When the Wrong Running Shoe Causes Problems: A Case Study

Patient Background

• Middle-aged male runner

• Training for marathon

• Previously healthy with no prior foot/ankle injuries

• Sought help from multiple podiatrists without resolution

• Developing right lateral foot pain during training

Initial Presentations

First Podiatrist Visit

• Prescribed custom orthotics

• Pain worsened with orthotic use

• No improvement after several weeks

Second Podiatrist Visit

• Advised to continue orthotics

• Recommended cessation of running

• Pain returned upon resuming training

Clinical Examination

• No pain on palpation

• No pain during passive or resisted movement

• Absence of swelling or bruising

• Normal medical history

• Pain localized to dorsal cuboid area

• Pain described as deep aching

• No pain during daily activities

• Neutral foot type with bilateral lateral ankle instability

The Critical Finding

• Patient purchased new stability/anti-pronatory shoes

• Previous footwear: basic department store running shoes

• Pain began approximately two weeks after shoe change

• Lateral column overload identified from anti-pronatory design

• Orthotics likely contributed to lateral overload

Resolution

• Recommended switch to neutral running shoes

• Advised even medial and lateral sole

• Complete pain resolution achieved

• Patient resumed full training schedule

Key Takeaway

• Footwear choice can significantly impact:

  • Injury development

  • Pain management

  • Training effectiveness

• Professional footwear assessment valuable for:

  • Injury prevention

  • Performance optimization

  • Proper shoe selection