Finding a Perfect Running Shoe – Not Hard but Necessary!

Do you live in New York and love to run? If you are looking for a race to compete in this fall, there are scores to pick from including Sitrin’s Stars and Stripes Run-Walk, October 5^th, 2013 in Utica, NY or The Great Pumpkin Challenge 5K/10K on October 19^th, 2013 in Saratoga Springs, NY. After you’ve picked the race, the next thing on the to-do list needs to be your shoes.

Adding a custom orthotic with your shoes will add additional support

You may have your favorite go-to running shoes, but they may not be the shoe that is going to keep your feet healthy to the last mile. Picking the right running shoe takes effort, but the benefits outweigh your time and investment. Your foot has a particular shape and a certain way that it functions while you run. Your shoe needs to be a perfect match in order to have continued success as a runner and stay free of injury.

Go to a reputable sports store and bring your last pair of worn-down running shoes with you. A knowledgeable staff person can look at the wear patterns and determine what type of shoe is best for your feet. If you have a high arched foot or a flat foot, you will need a specific shoe to accommodate for your foot structure and provide cushioning and support where you need it. If you are not sure what type of foot structure you have, Dr. Tejas Pandya is a foot specialist who can explain exactly what kind of feet you have and what shoes would be best for your foot health.

You also want to find a shoe that will protect any current problems, such as bunions or hammertoes. Constant pounding on the pavement with a bad pair of shoes will only further aggravate problems such as these. Go shopping later in the day, bring your socks with you, and try on shoes until you find the right ones that are comfortable from the start! Don’t settle for the wrong shoes due to time or cost, because your feet will pay the price.

If looking for the perfect shoe only leaves you empty handed, contact Capital District Podiatry. We can offer great tips and suggestions to keep you running at full speed with feet that feel great. We have locations in Troy and Clifton Park, NY. Make an appointment today by calling us at (518) 273-0053.

Do You Overpronate? Check Your Shoes!

If you are a dedicated runner, you may very well be educated on overpronation. For the average person though, this common foot problem is often unheard of but may be the cause for present foot pain.

How do I know if I overpronate?

When patients come into our office at Capital District Podiatry, one of the tools we use when diagnosing foot pain is to look at their shoes. Noting where shoes get worn down can offer clues to why there may be foot pain or help in preventing problems from occurring in the future.

Overpronation happens when your foot rolls inward at each strike on the ground while walking. If this is occurring, your shoes will often show more wear on the inner side than the outer. If you were to put your shoes on a flat surface, they may even tilt inward. Many people have this common foot problem and don’t even realize it. This condition is very prominent in people with fallen arches, or flat feet.

What should I do?

If a quick diagnostic inquiry shows that this is happening and you have no foot pain or problems, it may be of benefit to make a few changes. Choosing shoes with a straighter sole and designed for stability and motion control will best support a foot that overpronates.

This abnormal leaning inward of the foot and ankle could pose a problem over time as the structure of the foot can become compromised. Plantar fasciitis, heel spurs and metatarsalgia are common problems associated with this foot condition. If you have foot pain, it is best to seek an accurate diagnosis so your feet get the treatment they deserve. We find that our patients often benefit greatly from using a pair of custom orthotic inserts in their shoes.

We are available to help in any way that we can – call Dr. Tejas Pandya today if you are concerned about an overpronation problem. We have two convenient locations to serve you in Troy and Clifton Park, NY. Call us at (518) 273-0053 to get help today!

Barefoot Running & Shin Splints

Photo by: Sura Nualpradid, freedigitalphotos.net

Whether you are a regular barefoot runner or a contemplating future participant to this very popular trend, it is important to be educated on how this style of running could affect your foot health. Dr. Tejas Pandya, foot specialist in Troy, NY has treated many runners over the years with a variety of foot and ankle problems. A very painful but common problem runners often face is shin splints.

