The elliptical machine is designed to be a low-impact exercise that is highly beneficial in a cardiovascular workout. Elliptical machines provide a total body exercise without stressing your lower extremity joints. However, when not used properly, elliptical machines can lead to pain in the balls of your feet. The pain also can be the result of pre-existing foot conditions. If you experience persistent pain while using an elliptical machine, contact your physician.
Elliptical Usage
As with any type of exercise or exercise equipment, an elliptical machine must be used properly in order to be effective and to prevent unnecessary pain. When positioning your feet on an elliptical machine, your feet should be placed on the center of the pedals. Your feet should be flat and your weight should be distributed across your entire foot. Make sure to avoid placing your weight solely on your heels and your toes. Do not push off of your toes or heels while striding on the elliptical machine. This can injure the bottoms of your feet. Injury to the bottoms of your feet can lead to inflammation or degeneration of the tendons and muscles. Inflammation or degeneration can lead to unwanted pain on the balls of your feet.
Warm Up
In order to prevent pain on the balls of your feet while using your elliptical machine, you should engage in five to 10 minutes of stretching. This can reduce your risk of injury and soreness due to elliptical machine use. Focus on loosening the tendons, ligaments and muscles in your feet and lower legs. Complete calf stretches, toe raises and ankle circles.
Medical Conditions
There are a wide variety of medical conditions that can lead to pain on the balls of your feet while using an elliptical machine. Diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis, heart failure, kidney disease, anorexia, hypothyroidism and pregnancy can lead to foot pain. These conditions cause a buildup of fluid and swelling in your feet that can lead to increased muscular imbalances and improper foot mechanics.
Foot Deformities
Claw toes, bunions and flat feet are all foot conditions that alter the appearance and mechanics of your feet. As a result of foot deformities, you may be altering the way your foot strikes the elliptical machine pedal or the way you place pressure on your feet.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is probably the most common cause of foot pain from using an elliptical machine. Overuse or improper mechanics can place excessive stress on the bottoms of your feet. This stress can cause an inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a thick tendon band that runs from your heel bone to your toes. This inflammation can lead to pain, swelling and discomfort during elliptical machine use. Plantar fasciitis is treated with rest, anti-inflammatory medications and possible use of orthotics.
