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Foot pain before Camino - advice needed

GabrielSVK

New Member
Time of past OR future Camino
no camino yet
My dearest fellow pilgrims, I am writing to this forum to seek an advice for my issue, that freaking me out and keeping me in panic.

I am 26 year old, non athlete skinny type of guy. After some time of dreaming, planning and encouraging myself I decided to go and walk the Camino. It cost a lot of energy - find the correct time gap in my current life, to get a longer non-paid vacation from my work, talk with my relatives and family and let them understand my decision to go off country for a few weeks. I decided to walk Camino Del Norte from Irun - read every detail, got advice from my friends who finished some of the routes of Camino de Compostela, analyzed every post and article I found and got as lightweight gear as possible.

Apart from my comfy shoes I also decided to take some sandals - and bought a new pair (as I didnt have any) from Decathlon. And 3 days ago I decided to test them out and went to city to do some casual shopping. The last 2 kilometers of 12 km I did that day were a bit painful - the right side of my right foot started be sore.

Now I am sitting here, panicked and had no idea what to do as I still feel mild pain when walking after 3 days from that day. I have no pain when I do not walk, I have no pain at touch of the leg, I have no swelling, I have no redness or other issue. I am not able to say if I have some kind of badly stretched muscle, plantar fasci, peroneal tendonitis or I just simple overloaded my foot in combination of new sandals, not proper training and long walking. I “just” feel a some kind of pain inside my foot while using my foot, between fingers and heel, not unbearable, but probably getting worse by walking.

I should start my Camino in 7 days. I was not able to only sit and rest for last 3 days, but I will be able for the upcoming days. I am unfortunately not able to see a doctor, as it took several weeks to get an apoinment in my country, but I am able to rest, use ice or heat (no idea which one...), stretch, sleep, anything... I do not want to give up my dream after all the energy and hope I had and I am seeking any advice. I am tired of googling and trying to figure out what is wrong and I am starting panicking, guessing what to do if in will not stop.

I am truly sorry for the longer message and thank you for every your word in advance. Please consider that I know that the real problems, fatigue, blisters... are still in front of me on Camino, I am just unsure if my current problem wont stop me at the beginning and wont change to something worse just mild pain. Thank you.
 
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My dearest fellow pilgrims, I am writing to this forum to seek an advice for my issue, that freaking me out and keeping me in panic.

I am 26 year old, non athlete skinny type of guy. After some time of dreaming, planning and encouraging myself I decided to go and walk the Camino. It cost a lot of energy - find the correct time gap in my current life, to get a longer non-paid vacation from my work, talk with my relatives and family and let them understand my decision to go off country for a few weeks. I decided to walk Camino Del Norte from Irun - read every detail, got advice from my friends who finished some of the routes of Camino de Compostela, analyzed every post and article I found and got as lightweight gear as possible.

Apart from my comfy shoes I also decided to take some sandals - and bought a new pair (as I didnt have any) from Decathlon. And 3 days ago I decided to test them out and went to city to do some casual shopping. The last 2 kilometers of 12 km I did that day were a bit painful - the right side of my right foot started be sore.

Now I am sitting here, panicked and had no idea what to do as I still feel mild pain when walking after 3 days from that day. I have no pain when I do not walk, I have no pain at touch of the leg, I have no swelling, I have no redness or other issue. I am not able to say if I have some kind of badly stretched muscle, plantar fasci, peroneal tendonitis or I just simple overloaded my foot in combination of new sandals, not proper training and long walking. I “just” feel a some kind of pain inside my foot while using my foot, between fingers and heel, not unbearable, but probably getting worse by walking.

I should start my Camino in 7 days. I was not able to only sit and rest for last 3 days, but I will be able for the upcoming days. I am unfortunately not able to see a doctor, as it took several weeks to get an apoinment in my country, but I am able to rest, use ice or heat (no idea which one...), stretch, sleep, anything... I do not want to give up my dream after all the energy and hope I had and I am seeking any advice. I am tired of googling and trying to figure out what is wrong and I am starting panicking, guessing what to do if in will not stop.

I am truly sorry for the longer message and thank you for every your word in advance. Please consider that I know that the real problems, fatigue, blisters... are still in front of me on Camino, I am just unsure if my current problem wont stop me at the beginning and wont change to something worse just mild pain. Thank you.


Get some Arnica, sublingual and cream and use it as directed. Get a tennis ball and stand with it under the sore foot and roll it softly at first ,increasing the pressure as you can comfortably. Do it several times a day. Ice the foot after tennis-balling it for 20 minutes. Google calf stretches and do those, too. Take over the counter anti-inflammatory as you are comfortable. Leave the sandals at home, do take the arnica, anti-inflammatory, tennis ball with you. You will be fine.
 
Walk slow and less km's to start.
Make more rest stops on the way.
Look at the KT-tape videos.
Support tape can help if you know what is wrong...
If it is not possible to see a doctor in your country, seek one in Spain or go to the hospital there (take your European health insurance card with you).
Ask info/help from the forum member davebugg
Buen Camino 👣
 
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The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
Have you had the souls of your feet checked? You may need special inlays in your new shoes or sandals to adjust a problem you may have there, and give you the correct shape to your feet. I have mine made to measure and use them all the time.
Also, I find creams and salves which have Comfrey (Borage) in the preperation very helpful against swelling and pain. After a shower or bath, I always rinse my feet and legs with a cold water shower. This helps too, especially after a long walk or workout.
The obvious one - does your footwear fit you properly? When you walk long distances your feet will swell an extra size. This has to be allowed for.
Good luck and good healing. Better that you can deal with this now than half-way though your Camino.
Keith
 
An old timer advised me once to bath my feet in mythelated spirits for a few days to harden my feet I never did it but it might be worth a try.Wishing you well.
 