Shin splints are associated with pain alongside your shinbone, or tibia. This is the large bone in the front of your lower leg. Injury can occur in this part of the leg with too much stress, overtraining and poor footwear. For a runner, the repetitive impact on hard surfaces can cause stress on the tibia and result in swelling, pain and tenderness.

While there has been much controversy about the safety and effectiveness of barefoot running, there are supporters who claim that regular running shoes are the problem. Certain studies have shown that the extra support in running shoes alters the way our feet should strike the ground and causes our heels to absorb the bulk of the force. This, in turn, can cause injury over time such as shin splints.

Going barefoot causes a runner to land on the balls of the feet instead of the heel, which allows the calf muscle and Achilles tendon to take the bulk of the stress rather than the shin. There are many things to consider, however, before jumping into barefoot running. Without the proper knowledge and training, this activity can lead to serious injury. There are certain foot structures and deformities that may prevent a runner from safely running barefoot.

If you are interested in barefoot running, we suggest coming in to see Dr. Pandya beforehand. He can evaluate the health and structure of your feet, identify any potential problems and offer his expert advice. Call our podiatric office today at (518) 273-0053 or visit us online at www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.

Running Gear to Help You Stay Cool

Summer is fast approaching and as the weather warms up, running can become difficult. Our body temperature rises when we run which can make a hot day that much warmer. When the temperatures rise, you don’t have to resign to running on the treadmill in the air-conditioned gym or your basement. The right gear will help you stay cool outside during your workout.

To stay cool, upgrade your running wardrobe

The old t-shirt of your favorite 80s band is not going to cut it during a run on a hot day. You want to find the lightest, moisture-wicking and most breathable option in a good sports store. Women, start with a supportive sports bra made of moisture-wicking material with mesh areas designed for ventilation. Wear a lightweight, sleeveless tank over top if you want to be covered up. Men, look for a lightweight singlet, or tank top with stitch-free seams for comfort. For both men and women, wear short shorts with mesh vents for comfort and breathability.

There are materials today with cooling technology built into the fabric. Remember that dark colors are going to absorb the sun’s rays and raise your body temperature while running. Loose clothes will also provide better ventilation. Just because you are covered also doesn’t mean your skin isn’t exposed. Be safe and wear clothes with SPF in the fabric.

Sweaty feet that slip and slide around in your shoes are no fun either. Don’t forget about your feet. Wear proper socks made of a moisture-wicking material and choose a lightweight, cushioned shoe with mesh sides for ventilation.

Dr. Tejas Pandya is a foot specialist in Troy, NY with years of experience helping athletes stay on course. If you are a runner slowed down with foot pain, call our podiatric office today for diagnosis and treatment. We can get you back on track in no time! Call (518) 273-0053 or visit www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.

Help For Shin Splints

Are you a runner with lower leg pain?

Shin splints are definitely an unwelcome visitor when you are trying to keep up with a running or exercise routine. Known as medial tibial stress syndrome, it is a common problem seen at our Troy, NY podiatric office.

Foot specialist, Dr. Tejas Pandya, treats runners and athletes on a regular basis. Shin splints can stop you in your tracks, but with treatment by Dr. Pandya and an understanding of how they develop will get you back on your feet in no time.

Shin splints cause pain alongside or behind your shinbone. Pain arises from your muscles and tendons becoming inflamed. You might notice swelling and tenderness if you touch your lower leg. Typically, shin splints develop after too much stress has been put on your shinbone. Dr. Pandya often sees shin splints in patients who:

• Consistently run downhill

• Run in unsupportive or worn out footwear

• Are heavily involved in sports or activities with starts and stops such as basketball or tennis

• Train too hard and too fast, putting an overload of stress on their legs

• Play sports on hard, unforgiving surfaces

• Have flat feet or rigid arches

Suffering from shin splints is not fun. You can effectively treat them at home by resting and avoiding any activities that cause further pain. Try ice packs and elevating your shin to reduce swelling. If you can’t keep them from returning, you may need corrective shoes or custom orthotic inserts to support your feet.

