Foot Pain

Question
Hi,
My question is around the pain that I'm having on the ball of my foot and bottom of my heal.  I hope you can help.  I have been skiing for years, and this past year bought new skis and boots.  The boot fitter recommended a tighter boot fit than I was used to.  On skiing with the new boots, I had severe pain in the ball of my foot and bottom of my heal.  The pain was like a burning sensation that came up my calves.  This happens in both feet.  I had an expensive orthodic put in and it helped only slightly.  On a recent trip, I rented another boot a half size larger.  That helped to get rid of the pain moving up my calves, but the pain in my feet continued.   It only seemed to get better if I was not standing, not skiing or sitting on the chair lift.  I have never experienced this type of pain before and never had any pain like this while running or exercising.  
Some other thoughts:
-I have a normal width foot
-When I wear my shoes, I do wear the heels on the outer edges over time
-I'm in my late 40's, in good shape
-Usually stretch before skiing, but not my feet/calves
-The pain is only when I have the ski boots on and begins after about 15 minutes and lasts until I take them off
Anything you can suggest would be greatly appreciated.  I'm at my wit's end.  My last trip I could only ski 2 hours a day because of the discomfort and pain.

Answer
Hi Sam and thanks for the question.

breaking in new boots is never fun. Could be a few things - but its interesting the orthodic didnt help.  Pain in the foot comes from a few things - you may just have to rule them out until you find the cause as i cannot diagnose.

I remember having the same issue, but im at a loss as to how i fixed it. But best to start with loosening off the boot with the micro adjustment. You may also need to get he boot "blown out" as there could actually be another pressure point adding to the problem.

* MUSCLES - shortened or tense muscles in the hip, buttock, thigh, hamstring, calf &/or shin will all cause feet problems as they pull and make the feet tighter. Good stretching through all those muscles will help if that is the cause. Massage the ball of your feet with a tennis ball while watching tv if you can't find someone to do it for you.

* NERVE - the lower lumber and sacral spine effects the lower leg and feet. If there is a malalignment you can get feet and knee pain.

* ARCHES - fallen arches will cause pain in the feet, as will unsupported high arches. Orthodics will help - but as you say you have them and got little relief - possibly they need checking again as they may not be sitting quite right.

* B12 - have your B12 levels checked by your GP, just in case. B12 is responsible for protecting nerve fibres among other things in our body.

Wear your boots at home for 45mins each evening for a week and se if that eases the pain. SOunds like you are going to have to wear them in - an arduous process for everyone. Wear thicker socks the second or third night. Helps if you can heat the liner prior to putting it on - gently use a hair dryer if you have one available. Teh liner will eventually mould to your feets lumps and bumps [takes about 30-50hrs of wear]

Hope there is something in here you can try. Unfortunatley im not in a position to diagnose you problem just here to offer some advice. It would be interesting to note which works best - or if a combination of things gets results for anyone else reading with the same problems.

good luck
lisa