Gabriel, how distressing. No one on here can give you medical advice, you need a professional face to face (or face to foot) meeting.

however - just some thoughts ....
a) if there is no sharp pain when you walk it is unlikely to be a stress fracture, which is a good thing.
b) you tried new cheap sandal footwear and walked for 12 kms, suggesting that the internal footbed was poor for the shape of your feet as you did not have this problem before - therefore rest and treatment and back to your safe footwear and you should be fine.
c) the pain is on the outside along your foot, which suggest you suffer from Supination, that your feet roll outwards when walking, and that the new sandals exaggerated this. This can be corrected with either correctly supporting footwear such as that made by the Keen company or inserts, though you really need to see an expert who can tell you exactly what you need.
d) the ache is horrid isn't it. Look, forget your going deadline for a moment and treat it as a sports injury in a game and you have to be back on the field in three days - do what a sports therapist would tell you to do.
e) worrying won't help you, it never does. Clear remedial action is needed.

if you intend to go ....
1) throw those sandals away.
2) take with you the most comfortable walking footwear that you have that have never caused you problems but also take some anti-supination inserts.
3) treat the area - the advice is online but I would say really describe the symptoms to yourself clearly and then go for whatever serious sports therapists say to do (which, unfortunately, tend to include not walking).
4) however light your pack is - lighten it more.
5) forget any sort of schedule that you may have planned and walk slow, walk short distances, stop when you hurt.
6) repeat. Stop when you hurt.

I understand how frantic you must be feeling as it is allied to the fear of going, which all first timers have, but, be kind to yourself. You are an intelligent successful person - you can do this. You can heal this, care for your feet out there, take it easy, be aware, be conscious .. and, hey! so maybe you walk only half the Camino you wanted to walk by staying pain free and safe - so? walk the second half in 2023 !!

Just one final ramble - as you are going on your first Camino ... do you really want to do the Norte? Strenuous Camino - why did you choose that and not the classic and busy and easier and supportive Frances??
 
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Down bag (90/10 duvet) of 700 fills with 180 g (6.34 ounces) of filling. Mummy-shaped structure, ideal when you are looking for lightness with great heating performance.

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I was having foot pain before I left for my Camino, from doing lunges while training. I went to my orthopedist and she prescribed orthotics for me. Best thing I ever did.
 
Remember how sore you became during times that when you first started a new physical adventure? Whether starting a fitness program, physical labor in the yard, or starting a new recreational hobby like bicycle riding, chances are that by the next morning, your muscles felt sore and tender and it was a bit difficult to get moving.:)

The same holds true with feet and knees. When one first starts to do extended walking, hiking, fitness training, etc., feet can become tender and knees feel sore. If there is uphill and downhill walking, the effects can be even more pronounced.

This can sometimes cause alarm; and when it does occur, can make it difficult to gauge whether the discomfort one feels is within normal limits, or is the beginning of an injury.

Feet and knees are complicated structures and full of reasons why increases in activity takes some getting used to.

Each of your feet and ankles contain:
  • 26 bones (about 1/4 of all the bones in the body)
  • 33 joints
  • Over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
    • The tendons are a fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones; the ligaments are fibrous tissues that connect bones to other bones.
Each knee has:
  • 2 main joints
  • 4 bones around the knee
  • 6 ligaments
  • tendons from 4 major muscles
  • A variety of cartilage, bursae, meniscus, and other goodies
Most of the time, it is the level of severity of symptoms which is used to differentiate normal from abnormal. For instance, the pain grows more severe or starts out as intense and sharp; or a small amount of swelling continues to rapidly increase; or there is discoloration at the site of the discomfort. But to add to the concern and confusion, it can also be normal for those brand new aches in the feet and knees to require a bit of rest for a day or so in order to help relieve the discomfort.

When I first start getting back into shape for backpacking after taking a break during late winter, I do daily hikes into steep and high foothills to the Cascade Mountains. Trails and paths may be anywhere from 8 percent to over 30 percent, and elevation gain and loss can be as high as 3300 feet/1006 meters within a 2.5 to 5 hour period.

And I always seem to forget when I first start, that it takes time for my feet and knees to adjust. And they DO adjust. It just takes a bit of time.

The day after the first day hike, my knees let me know that they are sore from the sudden activity, and that they do not like what I am doing. So, after the hikes I will Ice and Rest the knees for a period of time while reading or doing stuff like this post, or even working at my consulting job. Sometimes I find it beneficial to take the recommended dosage of ibuprofen to help with tissue swelling rather than any discomfort, but the main post-exercise therapy is Ice and Rest.

For the first 7 to 10 days on my training hikes, I tend to go slower, adjust my pace and stride to minimize how hard my foot impacts the ground on downhills, and if my knees start to bark too much, I will simply stop for a little bit and give them a rest.