Contact us today for help and stop living in pain. You can make an appointment by calling (518) 273-0053 or visit us at www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.

Related articles

• Do Flatfeet Affect Running?
• The dreaded Shin Splints!!!
• 10 Ways to Deal With Shin Splints

Do Flatfeet Affect Running?

The average runner takes 200 steps a minute. You may be too focused on your breathing or making it through a run to even count how many steps you take. Each stride you take while running can put a lot of stress and shock on your feet, ankles, shins and knees. If you have flatfeet, the stress on your feet can be multiplied.

Are flatfeet causing you pain while you run?

Flatfeet are when you do not have an arch on the bottom of your foot. If you stood up on the floor, the entire sole of your foot would touch the ground. Having flatfeet affects the structure of your foot and causes your feet to behave differently than someone who would have an arch.

Flatfeet often cause your feet to roll inward when they strike the ground. This is called overpronation and could be what is causing the discomfort while you run. It changes the normal biomechanics of your foot, which increases the stress on your foot. When your foot rolls inward too severely, the weight of your body is not distributed properly, Normally, it would be distributed evenly to the ball of your foot whereas with overpronation, the inside of your foot takes the brunt of the force.

Unfortunately, the overpronation from flatfeet can also lead to other problems such as plantar fasciitis, shin splints and Achilles tendonitis.

If you need help with alleviating the pain from flatfeet or if you are curious about whether you overpronate or not, contact our Troy, NY podiatric office for help. Foot specialist, Dr. Tejas Pandya can examine your feet, diagnose any cause of pain and find any potential problems that could arise in your future. Call (518) 273-0053 or visit us at www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.

Related articles

• Corns on Your Feet?
• How Do Orthotics Work?
• Athletic Discount #EANF# Cheap Shoes Three Basic Categories Neutral Runners Overpronators

Run on a Treadmill, or Not?

It is the start of a new year!  Whether you are a seasoned runner or a beginner ready to get your feet wet, the decision whether to get outside or stick to a treadmill can be tricky. Bad weather can make the first option less than desirable but many people question the effectiveness and safety of a treadmill.

Dr. Tejas Pandya, foot and ankle specialist in Troy, NY treats many athletes and sports enthusiast. The bottom line for all runners is foot health and injuries can happen whether you are pounding the pavement or the…belt. Running on a treadmill definitely comes with some advantages. The conveyor belt on a treadmill provides a softer surface that absorbs some of the shock from your feet. This can help prevent some of the injuries that may arise from feet constantly hitting the hard concrete outside.

Changing the incline or pace at the touch of a finger is a great reason to run on a treadmill. You can ease up or push harder depending on what kind of challenge you want. You can also set yourself up in front of the TV, watch a favorite show and be in the comfort of your home.

On the other hand, a treadmill can be hard on the pocket book and a space hog in a tight place. It also does not provide a runner training for any type of a race with the right kind of running needed to properly train. If you are going to race outside, you need to train outside for optimal success.

Whichever you choose, make sure to wear appropriate footwear and have any foot pain or injury treated as soon as possible. Any running or training can be halted when a foot problem is ignored. Call our podiatric office at (518) 273-0053 to schedule an appointment or visit us at www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.

Related articles

• Starting Exercise Off On the Right Foot
• Training - On a Treadmill!
• How I Started Running

Extra Weight Can Affect Your Feet

Your feet are the foundation for your body and they often take a beating! On average, feet take 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day and just walking puts the pressure of one and a half times your body weight on your feet. It is even more when running and if you are overweight, your feet are under some serious strain.

The American Podiatric Medical Association warns that our feet are the most vulnerable part of our body for injury. Being overweight increases the risk for injury even further. Dr. Tejas Pandya, foot and ankle specialist in Troy, NY encourages patients if they are gearing up to lose some weight, to keep feet as an important reason to do so.

