How to Solve Painful ‘Hot Foot’
In cycling, it’s known as “hot foot” — a burning pain in the ball of the foot, perhaps radiating toward the toes. Severe cases feel like some sadistic demon is applying a blowtorch.
Hot foot occurs most often on long rides. It may develop sooner or more intensely on hilly courses because climbs cause greater pedaling pressure. The pain results when nerves are squeezed between the heads of each foot’s five long metatarsal bones. These heads are in the wide part of the foot (the “ball”) just behind the toes.
My worst case of hot foot occurred on a 3,400-mile, 24-day transcontinental ride. With an average distance of 140 miles per day, no rest days and more than 100,000 feet of vertical gain, my dogs were smoking by the third week.
biking tours for the kids
What is a safe tour for our family? Family bike trips: do-it-yourself, or go the easy way, where all you have to do is ride your bikes; the tour operator carries your luggage, and organizes meals and lodgings. Special arrangements can be made for little kids.
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