This also helps with the period of adjustment as my feet structures strengthen from the increased activity.

Anyway, I just wanted to provide some encouragement to those who are doing Camino for the first time that, yes, knees and feet can and do adapt, as long as everything else is equal; like good footwear and commonsense :)

Also if you do have any suspicion or concern that there might be an injury, get it checked out by a medical professional. Do not be embarrassed that your symptoms might end up NOT being an injury. . . that's why the medics get paid to do what they do, to figure that stuff out.
 
Everything is well in your world, keep telling yourself this. Read and act upon the wonderful advice you have already received.

It cost a lot of energy

Don't worry about the cost, your cup of energy will be overflowing by day 5. The Camino is not just a physical trail but a positive trail of human intention. Open yourself up to the universal energy found around you by people, pilgrims and nature and focus on the positive. Don't become fixated on your injury. The power of positive affirmation that all will be well will help. Walk with caution, slow at first. Find yourself a staff along the way and use it to support your believe that you will walk the majority of the trail pain free. Be aware that most around you are going through some form of pain and be thankful that the pain you are experiencing can be healed with some R.I.C.E Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. See this challenge as part of your Camino that has already begun 🙏
I decided to walk Camino Del Norte from Irun - read every detail, got advice from my friends who finished some of the routes of Camino de Compostela, analyzed every post and article I found and got as lightweight gear as possible.

Like others have suggested I would recommend the Francè as a first Camino, apart from the support infrastructure it is truly magical and the energy is palpable. A seasoned Spanish volunteer from Santiago pilgrim office explained the the Route is directly in alignment with our Milky way and when you walk at night you will discover how?
Apart from my comfy shoes I also decided to take some sandals - and bought a new pair (as I didnt have any) from Decathlon. And 3 days ago I decided to test them out and went to city to do some casual shopping. The last 2 kilometers of 12 km I did that day were a bit painful - the right side of my right foot started be sore.

I'm basing my assumption that you walked 12 km in sandals, a flat sole with little arch support across hard asphalt pavements. Is it any wonder your body is temporarily in pain. After a certain age I found out that I need ankle support to walk. I love wearing converse but they have been resigned to the charity shop as offer no support and cause similar pain to what you've described. Don't scrimp on your footwear, mine were one size bigger Merrell Moab Ventilator, two pairs of hiking socks, one light and one medium guage. I applied barrier cream to my feet when felt hotspots. Gehwol cream, right footwear and sock method and positive intentions go a long way, Buen Camino 🤠
 
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Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
My dearest fellow pilgrims, I am writing to this forum to seek an advice for my issue, that freaking me out and keeping me in panic.

I am 26 year old, non athlete skinny type of guy. After some time of dreaming, planning and encouraging myself I decided to go and walk the Camino. It cost a lot of energy - find the correct time gap in my current life, to get a longer non-paid vacation from my work, talk with my relatives and family and let them understand my decision to go off country for a few weeks. I decided to walk Camino Del Norte from Irun - read every detail, got advice from my friends who finished some of the routes of Camino de Compostela, analyzed every post and article I found and got as lightweight gear as possible.

Apart from my comfy shoes I also decided to take some sandals - and bought a new pair (as I didnt have any) from Decathlon. And 3 days ago I decided to test them out and went to city to do some casual shopping. The last 2 kilometers of 12 km I did that day were a bit painful - the right side of my right foot started be sore.

Now I am sitting here, panicked and had no idea what to do as I still feel mild pain when walking after 3 days from that day. I have no pain when I do not walk, I have no pain at touch of the leg, I have no swelling, I have no redness or other issue. I am not able to say if I have some kind of badly stretched muscle, plantar fasci, peroneal tendonitis or I just simple overloaded my foot in combination of new sandals, not proper training and long walking. I “just” feel a some kind of pain inside my foot while using my foot, between fingers and heel, not unbearable, but probably getting worse by walking.

I should start my Camino in 7 days. I was not able to only sit and rest for last 3 days, but I will be able for the upcoming days. I am unfortunately not able to see a doctor, as it took several weeks to get an apoinment in my country, but I am able to rest, use ice or heat (no idea which one...), stretch, sleep, anything... I do not want to give up my dream after all the energy and hope I had and I am seeking any advice. I am tired of googling and trying to figure out what is wrong and I am starting panicking, guessing what to do if in will not stop.

I am truly sorry for the longer message and thank you for every your word in advance. Please consider that I know that the real problems, fatigue, blisters... are still in front of me on Camino, I am just unsure if my current problem wont stop me at the beginning and wont change to something worse just mild pain. Thank you.
Davebugg gave you some good knowledge regarding the structure of your feet and knees but without a doubt the best advice he gave you was to go see a doctor or a podiatrist. If you do not have a podiatrist that you trust, maybe going to see an orthopedic specialist may be somewhat radical but they will have the most extensive knowledge. Often national health insurance or private insurance will demand you see your family doctor first. Of course he may be able to diagnose your issues properly. If your doctor just thinks "this is the problem" or even knows the problem it is imperative that you tell your doctor about your Camino and how far you are walking. Make sure you tell him that there is alot of step hills going up and down and alot of road walking. You must give your physician a full accounting of your pilgrimage. It may be very important. I worked for many years in the medical community and I can tell you as fact that each injury is unique in the sense that each person walks differently, has a different gait, different weight and other past medical issues that may effect why you developed this injury. I know people are trying to help giving medical advice but my advice is: THE ONLY PERSON TO SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE FROM IS A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL.... PERIOD!!!!!!!
 
