After a few indulgent weeks, you may have decided to get active and take up running for 2024. STOP! Before you go out pounding the paths of Berkshire, we need to make sure you have the correct footwear!
High impact exercise, such as running transfers a lot of force through your body. If your feet and the surface you’re on don’t absorb much of this shock, then the energy must go somewhere. The majority will pass up through your body to the hips, knees, lower back etc. We mainly walk on man-made surfaces rather than natural surfaces (such as asphalt). These have little to no absorption, so we can rarely depend on the ground absorbing any of that shock.
Running Trainers
For specific running trainers I recommend going to a good running shop and selecting a trainer suitable to your foot shape. Many good running shops now provide a gait assessment in various trainers. This can help you select the correct trainer to support your unique foot. Each trainer will vary depending on the brand. You may find one is more suitable for a wider foot and a different one for a narrower foot. It is wise to consider support in other areas of the foot too, particularly if you have a history of foot pain.
Your feet are Incredible!
Did you know that there are 26 bones in the foot? Unfortunately, this means that there’s lots of opportunity for dysfunction. The foot is the primary shock absorber as we strike the ground. When functioning well, the arch of the foot responds to this positively. However, these bones can do one of either of these three things:
- Function well
- Become restricted
- Move too much
Poor Foot Mechanics
Your chiropractor may check your feet to assess for any restriction and treat these accordingly to improve your function. Poor foot mechanics can often lead to issues at the knee, hip, lower back or elsewhere in the body. Therefore, it’s very important to get the foundation right and not to neglect your all-important feet. It’s vital to also make sure your trainers aren’t too small. This can lead to extra stress on toenails and other areas of the foot. Extra stress can lead to blisters and foot pain.
Tying up your Shoes
Once you’ve selected the correct trainer, you must wear them correctly. It sounds simple but is often overlooked. Tying up your shoes fully and using all the eyes to provide an equal support can help prevent sports injuries. Don’t be lazy and force your foot into any shoes without untying them first!
Get Training
Following this advice will help you choose the correct trainers. If you don’t have the right shoe to fit your needs, you won’t enjoy your training. Once you have found your perfect Sole Mates, break them in and GET TRAINING!
If you would like to get your feet checked out before starting your shopping, get in touch.
