It's like I'm wearing scuba flippers...

October 27, 2008 8:16 PM

Why do I get floppy feet after I run? They don't hurt, so I don't think they're shin splints...they just flop around when I try to walk. Help?

I've searched and searched on the term "floppy feet" which is all I have figured out to call them, and so far, nothing. So, I'm turning to you.

I'm not out of shape (not exactly in shape, either) currently a little overweight (5'9" and 200 lbs), and I box once a week and cycle between 50-75 miles a week with relative ease.

I've always thought about running, but have always had a problem: I can jog/run comfortably for 20-25 minutes, and my legs feel fine, but about 45 minutes after I get back home after the run, I can't really lift up my toes.

Right now, I'm sitting down with my feet flat on the ground, and if I keep my heels down but lift my toes up, I can't lift them up very far (because I got back from running 45 minutes ago). Furthermore, if I try to walk around, it doesn't hurt at all, but my toes kind of slap down on the ground, rather than a smooth heel-toe stride that happens when I'm just walking.

(If it's not clear, I have no real idea how to describe this.)

In the past, I've tried a combo of walking and running, running for shorter periods of time, and while I'm running, things feel fine. But afterward, every time: floppy feet. They usually don't go away for a day or two, also.

Again, there's no pain, so I don't think it's shin splints (I'm open to being wrong on this). So, what's causing my floppy feet? How do I fix it? Am I destined to not be a runner?

Should I work up to running even slower over weeks, even though my heart and lungs feel like they're not getting a workout? Could it be my shoes?

Thanks.

posted by cheeken to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (7 answers total)

I think it is just your muscles recovering. Its the same thing after you do any serious exercise or weight training. This happens all the time after i weight lift or do something like play a few hours of football. My muscles get all wobbly especially after squats.

You might want to try some protein powder after you work out. It really does help you recover faster since your muscles are starved.
posted by Black_Umbrella at 8:25 PM on October 27, 2008

I can't remember lingering floppy feet, but I do remember that when I started running that my feet would wobble around. I used to commute by bike and felt I was in decent shape but my ankle muscles needed to be built up. It took quite a while and I find I still have to concentrate on putting some spring in my stride.
posted by bonobothegreat at 8:28 PM on October 27, 2008

How are your achilles tendons?
The last time I ran, my left foot would slap on the ground (rather than land on the heel and "roll" toward the ball). Eventually my achilles tendon started to get inflamed.

The inflammation was achilles tendonitis - I read that this happens if one's calves are weak. When they can be of support, they transfer all the body's weight to the achilles tendon. I am thinking the slapping of my left foot was a sign that my left calf just about had it.

Could this be the same for you?
posted by bitteroldman at 8:37 PM on October 27, 2008

Best answer: the thing you're describing is called foot drop, which is a failure to do a motion called dorsiflexion which is achieved by several muscles that run down the front of your shin. sometimes when i do certain sports that involve kicking with the instep of the foot (soccer, martial arts) i get what you describe - floppy feet, or inability to dorsiflex the ankle. this may be happening because you have a funny stride, or maybe there are other causes and this might be a symptom of something bigger. you should see your doctor.
posted by sergeant sandwich at 8:50 PM on October 27, 2008 [2 favorites]

Response by poster: How about that...foot drop. I think I like my term for it a little better (floppy feet), but yes, this is exactly what happens to me.

Thanks, sergeant sandwich! And thanks to the others who responded, as well.
posted by cheeken at 9:55 PM on October 27, 2008

Definitely agree that you should check with a doctor - you may also want to look into supplementing your cardio workouts with some Yoga designed to build strength and flexibility. My fiance has a medical condition resulting in "loose tendons" and experiences a kind of floppy feet all the time. We have found that practicing things like Yoga, Tai Chi and martial arts has been very beneficial for him to work on "manual muscle control".
posted by DecemberRaine at 6:27 AM on October 28, 2008

In addition to seeing a doctor, you may benefit from seeing a physical therapist about the foot drop.
posted by surenoproblem at 9:26 AM on October 28, 2008