My dearest fellow pilgrims, I am writing to this forum to seek an advice for my issue, that freaking me out and keeping me in panic.

I am 26 year old, non athlete skinny type of guy. After some time of dreaming, planning and encouraging myself I decided to go and walk the Camino. It cost a lot of energy - find the correct time gap in my current life, to get a longer non-paid vacation from my work, talk with my relatives and family and let them understand my decision to go off country for a few weeks. I decided to walk Camino Del Norte from Irun - read every detail, got advice from my friends who finished some of the routes of Camino de Compostela, analyzed every post and article I found and got as lightweight gear as possible.

Apart from my comfy shoes I also decided to take some sandals - and bought a new pair (as I didnt have any) from Decathlon. And 3 days ago I decided to test them out and went to city to do some casual shopping. The last 2 kilometers of 12 km I did that day were a bit painful - the right side of my right foot started be sore.

Now I am sitting here, panicked and had no idea what to do as I still feel mild pain when walking after 3 days from that day. I have no pain when I do not walk, I have no pain at touch of the leg, I have no swelling, I have no redness or other issue. I am not able to say if I have some kind of badly stretched muscle, plantar fasci, peroneal tendonitis or I just simple overloaded my foot in combination of new sandals, not proper training and long walking. I “just” feel a some kind of pain inside my foot while using my foot, between fingers and heel, not unbearable, but probably getting worse by walking.

I should start my Camino in 7 days. I was not able to only sit and rest for last 3 days, but I will be able for the upcoming days. I am unfortunately not able to see a doctor, as it took several weeks to get an apoinment in my country, but I am able to rest, use ice or heat (no idea which one...), stretch, sleep, anything... I do not want to give up my dream after all the energy and hope I had and I am seeking any advice. I am tired of googling and trying to figure out what is wrong and I am starting panicking, guessing what to do if in will not stop.

I am truly sorry for the longer message and thank you for every your word in advance. Please consider that I know that the real problems, fatigue, blisters... are still in front of me on Camino, I am just unsure if my current problem wont stop me at the beginning and wont change to something worse just mild pain. Thank you.
Get professional advice, from a podiatrist, as fast as possible!!!
 
My dearest fellow pilgrims, I am writing to this forum to seek an advice for my issue, that freaking me out and keeping me in panic.

I am 26 year old, non athlete skinny type of guy. After some time of dreaming, planning and encouraging myself I decided to go and walk the Camino. It cost a lot of energy - find the correct time gap in my current life, to get a longer non-paid vacation from my work, talk with my relatives and family and let them understand my decision to go off country for a few weeks. I decided to walk Camino Del Norte from Irun - read every detail, got advice from my friends who finished some of the routes of Camino de Compostela, analyzed every post and article I found and got as lightweight gear as possible.

Apart from my comfy shoes I also decided to take some sandals - and bought a new pair (as I didnt have any) from Decathlon. And 3 days ago I decided to test them out and went to city to do some casual shopping. The last 2 kilometers of 12 km I did that day were a bit painful - the right side of my right foot started be sore.

Now I am sitting here, panicked and had no idea what to do as I still feel mild pain when walking after 3 days from that day. I have no pain when I do not walk, I have no pain at touch of the leg, I have no swelling, I have no redness or other issue. I am not able to say if I have some kind of badly stretched muscle, plantar fasci, peroneal tendonitis or I just simple overloaded my foot in combination of new sandals, not proper training and long walking. I “just” feel a some kind of pain inside my foot while using my foot, between fingers and heel, not unbearable, but probably getting worse by walking.

I should start my Camino in 7 days. I was not able to only sit and rest for last 3 days, but I will be able for the upcoming days. I am unfortunately not able to see a doctor, as it took several weeks to get an apoinment in my country, but I am able to rest, use ice or heat (no idea which one...), stretch, sleep, anything... I do not want to give up my dream after all the energy and hope I had and I am seeking any advice. I am tired of googling and trying to figure out what is wrong and I am starting panicking, guessing what to do if in will not stop.

I am truly sorry for the longer message and thank you for every your word in advance. Please consider that I know that the real problems, fatigue, blisters... are still in front of me on Camino, I am just unsure if my current problem wont stop me at the beginning and wont change to something worse just mild pain. Thank you.

Here's the bottomline. If you are having problems with your feel, regardless of the reason, you should strongly consider postponing your attempt to walk the Camino. As great of a hike that it is, it is not for the faint of heart. You are better advised to push back on your plans, get yourself in tip-top physical shape, feel included, and then make a run at the Camino.
 
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
I'm sorry that you have had this concern just a week before you leave for your Camino!
You have received some excellent advice above from seasoned pilgrim walkers! Choose what fits best for you.

I had an ankle problem come up just before I left for the Frances 2 years ago. Others have suggested to change to the Frances, and that's ok, but it has some challenging ascents and descents as well.
I was able to get to a podiatrist, got a cortisone injection and acupuncture before I left... and still had problems with it, especially during the first 2 weeks. I took it slow, got a knee brace on the Camino and spoke with the pharmacists (many have much knowledge in working with pilgrims with all kinds of walk-related problems). I used KT tape for support and took good care of my feet in a number of ways. The result wasn't perfect, but life isn't and I had an excellent Camino.

