Were you taught to run “heel-toe”?
Read about alternative foot strikes for runners
Learn more: watch the video or read the summary below.
Summary of Video
Barefoot Running is becoming very popular. It is best to do some research to learn about footwear and barefoot running techniques before you embark upon your first run. The main ideas that we want to focus on today are understanding the three foot strikes (the manner in which your foot hits or strikes the ground while running) and avoiding injury.
At Wake Forest Chiropractic, we have seen patients who have become very excited about trying Barefoot Running, and that is great. We would rather see these people on the trail than in a doctor’s office. The primary injuries we are seeing from Barefoot Running are:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Metatarsalgia – pain in the ball of the foot, just behind the toes
- Achilles Tendonitis
The three basic foot strikes are called:
- Heel strike
- Forefoot strike
- Midfoot or flatfoot strike
A Basic Overview of Barefoot Running and its Benefits
Learn more: watch the video or read the transcript below.
Transcript of Video:
Barefoot Running
This video showcases a barefoot running clinic conducted by Dr. Phelan at Wake Forest Chiropractic. Strengthening and reconditioning the feet are part of our protocol for treating plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis as well as foot, knee and ankle problems. To restore the integrity of the feet, we run on trails in as close to bare feet, as possible. The “shoe” that I have found to be as close to bare feet as possible is the Vibram fivefingers™. They are running shoes that are designed specifically for running while wearing as little material, so that your feet are protected, and yet retain the natural flexibility they would have if you were not wearing any shoes at all.
Vibram Brand fivefingers™ Barefoot Running Shoes
People have been running barefoot or in thin soled shoes such as moccasins until the introduction of modern running shoes in the 1970’s. The running shoes generally have extra padding at the heels and therefore change the way we walk and run. When shod, the heel bears the most strike force, and that is then sent up the leg to the knees and hips. In barefoot running, the balls of the feet strike the ground first. Therefore, the foot and lower leg absorb the impact and turn this energy into a forward, springing motion.
Key Points for Barefoot Running
You can stub your toes in “barefoot running shoes”. It’s not that bad, so don’t be too nervous about that. It is helpful to build up a few calluses on your feet and also to transition slowly to increase the strength of your foot and calf muscles. Take your time, and walk if you have to and when you get tired.
Lean your weight forward. You’re going to run differently than you have been in your running shoes. What will happen is your strike will be forefoot back, instead of heel striking down and forward. It’s very different. Your engine is in your lower leg and thigh. There’s not a whole lot of drive muscle in your shin, but it does exist in your calf and thigh. Conversely, on the hills, what you’ll be doing is landing forefoot first and your drive is going to be coming from the back of your leg in the gluteus muscle instead of using all of the quadriceps (thigh muscles) to push you up and forward.
Dr. Phelan's Barefoot Running Clinic
When you begin, bend your knees and keep them bent throughout the run. This should help transfer your weight to the front of your feet and decrease the possibility of landing heel first. Also, take shorter strides than you did in your running shoes – you may even find that this happens naturally.
Please keep in mind that there is an unwritten rule on trails: if you want to pass someone, always up on their left and just let them know you’re coming by.
NOTE: In the video, you may see that many of the runners are not landing forefoot first. That is because this is a clinic for beginners. Landing heel first is a hard habit to break.
Read more about how barefoot running can help symptoms of plantar fasciitis.
If you would like further information about barefoot running, or if you’re interested in speaking with us, please go to our website, http://www.wakeforestchiropractic.com. If you would like to make an appointment, please get in contact with us by calling 919-562-0302. We would be happy to hear from you. Thank you.
Wake Forest Chiropractic
851 Wake Forest Business Park, Suite E
Wake Forest, NC 27587
919-562-0302
October 20, 2009
© copyright 2009-2010 Wake Forest Chiropractic. All rights reserved.
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