How can weight hurt your feet?

Adding weights to a workout routine can help build and strengthen muscle but added weight can be detrimental to feet. Muscles, tendons and ligaments can become stretched and weaker. There are many ways that extra weight affects foot and ankle health. Arches can collapse and feet can flatten from the pressure of added weight. This can cause the plantar fascia to be strained. This tendon runs from your heel to your toes and the strain can result in plantar fasciitis and heel pain.

Tendonitis, ankle pain, arthritis and gout are additional foot conditions seen at Dr. Pandya’s podiatric office with patients who are overweight.

What can be done?

For the majority, weight loss is not solved overnight. If you are in the process of losing weight, you can help keep your feet healthy and pain free by selecting supportive footwear. If you have a pronation problem where your ankles lean inward, it can be more severe when overweight. Custom orthotics made for your foot structure can help support your feet and keep them better aligned.

If you have foot or ankle pain due to being overweight, see Dr. Pandya for treatment. Call us today at ((518) 273-0053 or visit our website at www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.

Related articles

• The A, B, C's of Children's Foot Care
• Losing Weight Can Also Help Your Feet
• Childhood Obesity - The Impact on Feet

Is Running in the Cold Safe for Feet?

Are you a die-hard runner? Rain or shine, sun or moon, alone or with friends – none of these matter for many serious runners. As long as feet are hitting the pavement, trail or track many runners stick with their routines without concern. What about running in the dead of winter though? When the skies are darker and the roads are icy and wet? Even for the experienced, running in the winter does come with risks, especially when it comes to feet.

Preparation is key!

Nothing is more miserable for a runner than to be trudging along with cold, wet feet in squishing socks. This can be avoided by investing in appropriate gear for your feet. Set your feet up for success in waterproof running shoes. Choose shoes with little or no mesh. Brooks offers a collection of running shoes made with Gore-Tex® that keep feet dry and comfortable.

Avoid cotton socks and choose brands that help wick away wetness. SmartWool is a favorite among outdoor athletes. It is suggested that winter runners layer a thicker sock over a wicking pair for extra warmth. This might require shoes to be a half-size larger. Some runners put their stocking feet into little plastic baggies before putting running shoes on – whatever it takes to keep feet dry! SealSkinz is a great company that offers a huge variety of waterproof products for outdoor sports. They have socks, gloves and hats specifically for runners.

Ice puts runners at risk for falling so shoes need to have proper soles for outdoor running. Look for products such as Yaktrax that can be put on the bottom of shoes to run safely in snow and ice. Cold feet can be uncomfortable and distracting. Extreme cold also puts feet at risk for frostbite. When frostbite occurs, there is often little or no pain so runners need to be keenly aware of running conditions and the state of their feet while running.

Foot specialist, Dr. Tejas Pandya helps runners take care of their feet on a regular basis. Call him for help with any foot problems to keep feet healthy for the long run at (518) 273-0053 or visit our website at www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.

Related articles

• Feet and Frostbite
• What Are You Wearing This Winter
• Simple Shoe Tricks for Healthy Feet

Dehydration on Your Run

You’ve been running a long distance, the sweat is dripping, your breathing is heavy and vision becomes blurry. Before you know it you’re blacking out in desperate need of some ice-cold H20. Hydrating yourself is important! Not just to quench your thirst, but hydration is an important aspect of your running routine. Keeping your body hydrated can improve your performance, and prevent injuries and health issues like heat exhaustion.

Dehydration can lead to severe headaches, fatigue, lack of coordination, dizziness and muscle cramps. It also puts you at risk for serious illnesses like heatstroke and heat exhaustion. These symptoms can easily put your health at risk and lead to painful injuries. Runners should keep themselves aware of how much water they consume. Maintaining proper hydration should be at the top of your list of priorities.

