07/01/2021
The road to pain free running. Part 1
Shin splints, heel pain, tendonitis, hip pain, knee pain…. I have had it all… until I realized that there was not one single thing that was causing my pain but rather a combination of factors that came together to cause these aches and pains. Now enough about me… but don’t worry I will go back to address all these issues in upcoming posts!
This post is one in a series of posts about running shoes. I realized it would be impossible to explain all there is to know about running and your feet in one post. There is just too much to cover. In the last few months I got tired of repeating to my patients advice on what shoes I knew were SUPPOSED to be good. I decided that only personal experience, combined with my knowledge, can truly help me advise my patients in regards to the best running shoe gear.
These blogs will help you to pick the shoe that’s right for you and how to know what ancillary items may be needed to help you in your search to pain free feet. I always get asked.. “what’s the best shoe.” To be honest this is a tough question! It depends on an individual’s foot type, gait, training, and of course comfort preferences. I have realized that there is not one perfect shoe. When you hear runners say… “I love my brooks.” Even that statement is complicated. Which brooks?? Which ASICS? Which saucony? Not only are there many many running shoe brands but within each brand, in addition to having shoe models that vary based on running surface, each brand also has numerous styles and models of running shoes that’s are based at a minimum on levels of cushion and support.
But shoes are not the only component of comfort when running. Paying attention to where you are expieriencing pain and being aware of the type of training that may elicit or worsen pain is also important. When addressing foot pain during running it may not always be the shoe that is the problem! There are so many ancillary factors that go into finding the perfect combination to pain free feet. And how does one know when all the factors align and you can say I have found the perfect running recipe for pain free feet.?
Among the many factors that contribute to that “perfect” combination, a good running sock is what can make or break you. Wearing the “right” shoe and the “wrong” socks can make the best shoe feel like the worst! I have personally found that finding the right sock was one of the biggest changes that helped my feet feel pain free before, during and after a run.
In addition to socks, when you have foot pain during running, a biomechanical and gait exam to identify abnormalities, gait pattern, foot type and areas of weakness is critical in order to address imbalances that may cause pain. No matter what shoe you may wear the correct running shoes can only work best when provided with an optimal envirmoamt in which all outside influences are neutralized. In addition to the perfect running sock, orthotics, heel lifts, compression socks and proper stretching are all ancillary products and procedures that come together to help make happy running feet!
I didn’t go into too much detail today beause I have realized this has proved to be a long journey for answers. I have not found them all but I promise to help guide you to happy running feet.
