Pain in instep when cycling clipped

[Cataboo]

I've been getting a pain that sort of goes up the inner middle of my right foot, curves up to the side when riding clipped in. I haven't noticed it on my commuter that I don't ride clipped. I use speedplay frogs, I've got them on 3 different bikes & I'm feeling the same pain on all of them, no matter which pair of shoes I use. I tried using keen commuters, which maybe the pain was a bit less since they're a bit more flexible... but I'm still feeling it.

The pain starts maybe a couple of miles into a ride and just persists. It's bearable and I can ride through it, but I really don't like it that much.

So I guess I must be holding that foot funny or something? Anyone have any suggestions or had similar pain they managed to get rid of?

[Zen]

Possible plantar fasciitis?

[Cataboo]

I don't know - I don't get pain when I'm walking or hiking with that foot.

[OakLeaf]

Trigger points in the gastrocnemius?

Ankling too much maybe (which you wouldn't do with platform pedals)? Try working them out with the opposite knee, a hard rubber ball or a Thera-Cane?

[Biciclista]

a rock in your shoe?

[Cataboo]

all of them! In the same spot in all the shoes!

Thanks Oakleaf, I'm gonna decipher what you said & try that!

[Zen]

a rock in your shoe?

I was thinking the same thing

[OakLeaf]

all of them! In the same spot in all the shoes!

Thanks Oakleaf, I'm gonna decipher what you said & try that!

Try this to start! HTH

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Maybe you are pointing your toes down too much when pedaling- that can put a strain on your arch. Pointing toes down is a common thing when biking, and it's not a good habit.

[Cataboo]

I do point my toes a bit - habit from lots of gymnastics when young.

I'll work on that, check for rocks, and check out oakleaf's link. Thanks

[ny biker]

Could it be that you need a cleat adjustment? I need to have my cleats at a weird angle, especially for my right foot, in order to avoid pain when I ride.

The folks at my LBS put my bike on the indoor trainer and did the adjustment for me.

[Cataboo]

Yeah, I made the bf watch me ride today - he says I point my left foot more than I do my right (my right's the one that hurts), and that I hold my right heel in more towards the bike.

So obviously I'm completely lopsided.

[Mr. BlueBug32]

What kind of insoles are you using, and are they appropriate for your arch? If you're not properly supporting the arch during the pedal stroke, you can end up with some issues. Just something to look at.

Sounds also like the problem is the same as my current issue, likely due to poor footbeds as well as high resistance/pointing the toe too much.

[Cataboo]

I'm just using the footbeds that came with my shoes. One's a pair of sidi bullets, one's a pair of shimano something, and the other's a pair of cannondale something or other. (The latter 2 not being very expensive shoes). Then I've got the keen commuters.

I actually generally hate arch support. I don't have very arched feet and arch support in my shoes annoys me when walking.

I do mash more than I should.

Thanks

[Softie]

Here's some info if flat feet might be playing a factor.

Arch supports take time to get used to. Especially if you have flat feet, they'll be uncomfortable and can even make your feet sore and tired faster to start (at least I've found), and if you go too long without wearing them you'll notice the transition back. They also take a bit of time to sink into the shoe and get comfy. You could try a softer support, or putting them under your normal insole that comes with your shoe. If you foot has a tendency to go flat in the arch when you push down on it, you may be compensating without thinking about it by flexing your toes and foot to keep your arch up.