Remember to always keep track of the water content level within your sports drinks if you choose them over water. Hydration should not only take place before and after exercises, but during as well. Make sure you take regular water breaks to keep yourself hydrated and to cool your body down.
Runners are already prone to foot and ankle related injuries due to repetitive stress. If you experience a foot or ankle related injury contact our office at (518) 273-0053 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tejas Pandya.

Related articles

• Trainers: Most young athletes are dehydrated before practice
• My skin is dry but I drink plenty of water....
• The Science of Survival: Heat Stroke

Simple Shoe Tricks for Healthy Feet

Maintaining your health can be a tricky job. Your feet need care and attention just like the rest of your body. Footwear is made specifically to protect the health of your feet, but your shoes can’t do all the work - they need your help!

Follow these simple tips to helping your shoes protect your feet, ankles and all 10 toes:

• Get the right fit. The most important aspect of your shoes is the fit. Shoes need to fit correctly to the length, width and height of your feet. Your footwear should big long enough that your toes have about a thumb’s width before the end of your shoe, but not so big that your heel slides out the back. Shoes should also be wide enough that you have room to wiggle your toes and tall enough that they do not press down on your toes.

• Be specific to your exercise. Your shoes should be specific to your activities. If you are involved in different sports you need different shoes for each exercise. Physical activities put pressure on your feet, and soccer will affect your feet differently than running, yoga or football. Therefore each sport or exercise will require specific protection from your footwear so you will need different shoes for each of your activities.

• Alternate between shoes. While you should alternate different shoes for each of your exercises, you should also alternate your daily walking shoes. Your shoes need their days off just like you. This will not only help your shoes last longer, but also maintains the health of your feet.

• Cushion your feet. While your shoes should provide you an appropriate amount of cushioning, you should always pair your footwear with a comfortable pair of socks. Socks give your feet greater cushioning and reduce irritation between your feet and your shoes. This will help prevent painful ailments like blisters.

• Add an orthotic. Purchasing custom molded orthotics can be one of the best investments you will ever make. An orthotic adds support, comfort and cushioning to your footwear. It can relieve pain and reduce your risk for an injury.

Taking proper care of your feet can be a big job, but making foot care a part of your regular routine can help you prevent foot ailments throughout your lifetime. If you are experiencing pain in your feet or would like to come in for a check-up and proper foot examination contact our office at (518) 273-0053 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tejas Pandya.

References:

http://www.thestarpress.com/article/20120912/LIFESTYLE/309120007/Tips-happy-feet?odyssey=nav%7Chead&nclick_check=1
http://runnersfeed.com/rotate-your-running-shoes/

Related articles

• Send Kids Back to School with Healthy Footwear
• Are Crocs healthy for your feet? Or Is It Croc?
• Are Shoes For Crews The Shoes To Choose? #Review #Giveaway

A Football Players Nightmare - the Terror of Turf Toe!

The school year is in full swing and it’s finally time for those boys of fall to return to the Friday night lights. Football can be a great way to stay active and build sportsmanship, but players should remember that they are always at high risk for an injury while out on the field. Football remains the number one sport for injuries, actually resulting in more injuries annually than the world’s most popular sports combined.

One of the most common injuries among football is turf toe. It is named due to its correlation with football. Turf toe is an injury referring to a sprain of the ligaments surrounding the joint of your big toe. Turf toe occurs when your big toe becomes jammed or you excessively push off from your big toe while running, jumping or participating in physical activity. The ligaments surrounding your big toe allow you to move up and down.

You are more likely to experience turf toe when playing on an artificial surface because turf is much harder than natural grass. Therefore your cleats are more likely to stick into an artificial surface, but it can occur on both surfaces. You can take a precautionary step by purchasing cleats that provide your feet with proper support. Stronger footwear, rather than flexible cleats, can prevent your feet from bending too far forward and putting greater pressure on your big toes.

