Pain on Bottom of Feet.

It doesn't sound like bruising. Red blotches and swelling mean inflamation, which could mean you are allergic to something in the yard, maybe some lawn treatment or plant that doesn't agree with you?

It could be Gout. I have the same thing now

Is this pain occurring around the time of your menstrual cycle?

Look up Gout. It's a terribly painful disorder and it comes and goes. Good news is that you can get an Rx to keep on hand to take when you need it. Also, you can change your diet to limit Uric Acid...if it's Gout, that is.

Best bet is to see a podiatrist...check with your insurance to see if you need a referral.

I would suggest going to your doctor. It could possibly be gout, but hopefully not. I would just go in to check. I believe they can diagnose it with blood work. If it's not that, he/she might have a good idea of the cause of your discomfort.

J. -

I agree with the women who have suggested you get tested for Gout. If you notice these issues arising after eating red meats or organ meats (like liver, intestines, etc), then Gout may be the culprit.

I'm a certified massage therapist, and I've taken some reflexology courses during my practice. Foot reflexology is gaining more and more popularity in the US, even though it's been practiced widely around the world for centuries. One thing I've learned is that the nerves in your feet correspond with nerves all over the rest of your body, and in cases where someone may not be able to receive massage or other treatments for whatever reason, relying on foot reflexology works wonderfully. I was intrigued when I read that your pain shifts from one foot to the other every month. When women have their monthly menstrual cycle, they only ovulate from one side, not from both sides like some women think. Perhaps the pain in your foot corresponds to the side you're ovulating from? This theory may be substiated more if you have heavy cycles or hormonal issues. And, the pain that you're feeling may irritate the surrounding tissues in your foot, which would cause the tightness and discomfort you feel when stepping down. Try rolling a tennis ball under your foot (while sitting in a chair) when you first wake up and after your day's activities. If you could find one of those old-school glass Cola bottles, the ones with the wavy hourglass-like shape, that would work well also.

Investing in well-fitting, supportive shoes is a must. Most women buy ill-fitting shoes like they buy ill-fitting bras (I was a victim until I learned better). I would suggest seeing a professional to learn how to fit your feet for proper shoe wearing. Depending on your lifestyle, go at the middle or end of your day. That's when your feet are their largest (feet swell and contract and expand throughout the day). Also, get fitted on your left foot, because that's the larger of the two. Keep in mind that just because you're an eight in tennis shoes, for example, doesn't mean you're an eight in high heels. Different styles of shoes fit your feet differently, so it's only logical to assume that your feet would be most supported in different sizes as well. There's a Good Feet store on Woodward, south of 12 Mile on the east side of the street. You can visit http://www.GoodFeet.com for more info.

Lastly, make sure you drink plenty of water. You should be aiming for at least half of your body weight (in ounces). For example, if you weigh 200lbs, drink 100oz. Drink more if you're active, if you sweat a lot, or are exposed to the elements for extended periods of time. Not drinking enough water slows down your body's Lymphatic system. Think of it as your body's waste removal system; it removes waste from your muscles and blood. There are several "collection sites" for the waste in your body, particularly where your joints meet. It's already hard for your body to provide circulation to your extremities (because of gravity), and it's even moreso if you're dehydrated. Drinking water will keep things moving along.

Sorry for the long-winded response, but I hope I've given you some valuable information! Best of luck!

you might want to see your doctor, especially if there's a lot of swelling. i used to have pain the in the bottom middle of my foot and occasionally still do, and my mom also gets pain in the same spot. i forget what her doctor told her it was, but he suggested she used a can (like a can of corn) or a tube like massage tool, to roll the bottom of your foot on. we would do it while watching t.v. at night. press firmly down with your foot and roll it to the front and back of your foot. it stretches the ligaments in the bottom of your foot. for some reason they get tightened in there and it can be pretty painful. my mom had a job where she walked a lot and i had a job where i was on my feet a lot. i think that was part of the problem. probably shoes that fit properly help, too.
feel better soon!

It may be the type of shoes you are wearing. It may be something else (Like planters fasciitis - depending where the pain is exactly?). It may even be overly tense calve muscles that are affecting the feet from the yard work. Have you tried soaking your feet after the day to alleviate symptoms? You could even try a Reflexology treatment to see if that can pinpoint something and 'clear' things for you.

Feet reflect the overall health of the body. In most cases, things can show up in your feet first before they begin in the rest of you body. Even those crazy calluses on the feet mean something else and are not really from your shoes. (they indicate something on the body that is 'out of balance' and most times become softer with sessions).

My feet hurt all the time with my Rheumatoid Arthritis to the point I could not stand my son even getting near them! Now, after working them - even myself after having treatments (and in-between) I have had a great deal of overall improvement... even with my R.A.! It's an amazing therapy that may help you feel better, especially with soaking those feet.

Good Luck and I hope you feel better as I understand what it is like!

I have gout. Well it flares up a lot more often than most people would think. Altough you probably should go get a diagnosis. A few tips if thats what it is.....Watch your red meat intake. If you drink at all watch out how often or quantity. If I eat a steak my feet swell, turn blotchy and hurt like H***. Have a good one, J.

I have been having foot issues as well and it turns out the I have a fallen arch and my Dr said that I NEED to wear shoes all the time.

It could be a number of things. I would see a podiatrist. Best to get these things checked out.

Dear J.,

If you can afford to get in to a chiropractor immediately, I would do it ASAP. Your feet are connected to so many parts of your body, as is your spine. Most chiropractors I have ever seen spend so much more time talking to you than a regular doctor and most insurances cover it nowadays, but there may be a yearly deductible to meet; mine is $100 per year and then your insurance pays their portion. Some chiropractors will accept only what your insurance pays and not charge you your portion if you can't afford it, but you have to ask for that to receive that benefit.

If the chiropractor can't cure the problem I would then see a medical doctor and have him refer you to whomever you need to see.

L. C

I really am not sure what it is but I would see a podiatrist. I recently went to Shores Podiatry for the first time and would strongly recommend them. They have locations in Roseville, Detroit, Macomb Twp., and Chesterfield Twp. http://www.shorespodiatry.com/

It depends on where on the bottom of the foot you mean. If it's in the heel then it could be bone spirs I have had these and they do hurt quite a bit. Best thing is go see the doc and talk to him or her about it.

I have issues similar too. I get read and swollen. It happens if I've walked a lot or after working out on the elliptical. I don't know what it is. But I (literally) feel your pain lol. Good luck and hopefully people's responses will help me too.

Make sure you are wearing shoes with good arches. If your arches start to fall it can pull on the tissues in your feet and cause inflammation and pain. I would try that first and take motrin if you can, that helps get rid of swelling.

J. I agree with ALL these ladys - SEE A DOCTOR! I have had a similar pain and after numerous doctors and specialists I was diagnosed with RSD. It's a nerve disease and I'm seeing a doctor now once a month in the Cleveland Clinic. I have spinal blocks once a month and get 2 or 3 weeks of NO PAIN after! It's wonderful (minus the pain for a day in the injection site!) But it's also a big deal and life changing. Get it checked out and let us know how you do! Good luck, M.