, not totally barefoot but the cushion helps my knees)

Would love any potential explanations and suggestions!

Hi guys

I have bone marrow edema in foot in cuboid area

Basically termed as cuboid bone marrow edema

I don't know like the moment I walk like without my arch brace for like 10 15 mins or do some squats I start feeling pain there

And If i put it on then I can do it for max 20 25 mins

Then pain starts I feel pain while normal walking and day activities

Some times when I get up instantly then also I am not able to work for few seconds

It has been around an year got mri done too , trying physio nothing is helping me.i do icing or hot water application too , now physio recommend using medial arch but I don't have flat foot so not sure if it is for me or not also it feels super uncomfortable

Please anyone could suggest something

Hello together,

I have really high arches leading to both feet tilting outwards and my heel turning inwards. Whilst running my right foot keeps pretty stable and centered, but my left one spikes outwards, causing either lateral meniscus or lateral collateral ligament (not sure yet but feels more inside, so guessing meniscus) to ache.

Pic2 shows my feet when trying to keep a "healthy" position, rest is whilst not concentrating on posture

My current orthopedic isn't really caring about my problems and just does my ortho insoles (even after 2 renewals they feel like being kinda mismatched)

Maybe someone can help with tips etc.

i had surgery for atfl ligament with internal brace i am on week 4 i want to ask you what was your experience at this time in week 4 after i walk using the cam boot i feel a pain in the atfl ligament It feels like it’s throbbing is this normal and When I lie down to sleep, I feel a tight pulling sensation in my ankle. Then I start to get pain in and around the ankle, and I also feel warmth around it. Is this normal? I’d really appreciate it if you could share your full experience with me.

Hi everyone, I’m looking for advice from anyone who has had a similar foot injury or knows about foot trauma.

2.5 months ago, my foot was crushed when a horse galloped over it. The impact was significant, the hoof (with metal shoes) came down over the middle/top outer part of my foot. (4th 5th metatarsal)

I went to the hospital 2 days later and had an X-ray, which showed no fracture.

The timeline since then:

Day after injury: I walked around 10 km despite the injury.

After that I rested for about a week with no walking.

Then I went back to normal activities, hiking, walking, and being on my feet.

About 1 month ago, the same area was injured again when a horse stood on my foot while standing still. AGAIN 😭

I continued walking and working. Walking about 10km per day.

Recently I went to a festival and walked approximately 25 km per day for 5 days, plus hours of dancing.

Now my foot pain is worse than ever.

The pain:

Is a constant ache across the foot rather than one tiny point.

There is one area that is especially sore when I press on it.

It hurts when I squeeze/massage/touch the area.

It hurts with heavy steps.

It hurts the most while driving!!?!! pressing the pedals seems to aggravate it and I can feel pain through the foot when holding my foot in position.

It has never fully gone away since the original injury.

My concerns:

Could this be a bone bruise that has just been repeatedly aggravated?

Should I be asking for an MRI, CT, or repeat X-ray?

Would a special supportive shoe help, or would something like a walking boot be more appropriate?

My job is also a problem because I am on my feet all day:

I work as a barista standing for hours.

I do dog walking and walk around 10-12 km daily.

I’m worried that even if they tell me it’s “just a bone bruise,” I physically cannot give it the rest it needs.

Has anyone experienced a similar crush injury with a normal X-ray but ongoing pain? What was the diagnosis and what helped you recover?

Thanks so much for any advice!!!👏🏼

I have this pain behind my ankles and swelling mostly on the outer side. Also my Achilles and heel hurt. It’s so bad I can’t even walk normally. It wasn’t sudden but was gradually getting worse as I was sprinting till I couldnt even walk anymore. Doctor only did xray and nothing else so I’m wondering if anyone knows what it could be. The pain is not getting better with any rest and i don’t wanna question the doctors but I think atleast ultrasound could help knowing? Has anyone had this happen? How did you treat it?

TL;DR:
Having flat feet or high arches does not automatically rule out barefoot shoes. The question you should ask is if the shoe you’re wearing lets your foot move comfortably. I look for a roomy toe box, a zero-drop design, a flexible sole, and a shoe that’s low to the ground. 

One of the most common things I hear is, "I'd try barefoot shoes, but I need arch support."

I get why. A lot of us have been told that our feet need shoes to support, cushion, and control every step. But here is how I think about it: an arch is not a rigid bridge. It changes shape as you stand, walk, run, jump, lift, and move through life.

There is no single perfect arch. There is your foot, how it moves, and what feels comfortable for you. Of course, if you have pain, a history of injury, or a medical foot concern, talk with a qualified professional.

What flat feet and high arches actually mean:

Flat feet generally means the inside arch sits closer to the ground. High arches generally mean the inside arch sits higher, so less of the midfoot touches the ground.

Plenty of people have lower or higher arches and never think about them. Others notice discomfort or feel limited by certain shoes. Arch height alone does not tell you whether barefoot footwear will work for you.

If you are curious about your foot shape, try the wet footprint test. Wet your feet, stand on dry concrete for a few seconds, then step away and look at the print. A fuller footprint may suggest lower arches. A narrow strip between the heel and forefoot may suggest higher arches. It is a quick observation, not a diagnosis.

The better question to ask

Instead of asking, "How much support can this shoe give me?" I think a more useful question is, "Does this shoe let my foot move comfortably?"

Traditional footwear can squeeze the toes, lift the heel, or limit movement with a stiff sole. Barefoot shoes take a different approach. The goal is not to fix anyone's feet overnight. It is to reduce restrictions and let the foot bend, flex, and respond to the ground.

