Road Cycling - Foot Problems

I have developed a problem with my right foot. It feels almost bruised right over the area where the cleat is and also my toes feel strained esp when I curl them. It only started this season. I have a new bike (Trek 5200) but the fit is dead on comfortable. I use Nortwave MTB shoes with a Shimano pedal (SPD). The shoes are pretty stiff. The might be a hair narrow as my feet have gotten a little wider. I already have a problem in the arch area of the foot from 2 years ago. There ia a pea sized knot on one of the tendons. I forget what it is called but 2 podiatrists already told me to leave it alone although it can be painful if pressure is put on it (this does not bother me when riding). They said it is a stess injury from my cycling. I think it was caused by using really crappy (too flexy) shoes when I first went to clipless.
Any thoughts what is causing the new problem (is this what is called a hot spot) and a possible solution?
Maybe the new stiffer frame and I am mashing too hard with my right foot only???
Poor shoe fit (narrow)or not stiff enough shoe??? (the shoes are slightly snug esp. when using heavy socks).

I am doing my first century of the season in 2 weeks so I should find out if this new problem is getting better or worse. Maybe I should spring for some top-end shoes?
Thanks...

I have developed a problem with my right foot. It feels almost bruised right over the area where the cleat is and also my toes feel strained esp when I curl them.

Could you be a bit more specific as to where the pain is? Is it on the bottom, and ball of your foot, or on the top? I have a joint injury of the 2nd metatarsal, so I know a little bit about that type of injury which affects the bottom (ball) of my foot.

if your toes feels strained, it may mean that your cleats are set up too fur ahead on the shoe which will make you use your toe muscles when you push down. Just a guess..

And a hot spot is a burning sensation in the bottom of the foot at the area of the cleat. doesn't sound like this is what you are describing..

I have developed a problem with my right foot. It feels almost bruised right over the area where the cleat is and also my toes feel strained esp when I curl them. It only started this season. I have a new bike (Trek 5200) but the fit is dead on comfortable. I use Nortwave MTB shoes with a Shimano pedal (SPD). The shoes are pretty stiff. The might be a hair narrow as my feet have gotten a little wider. I already have a problem in the arch area of the foot from 2 years ago. There ia a pea sized knot on one of the tendons. I forget what it is called but 2 podiatrists already told me to leave it alone although it can be painful if pressure is put on it (this does not bother me when riding). They said it is a stess injury from my cycling. I think it was caused by using really crappy (too flexy) shoes when I first went to clipless.
Any thoughts what is causing the new problem (is this what is called a hot spot) and a possible solution?
Maybe the new stiffer frame and I am mashing too hard with my right foot only???
Poor shoe fit (narrow)or not stiff enough shoe??? (the shoes are slightly snug esp. when using heavy socks).

I am doing my first century of the season in 2 weeks so I should find out if this new problem is getting better or worse. Maybe I should spring for some top-end shoes?
Thanks...

I think that most bicycle people would suggest trying a Look-style pedal and road shoes. That combination will give you more surface area over which to spread the pedaling forces.

Could you be a bit more specific as to where the pain is? Is it on the bottom, and ball of your foot, or on the top? I have a joint injury of the 2nd metatarsal, so I know a little bit about that type of injury which affects the bottom (ball) of my foot.

The pain is on the ball of the foot...still there even after a week out of the saddle