I have been exercising and eating healthily for the past month and have had dramatic effects, but, after getting a bit bored of my regular cardio routine, I decided to start running/jogging on the treadmill. After the first few days, my ankles began to hurt slightly, so I iced them and elevated them.

It has been one week since I started incorporating running into my exercise routine and I really, really enjoy it much more so than the elliptical or the stationary bike, which I had previously been doing... The only problem is that my ankles are getting so sore that I can barely stand to walk on them anymore, much less jog/run.

I am flat-footed and have tried buying non-prescription orthotic insoles, which seem to help slightly, but overall the pain is still very encumbering. Am I stuck with non-treadmill related cardio or is there hope?

Seeing a podiatrist is really not an option for me because I am quite broke.

Thanks for any help that can be given.

Shoes.

I cannot stress enough what a difference good running shoes will make - especially if you already have some foot issues (like being flat footed). Most people make guesses at how their shoes should fit and buy whatever is close.

My advice would be - if you really really want to run - go to store that specializes in fitting running shoes. A proper store will analyze your stride, both walking and running, and have you try on a variety of shoes to find the right one.

And if you're really going to run, don't be afraid to spend $$ on your shoes. It will be well worth it.

I live in Martin, TN.... Very small town with little more than a wal-mart. Do you know some reputable running stores where I could get a fitting?

Thanks so much for the hasty response

I have flat feet - really flat feet - and I run.

Like Kara says, the trick is getting the right shoes. And no, Wal-Mart won't carry them.

You will have to go to a specialty running store, or at least a sporting goods store that caters to runners and has knowledgable staff. If people work there who really understand the needs of runners (which is why I recommend a specialty running store), they can look at your gait and your feet and tell you what kind of shoe will be best for you.
Chances are, if you are or were very heavy, you over-pronate your foot, and will need a 'stability' shoe. In more severe cases you may need a 'motion control' shoe.
Most people don't need special orthotics, just shoes that fit right and support properly for your foot and gait.
BTW, it is not the flatness that is the issue as much as it is the pronation. But of course, it is the flatness that leads to pronation, so there you go.

I understand the small-town thing. I had to drive three hours to get to a city that had what I needed.

And yes, they were expensive. I paid $180 CDN for mine. Plus two tanks of gas.
But they were worth it. My feet feel great, my knees feel great, they wear well and don't blister.

A tip: shoes that are good and fit well don't need to be 'broken in'. They should feel good the first time you put 'em on.

Yeah, what Cord said.

I suspect you'll probably have to drive to Nashville or Memphis (whichever is closer) to find a good place, but it's well worth it.

There's one in Clarkesville, if that's a shorter drive.

Or you can take the last train...