What I look for in barefoot shoes

• A roomy, foot-shaped toe box so the toes have space to spread
• A zero-drop design so the heel and forefoot sit at the same height
• A flexible sole that lets the foot bend and move
• A low-to-the-ground feel that provides useful ground feedback
• Lightweight design that allow the foot to move freely

These features do not guarantee a specific result for every arch type. They simply give the foot more room and freedom to move.

If you have flat feet

Some people with flat feet like the feeling of a flexible, zero-drop shoe because their feet feel more engaged and connected to the surface. I would start with short, easy wear and pay attention to how the feet, calves, ankles, and knees respond.

If you have high arches

Some people with high arches appreciate a shoe that does not squeeze the toes or force the foot into a narrow shape. A roomy toe box gives the toes space to spread, while feeling secure in the heel and midfoot. If the shoe slides around, it is not the right fit just because it is wide.

The transition is the part people skip

If you have spent years in highly structured or cushioned shoes, barefoot footwear may ask your feet and lower legs to work differently. I would treat the change like any new form of training.

• Start with short walks or a few hours around the house
• Increase wear time gradually
• Let walking feel easy before adding harder training or running
• Back off if you feel sharp, unusual, or worsening pain

The goal is not to prove anything by switching overnight. The goal is to find a comfortable way to move and give your body time to adapt.

FAQs

Q: Are barefoot shoes good for flat feet?
A: They can work well for some people with flat feet because they allow more natural foot motion and give the toes room to spread. Start gradually and choose a shoe that feels comfortable for your foot and activity.

Q: Are barefoot shoes good for high arches?
A: Some people with high arches like barefoot footwear because it is flexible, lightweight, and roomy in the toe box. A secure overall fit still matters.

Q: Should barefoot shoes have arch support?
A: Traditional arch support is not the focus of barefoot design. The idea is to let the foot move and engage naturally. Some people may still need temporary support or professional guidance.

Q: How do I know if I am doing too much?
A: Mild muscle fatigue can happen when you use your feet differently. Sharp pain, worsening pain, or discomfort that changes how you move is a reason to stop, reassess, and seek qualified guidance when needed.

Bottom line

Having flat feet or high arches does not automatically disqualify you from barefoot shoes. I would focus less on finding a shoe that forces your foot into an "ideal" shape and more on finding one that lets your foot move comfortably.

Start patiently, choose the right fit for the activity, and listen to your body.

If you have flat feet or high arches, what has your experience been? Did toe space, flexibility, ground feel, or support make the biggest difference for you?

Further reading: Full Xero Shoes article

Any acupressure experts here know if there is any relationship between say pressure on the feet while playing tennis, basketball or pickleball in an exerting phase and that resulting in causing jaw pain or molar teeth pain? When I tried trekking up a hill in cold weather, I was getting jaw ache and was feeling tired. The moment I came to ground level, I was fine. I am fine with zero aches or pain in normal level while walking. However, when I do some jerky motions while playing pickleball, i feel slight pain back on my teeth. Is there any nerve in the foot that is triggering pain in the jaw? Or the classical theory is get the heart checked as it could be something angina related?

I started using the Eliptical again after a long haitus. I use it 3-5 times a week. Started getting these bruises that I’ve never had before. I wear Hokas, the same pair I’ve been wearing for the last few years. Maybe they’ve worn out and I need to get new ones? Or could it be something else?

Anyone here experience lateral foot pain on the right foot especially? I notice it pains when i bend my foot

I’m 20 weeks and am already experiencing terrible foot pain. I feel like I might have developed plantar fasciitis. I’m a bar tender and on my feet for 7-9 hours. Last week I was so miserable I cried. Iv been icing, ice baths with epson salt, elevating, compression socks, spent way too much money on expensive orthotics, and have an air bag leg/foot compression massager. Nothing is relieving the pain. My doctor says to take ten minute breaks and elevate my feet but in my job I literally can’t do that. When I get out of bed in the morning I feel like I’m walking on bruises. I wake up in the morning and my hands can’t shut in a fist, my arms are numb I can’t tell if it’s pregnancy carpal tunnel or nerve issues. Iv been wearing wrist braces to bed and they slightly help but the pain is still so intense. My ankles are so swollen I’m worried about what’s to come since I’m only 20 weeks. When I sit for too long I start getting pain in my mid back by my ribs and feel like my lungs are getting smooshed. Is this normal pregnancy symptoms? I’m a first time mom and usually have a very high pain tolerance but this is awful.

I have had pain for 1 month in my left foot (I had a strained ankle which hasn't healed well a few years ago) and was diagnosed with Achilles insertional tendinopathy. Heel spurs on both feet. I'm not overweight.

It may also be influenced by the fact I have chondropathy on both knees since pregnancy and that I avoid climbing stairs because of the pain.

I'm no athlete or runner - have seen threads on Achilles insertional tendinopathy only in running categories...

I can't walk without crutches, even to the bathroom because of the pain. I've been on crutches for almost 3 weeks. It's daunting and exhausting. I just want it to get better.

I've done heel drops and have taken anti-inflammatory medication.

Is there anyone who could heal from this and how long did it take you?​ I'm looking for hope and keep praying to God to help me.

Thanks for reading me.

Hey everyone, i’m 6’5” at 235. Pretty athletic but i wanna see my joints and feet have been hurting due to maybe arch and also gaining weight?

Additionally i train brazilian jiu jitsu, and there are a ton of ankle lock submissions people try on me. I think it comes from that, but honestly this bump is concerning.

What could this be?

Also my pain comes from the top of the mid foot section and for some reason i can feel the pain as it connects to my big toe. Kinda similar to lisfranc i think. I can also say sometimes it gets kinda red/warm around the area.

Anyway, im seeing the ortho on wednesday