...

See a medical professional before you leave, even a primary care provider (rule out a very serious problem, such as a broken bone) or physical therapist.
There are medical professionals who work with pilgrims all the time on the Camino. Seek them out as needed.
Continue to train using your boots/walking shoes, even if not as vigorous as you had planned.
Consider using the RICE method and foot stretches as suggested earlier and KT tape, also suggested - check this out with a medical provider, even if by phone.
Many supplies are available in Spain. There are pharmacies even in many of the small villages.
Know that there is help along the way.
Be open to accepting help from others and that you will be helpful to other pilgrims in ways that you can't imagine right now.

If you decide to postpone and walk at a later time, that is totally ok! Do what you feel is best for you and your Camino...

Buen Camino!
 
Remember how sore you became during times that when you first started a new physical adventure? Whether starting a fitness program, physical labor in the yard, or starting a new recreational hobby like bicycle riding, chances are that by the next morning, your muscles felt sore and tender and it was a bit difficult to get moving.:)

The same holds true with feet and knees. When one first starts to do extended walking, hiking, fitness training, etc., feet can become tender and knees feel sore. If there is uphill and downhill walking, the effects can be even more pronounced.

This can sometimes cause alarm; and when it does occur, can make it difficult to gauge whether the discomfort one feels is within normal limits, or is the beginning of an injury.

Feet and knees are complicated structures and full of reasons why increases in activity takes some getting used to.

Each of your feet and ankles contain:
  • 26 bones (about 1/4 of all the bones in the body)
  • 33 joints
  • Over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
    • The tendons are a fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones; the ligaments are fibrous tissues that connect bones to other bones.
Each knee has:
  • 2 main joints
  • 4 bones around the knee
  • 6 ligaments
  • tendons from 4 major muscles
  • A variety of cartilage, bursae, meniscus, and other goodies
Most of the time, it is the level of severity of symptoms which is used to differentiate normal from abnormal. For instance, the pain grows more severe or starts out as intense and sharp; or a small amount of swelling continues to rapidly increase; or there is discoloration at the site of the discomfort. But to add to the concern and confusion, it can also be normal for those brand new aches in the feet and knees to require a bit of rest for a day or so in order to help relieve the discomfort.

When I first start getting back into shape for backpacking after taking a break during late winter, I do daily hikes into steep and high foothills to the Cascade Mountains. Trails and paths may be anywhere from 8 percent to over 30 percent, and elevation gain and loss can be as high as 3300 feet/1006 meters within a 2.5 to 5 hour period.

And I always seem to forget when I first start, that it takes time for my feet and knees to adjust. And they DO adjust. It just takes a bit of time.

The day after the first day hike, my knees let me know that they are sore from the sudden activity, and that they do not like what I am doing. So, after the hikes I will Ice and Rest the knees for a period of time while reading or doing stuff like this post, or even working at my consulting job. Sometimes I find it beneficial to take the recommended dosage of ibuprofen to help with tissue swelling rather than any discomfort, but the main post-exercise therapy is Ice and Rest.

For the first 7 to 10 days on my training hikes, I tend to go slower, adjust my pace and stride to minimize how hard my foot impacts the ground on downhills, and if my knees start to bark too much, I will simply stop for a little bit and give them a rest.

This also helps with the period of adjustment as my feet structures strengthen from the increased activity.

Anyway, I just wanted to provide some encouragement to those who are doing Camino for the first time that, yes, knees and feet can and do adapt, as long as everything else is equal; like good footwear and commonsense :)

Also if you do have any suspicion or concern that there might be an injury, get it checked out by a medical professional. Do not be embarrassed that your symptoms might end up NOT being an injury. . . that's why the medics get paid to do what they do, to figure that stuff out.
I always love your responses! Feel like I’m back in my exercise physiology class!
 
Hi Gabriel
Lots of advice here, some of which I agree with.
Firstly you should see a health professional who knows about feet and walking.
If that is not possible in the time available, here’s my take.
Sandals have little arch support. The foot arch is simply a bit like the arched roof of a house, trying always to collapse but held in shape by its trusses. You probably need to help support the foot arch by using arch support orthotics. These can be purchased retail or through a podiatrist. I use Dr Scholl’s. They probably won’t work with sandals.
You will probably still have pain, it’s part of the human condition, particularly on the Camino, but you can make it easier.
All the best, the Norte is a wonderful but testing Camino.
John
 
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The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
Get some Arnica, sublingual and cream and use it as directed. Get a tennis ball and stand with it under the sore foot and roll it softly at first ,increasing the pressure as you can comfortably. Do it several times a day. Ice the foot after tennis-balling it for 20 minutes. Google calf stretches and do those, too. Take over the counter anti-inflammatory as you are comfortable. Leave the sandals at home, do take the arnica, anti-inflammatory, tennis ball with you. You will be fine.
Yes! As a podiatrist that is EXACTLY my advice too.
Cause: for poor feet that have done little in life to doing a lot in no time at all.
Suggest you schedule a rest day every 3 days. It's not a race. If you don't finish, you'll have to come back to do a bit more.....
Why are you so cagy about what country you come from? I'm an Aussie and I mention it on every occasion! Carole
 
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My dearest fellow pilgrims, I am writing to this forum to seek an advice for my issue, that freaking me out and keeping me in panic.