Turf toe is associated with severe pain, swelling and limited mobility at the base of the joint of your big toe. If your injury is not treated properly, or turf toe becomes a repetitive injury, your condition may become serious and require surgical correction. If you have turf toe you will want to give your foot proper rest and time away from the football field. You should keep your injured foot elevated and apply ice in order to relieve pain and reduce swelling. The injury should be taped or wrapped by a medical professional in order to heal properly and add support.

If you experience turf toe this season contact our office at (518) 273-0053 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tejas Pandya. Dr. Pandya will give you a proper examination and develop a treatment plan to get you back to your best health and out on the football field as soon as possible.

References:

http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/turf-toe-symptoms-causes-and-treatments
http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/footandankleinjuries/a/TurfToe.htm
http://www.coreperformance.com/knowledge/injury-pain/turf-toe.html

Related articles

• Turf toe ends Roy Helu's season
• Jayron Hosley Injury: Tom Coughlin Describes It As "Turf Toe Kind Of Issue"
• James Starks isn't getting over his turf toe

8 Easy Steps to Preventing Overuse Injuries

Staying active is important in maintaining a healthy weight, building strong bones, muscles, and joints, and keeping your ligaments limber. Too much of a good thing can be bad - even when it comes to exercise. There are more than five-million sports related injuries happening every year. With that, almost half of all sports injuries are because of overuse.

In order to prevent overuse injuries, please follow our helpful tips:

• Create warm-up and cool-down routines. Stretching out your muscles and tendons keeps them strong and prevents stiffening, which can easily result in an injury. Create a 10-15 minute warm up routine and with the same routine to cool you down and relax your body.

• Know the correct techniques. Every sport and exercise comes with its own physical demands, but knowing the right techniques can protect your body from injuries. If you are unaware of the proper techniques, ask a coach or trainer for a proper evaluation and lesson.

• Do not over train. Of course, practice makes perfect, but too much training can take you out of the game. It’s important to train for all aspects of the game, so don’t focus on one specific area. Remember to give yourself a break and of course have days to rest.

• Get a physical. Before sports season begins, you should receive a proper physical. It’s important to determine that you are in good health before you begin extensive training. Contact our office to schedule a foot and ankle examination before you begin your training routine.

• Increase your workout routine gradually. When you sign up for a sport it’s typical to jump right into intense practices every day, but this can be dangerous. Ease into physical activity and increase your time on a weekly basis.

• Vary your sports. Sticking to one sport can easily lead to overuse injuries. If you vary your sporting activity, it provides different motions so your feet and ankles are not forced into the same positions year round.

• Give it a rest. Staying physical is important to your overall health, but so is allowing your body time to rest. If you are active in sports, you should give yourself time to rest after every season. Playing year round is an easy way to gain an overuse injury.

• Treat your injuries. If you do experience an injury, don’t think that playing through the pain makes you a better and more dedicated player. Playing through an injury is dangerous to your health, and the health of your body should always come before the game.

You can reduce your risk for an overuse injury by following our helpful tips. Overuse injuries, like all injuries, should be taken seriously and treated immediately. If you don’t treat overuse injuries in a timely matter, they can result in permanent damage. If you develop an overuse injury, contact our office at (518) 273-0053 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tejas Pandya.

References:

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20120421-OPINION-204210304

Related articles

• How To Avoid Overuse Injuries
• The Prevention of Overuse Injuries in Youth Sports
• Lower Limb Surgery

Playing Tennis Part 1 - Finding the Right Shoes

Tennis players need to have speed, good coordination, endurance, and be quick on their feet. All of this can be affected by the shoes on your feet. When you think of equipment associated with the sport of tennis you probably think about the ball, the racket, and the need for a properly sized court and net. However, so many people forget about the footwear.

Shoes should always be considered as one of the most important forms of equipment associated with almost every sport. Tennis players should wear tennis specific shoes in order to keep their feet healthy and happy. Dr. Tejas Pandya has come up with a few tips to help guide you in the right direction.

