I was doing an intense aerobic class and the arches in my feet just caught fire!! I really was trying to stay flat-footed but because of the moves we were doing (grapevines, quick step up-down, etc.) it was impossible to stay entirely off the ball of my foot. I wonder if that was the problem, or if maybe I don't have sufficient arch support, or what?

It just felt like they were cramping, like they needed to be streched out...

Ideas?

I used to have the same when brisk walking, custom made orthotics help a lot! If you can not afford custom made - go to the orthotics store and buy the ones they already have. Do not rely on shoes - I tried about 20 pairs of new runner shoes with no progress, it is orthotics which help! But the prices are insane!!!

I think that sometimes the muscle along the arch of your foot can cramp (this happens to me sometimes, at least I assume that's what causes the sudden pain!). It happens to me really randomly and usually goes away in a minute or less (doesn't seem to be at all related to what I'm doing at the time!).

Arch support definitely helps, and you should try to get shoes with a lot of arch support if you have high arches. I went to a specialty running store, where the owner will watch you run around in each pair of shoes you try on and then recommend the best pair -- the shoes I ended up getting are great, and I'm SO glad I found them! If new shoes aren't an option, I think drugstores maybe sell these brace-like things that go around your foot and ankle . . . I don't know what they're called, but they look kind of like pre-wrapped ace bandages. They will sort of hold up your arch so you don't mess it up too much.

Of course, I'm not an expert by any means but I do have pretty high arches. Arch support makes a world of difference!

I have high arches, too... it stinks because when I buy heels (which they apparently only make for flat-footed peeps anymore) I can usually stick three fingers between my arch and the shoe!!

I'm 22, I don't wanna wear orthotics!!!

I'll see if I can find a better shoe with more support... mine are a couple years old...

Needing orthotics has nothing to do with age, it has to do with the shape of your feet... everyone is different like the shapes of our bodies our feet will vary in size and shape... See a specialist, you will be so much more comfortable...

Okay, okay... soon as I have health insurance, I'll see a doctor.

Also make sure you really are hydrated when you exercise. Drink before during and after a class.

Any reduction in hydration levels can cause cramps and these are often first felt in the feet and calves - mainly because of the extra pressure the circulation is put under.

And I wouldn't wait for health insurance, or to be old enough to really need orthotics, I'd go and buy some off the shelf stuff. No-one but you need know that you are wearing them!

I always suggest off the shelf orthotics to my clients (yes we do have them here in the UK) and many of them are shocked at the difference they make. many never bother going to get them professinally fitted.

Good luck with getting comfy feet!