I am 26 year old, non athlete skinny type of guy. After some time of dreaming, planning and encouraging myself I decided to go and walk the Camino. It cost a lot of energy - find the correct time gap in my current life, to get a longer non-paid vacation from my work, talk with my relatives and family and let them understand my decision to go off country for a few weeks. I decided to walk Camino Del Norte from Irun - read every detail, got advice from my friends who finished some of the routes of Camino de Compostela, analyzed every post and article I found and got as lightweight gear as possible.

Apart from my comfy shoes I also decided to take some sandals - and bought a new pair (as I didnt have any) from Decathlon. And 3 days ago I decided to test them out and went to city to do some casual shopping. The last 2 kilometers of 12 km I did that day were a bit painful - the right side of my right foot started be sore.

Now I am sitting here, panicked and had no idea what to do as I still feel mild pain when walking after 3 days from that day. I have no pain when I do not walk, I have no pain at touch of the leg, I have no swelling, I have no redness or other issue. I am not able to say if I have some kind of badly stretched muscle, plantar fasci, peroneal tendonitis or I just simple overloaded my foot in combination of new sandals, not proper training and long walking. I “just” feel a some kind of pain inside my foot while using my foot, between fingers and heel, not unbearable, but probably getting worse by walking.

I should start my Camino in 7 days. I was not able to only sit and rest for last 3 days, but I will be able for the upcoming days. I am unfortunately not able to see a doctor, as it took several weeks to get an apoinment in my country, but I am able to rest, use ice or heat (no idea which one...), stretch, sleep, anything... I do not want to give up my dream after all the energy and hope I had and I am seeking any advice. I am tired of googling and trying to figure out what is wrong and I am starting panicking, guessing what to do if in will not stop.

I am truly sorry for the longer message and thank you for every your word in advance. Please consider that I know that the real problems, fatigue, blisters... are still in front of me on Camino, I am just unsure if my current problem wont stop me at the beginning and wont change to something worse just mild pain. Thank you.
Try going to a medical massage person. You may just have a bone out of place or something from the sandals if they had an odd metatarsal footprint that is different from your normal insoles. Also, there are foot rollers you can try as well that might help shift things back to normal in there. Our feet have so many little bones and tendons. We take them for granted!! Good luck!
 
My dearest fellow pilgrims, I am writing to this forum to seek an advice for my issue, that freaking me out and keeping me in panic.

I am 26 year old, non athlete skinny type of guy. After some time of dreaming, planning and encouraging myself I decided to go and walk the Camino. It cost a lot of energy - find the correct time gap in my current life, to get a longer non-paid vacation from my work, talk with my relatives and family and let them understand my decision to go off country for a few weeks. I decided to walk Camino Del Norte from Irun - read every detail, got advice from my friends who finished some of the routes of Camino de Compostela, analyzed every post and article I found and got as lightweight gear as possible.

Apart from my comfy shoes I also decided to take some sandals - and bought a new pair (as I didnt have any) from Decathlon. And 3 days ago I decided to test them out and went to city to do some casual shopping. The last 2 kilometers of 12 km I did that day were a bit painful - the right side of my right foot started be sore.

Now I am sitting here, panicked and had no idea what to do as I still feel mild pain when walking after 3 days from that day. I have no pain when I do not walk, I have no pain at touch of the leg, I have no swelling, I have no redness or other issue. I am not able to say if I have some kind of badly stretched muscle, plantar fasci, peroneal tendonitis or I just simple overloaded my foot in combination of new sandals, not proper training and long walking. I “just” feel a some kind of pain inside my foot while using my foot, between fingers and heel, not unbearable, but probably getting worse by walking.

I should start my Camino in 7 days. I was not able to only sit and rest for last 3 days, but I will be able for the upcoming days. I am unfortunately not able to see a doctor, as it took several weeks to get an apoinment in my country, but I am able to rest, use ice or heat (no idea which one...), stretch, sleep, anything... I do not want to give up my dream after all the energy and hope I had and I am seeking any advice. I am tired of googling and trying to figure out what is wrong and I am starting panicking, guessing what to do if in will not stop.

I am truly sorry for the longer message and thank you for every your word in advance. Please consider that I know that the real problems, fatigue, blisters... are still in front of me on Camino, I am just unsure if my current problem wont stop me at the beginning and wont change to something worse just mild pain. Thank you.
I wouldn't postpone, Gabriel. You've made so many plans, from getting time off work to settling everything with your family. I don't know much about Irun so I don't know what services you can find there. I think the first thing you should do is find a foot doctor -- in the US we call them podiatrists -- to look at your feet and make a recommendation on footwear. If not in Irun then the next larger city. Buy the recommended footwear at the first opportunity. You won't have time to break them in but if they're good sandals with arch support, cushioning, and sturdy soles you won't need much if any breaking-in time. Be sure and take your comfy shoes since those may be what the doctor recommends. Buen Camino!!
 
My dearest fellow pilgrims, I am writing to this forum to seek an advice for my issue, that freaking me out and keeping me in panic.