• Look for flexibility. Proper tennis shoes should be able to maneuver the excessive movements associated with the sport. Tennis involves a wide range of movements. From side-to-side steps, to the fast runs and the intense jumps, your shoes should be flexible enough to manage these quick and varying movements.

• Support the sides of your feet. The movements involved in a tennis match can often cause you to lean to the sides of your feet. For this reason, your shoes should have extra lateral support in order to reduce your risk of injury.

• Know your court. Tennis courts can be made of a variety of different materials. Your tennis match may take place on concrete, grass, or clay, and each holds a different set of requirements on the amount of support and cushioning you need from your shoes. Determine what kind of court you will be playing on and then choose your footwear accordingly.

• Be sport specific. A lot of tennis players are under the assumption that they can get by just fine with regular running shoes. However, Dr. Pandya urges you to wear tennis specific footwear. Running shoes are designed for different movements, and not those associated with the sport of tennis.  Therefore running shoes cannot properly protect your feet during a match.

Discovering the right shoe for your personal needs can be difficult due to the increasingly large variety available to you. The exact shape of your foot, your natural stride, and your posture can have a huge effect of the shoes your feet require. If you desire any additional help on finding the right tennis shoe, or would like to be fitted for a custom molded orthotic, contact our office at (518) 273-0053 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tejas Pandya.

References:

http://www.tennisexpress.com/info/buying-the-right-tennis-shoes.cfm
http://www.livestrong.com/article/211024-the-best-tennis-shoes-with-foot-support/

Related articles

• Your Guide to Running Shoes in 3 Easy Steps
• Do not run in tennis shoes!
• How to Choose the Best Tennis Shoes for Women

Minimizing Your Running Shoes

Barefoot running has become a very popular topic in the last couple years among runners and with it the idea of minimalist running shoes. While arguments have been made for keeping your standard running shoes, or tossing shoes altogether and running barefoot, could minimalist shoes be the happy middle and the answer to so many runners’ prayers?

The fashion world has been overall appalled by these frankly strange looking shoes or “gloves” for your feet. While the look of these shoes can get a few stares, their design has focused on keeping your feet healthy while allowing the wearer to receive optimal functionality. Minimalist shoes are very light on your feet and as you pick up your feet with every stride you are not carrying an overwhelming amount of weight. Heavy shoes can wear out your feet considering they already have to carry the weight of your body. Minimalist shoes are also designed with materials that give your feet optimal flexibility, which is perfect for running. With less padding between your feet and the ground, you run with a shorter stride that will cause your feet to strike the ground more frequently, but at a much softer rate. This can reduce your likeliness to develop many of the injuries common to runners.

Minimalist shoes give you the technique and close feeling to running barefoot, but still allow your feet the protection they need from the hard ground. Minimalist shoes can correct the way you run, bringing you back to the natural form associated with barefoot running. These shoes can get you back to running on your forefoot rather than striking at your heel. Forefoot striking is much healthier and decreases your risk for injury. However, barefoot running puts you at risk for a whole different set of injuries associated with the lack of protection between your feet and the ground. The battle between barefoot running and standard running shoes holds serious risks of injuries for both sides, but minimalist shoes are looking to be the medium and solution between the two.

Wearing minimalist shoes may not only influence you to run in a healthier way, but they can also help strengthen your feet. Standard running shoes that are heavily cushioned may be excessively protecting your feet to the point where they are inhibiting the strength of your foot and ankle muscles. The over-supportive arches and hard soles can also lead to weaker muscles and natural arches of your feet.

If you are interested in changing the way you run so you strike at your forefoot, or would like your stride observed to find the healthier way to run, contact our office at (518) 273-0053 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tejas Pandya.

References:

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-240-400--13691-F,00.html

Related articles

• The latest running trend: go barefoot
• Running Barefoot: Is it for You?
• Born to run barefoot? Some end up getting injured