I am 26 year old, non athlete skinny type of guy. After some time of dreaming, planning and encouraging myself I decided to go and walk the Camino. It cost a lot of energy - find the correct time gap in my current life, to get a longer non-paid vacation from my work, talk with my relatives and family and let them understand my decision to go off country for a few weeks. I decided to walk Camino Del Norte from Irun - read every detail, got advice from my friends who finished some of the routes of Camino de Compostela, analyzed every post and article I found and got as lightweight gear as possible.

Apart from my comfy shoes I also decided to take some sandals - and bought a new pair (as I didnt have any) from Decathlon. And 3 days ago I decided to test them out and went to city to do some casual shopping. The last 2 kilometers of 12 km I did that day were a bit painful - the right side of my right foot started be sore.

Now I am sitting here, panicked and had no idea what to do as I still feel mild pain when walking after 3 days from that day. I have no pain when I do not walk, I have no pain at touch of the leg, I have no swelling, I have no redness or other issue. I am not able to say if I have some kind of badly stretched muscle, plantar fasci, peroneal tendonitis or I just simple overloaded my foot in combination of new sandals, not proper training and long walking. I “just” feel a some kind of pain inside my foot while using my foot, between fingers and heel, not unbearable, but probably getting worse by walking.

I should start my Camino in 7 days. I was not able to only sit and rest for last 3 days, but I will be able for the upcoming days. I am unfortunately not able to see a doctor, as it took several weeks to get an apoinment in my country, but I am able to rest, use ice or heat (no idea which one...), stretch, sleep, anything... I do not want to give up my dream after all the energy and hope I had and I am seeking any advice. I am tired of googling and trying to figure out what is wrong and I am starting panicking, guessing what to do if in will not stop.

I am truly sorry for the longer message and thank you for every your word in advance. Please consider that I know that the real problems, fatigue, blisters... are still in front of me on Camino, I am just unsure if my current problem wont stop me at the beginning and wont change to something worse just mild pain. Thank you.
Hi you seem to have the problem as i have out side of right foot gets very sore after about 6 kilometers, i spoke to the physio guy in our town and he suggested i put a strip of an old insole about quarter of inch in from edge of insole this does not cure the problem but does help, he told me the way i walked i was putting pressure on outside of my foot, so try this and enjoy your Camino
 
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We Podiatrists know it all, and we are usually not as busy as MDs, who know little about feet.
Carole - I have Morton's Neuroma that flares up at about the 7KM point. I plan to get PRP injections next month, and if that doesn't help, and get a cortisone injection from my podiatrist a week before i leave for my Camino. I have custom orthotics with MN pads placed that help, but I need to get to where I can walk a minimum of 20 Km daily. I was thinking of using a lidocaine ointment on my foot midday, but I don't know if that is safe to do. Any input would be appreciated, as I am currently living in Mexico and do not know a good podiatrist here.
 
Re foot pain had cortisone injection and at moment all but pain free, going to rejoin VDLP at Merida where i stop l stop last year and walk for about 18 days, hopefully with no pain..
 
DBender49: WOW PRP! They take a couple of weeks to kick in. Rare here in OZ. I disapprove of cortisone injections, long term they cause brittleness in ligaments and collagen. MN can be 'burnt out' with electrocautry. All your treatments take time to recover. I think 20 km per day is too much. Start with 7, then 8, it's not a race, start closer to your endpoint.
MN is hard to resolve without minor surgery, (cuts or burns out the crushed and over growing nerve between the metatarsals). Good shoes, orthotics and massage make everyday life possible, but walking the Camino.....
Lidocaine ointment is harmless, but I do not think it will do much as it only numbs the skin, MN is a trapped nerve deep between the bones.
Separating the bones with an orthotic and toe separators is the least invasive option. But seriously, my best advice is postpone the walk, get treatment and allow a year to recover.
 
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DBender49: WOW PRP! They take a couple of weeks to kick in. Rare here in OZ. I disapprove of cortisone injections, long term they cause brittleness in ligaments and collagen. MN can be 'burnt out' with electrocautry. All your treatments take time to recover. I think 20 km per day is too much. Start with 7, then 8, it's not a race, start closer to your endpoint.
MN is hard to resolve without minor surgery, (cuts or burns out the crushed and over growing nerve between the metatarsals). Good shoes, orthotics and massage make everyday life possible, but walking the Camino.....
Lidocaine ointment is harmless, but I do not think it will do much as it only numbs the skin, MN is a trapped nerve deep between the bones.
Separating the bones with an orthotic and toe separators is the least invasive option. But seriously, my best advice is postpone the walk, get treatment and allow a year to recover.
Thanks, Carole! I am in Mexico now, and PRP is quite affordable here ($300- USD for 3 injections over a 3 week period). I had it done in February last year, and I had great results - until i wore heels to a wedding in August. Of course I wasn't walking as many Km then as I am now... I think I'll take my chances on the PRP working again and letting me get to 20 Km. I've tried the lidocaine, and it gets me an extra 4-5 Km of walking, so with icing at breaks maybe I can make it work. I've postponed my Camino once already, and this year is what works best for me logistically. If need be, I'll take a bus/cab some every day to keep up with my Camino buddies. Fingers crossed!
 
My dearest fellow pilgrims, I am writing to this forum to seek an advice for my issue, that freaking me out and keeping me in panic.

I am 26 year old, non athlete skinny type of guy. After some time of dreaming, planning and encouraging myself I decided to go and walk the Camino. It cost a lot of energy - find the correct time gap in my current life, to get a longer non-paid vacation from my work, talk with my relatives and family and let them understand my decision to go off country for a few weeks. I decided to walk Camino Del Norte from Irun - read every detail, got advice from my friends who finished some of the routes of Camino de Compostela, analyzed every post and article I found and got as lightweight gear as possible.

Apart from my comfy shoes I also decided to take some sandals - and bought a new pair (as I didnt have any) from Decathlon. And 3 days ago I decided to test them out and went to city to do some casual shopping. The last 2 kilometers of 12 km I did that day were a bit painful - the right side of my right foot started be sore.

Now I am sitting here, panicked and had no idea what to do as I still feel mild pain when walking after 3 days from that day. I have no pain when I do not walk, I have no pain at touch of the leg, I have no swelling, I have no redness or other issue. I am not able to say if I have some kind of badly stretched muscle, plantar fasci, peroneal tendonitis or I just simple overloaded my foot in combination of new sandals, not proper training and long walking. I “just” feel a some kind of pain inside my foot while using my foot, between fingers and heel, not unbearable, but probably getting worse by walking.

I should start my Camino in 7 days. I was not able to only sit and rest for last 3 days, but I will be able for the upcoming days. I am unfortunately not able to see a doctor, as it took several weeks to get an apoinment in my country, but I am able to rest, use ice or heat (no idea which one...), stretch, sleep, anything... I do not want to give up my dream after all the energy and hope I had and I am seeking any advice. I am tired of googling and trying to figure out what is wrong and I am starting panicking, guessing what to do if in will not stop.

I am truly sorry for the longer message and thank you for every your word in advance. Please consider that I know that the real problems, fatigue, blisters... are still in front of me on Camino, I am just unsure if my current problem wont stop me at the beginning and wont change to something worse just mild pain. Thank you.
Hey Gabriel,
I am undergoing physio treatment right now for something very similar. I walked the Francés 3 years ago and endured some really hard days due to the pain in my foot and shooting pains up my shin. I went to a podiatrist before going and got no relief. I’m about to walk the Portuguese and decided to see a physio who has prescribed a bunch of exercises around calf stretches and particularly the big muscle in the calf, towards the inside of the leg: mine is ridiculously tight, which stops the long toe flexors from doing their job. The other toes try to compensate and BANG! Ball of foot starts aching/burning/ toes tingle. Stretch your calves, roll your arch over a frozen bottle of water, place a heat pack on that big muscle for 15 minutes a day and then massage it using thumb circles, stretch your hamstrings. When the physio explained the interconnectedness of all those muscles, I was blown away. I hope you find relief. At least when you get a blister, you can understand why it hurts. 😞The feet are a mystery. Best of luck and Buen Camino!
 
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My dearest fellow pilgrims, I am writing to this forum to seek an advice for my issue, that freaking me out and keeping me in panic.

I am 26 year old, non athlete skinny type of guy. After some time of dreaming, planning and encouraging myself I decided to go and walk the Camino. It cost a lot of energy - find the correct time gap in my current life, to get a longer non-paid vacation from my work, talk with my relatives and family and let them understand my decision to go off country for a few weeks. I decided to walk Camino Del Norte from Irun - read every detail, got advice from my friends who finished some of the routes of Camino de Compostela, analyzed every post and article I found and got as lightweight gear as possible.

Apart from my comfy shoes I also decided to take some sandals - and bought a new pair (as I didnt have any) from Decathlon. And 3 days ago I decided to test them out and went to city to do some casual shopping. The last 2 kilometers of 12 km I did that day were a bit painful - the right side of my right foot started be sore.

Now I am sitting here, panicked and had no idea what to do as I still feel mild pain when walking after 3 days from that day. I have no pain when I do not walk, I have no pain at touch of the leg, I have no swelling, I have no redness or other issue. I am not able to say if I have some kind of badly stretched muscle, plantar fasci, peroneal tendonitis or I just simple overloaded my foot in combination of new sandals, not proper training and long walking. I “just” feel a some kind of pain inside my foot while using my foot, between fingers and heel, not unbearable, but probably getting worse by walking.

I should start my Camino in 7 days. I was not able to only sit and rest for last 3 days, but I will be able for the upcoming days. I am unfortunately not able to see a doctor, as it took several weeks to get an apoinment in my country, but I am able to rest, use ice or heat (no idea which one...), stretch, sleep, anything... I do not want to give up my dream after all the energy and hope I had and I am seeking any advice. I am tired of googling and trying to figure out what is wrong and I am starting panicking, guessing what to do if in will not stop.

I am truly sorry for the longer message and thank you for every your word in advance. Please consider that I know that the real problems, fatigue, blisters... are still in front of me on Camino, I am just unsure if my current problem wont stop me at the beginning and wont change to something worse just mild pain. Thank you.
This may help you. I've been using it for some time now and always take two -three rolls with me along a Camino:
It helps me, and I know it has helped others. One of the most common injuries I've noticed is Shin Splints. Its amazing how it helps, even people who thought they would have to stop their Camino.
Good luck.
LLN Keith
 

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