Breaking Down Barefoot Running

Friction Blisters on Human foot due to running barefoot. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Among the many fads and fashion statements that cycle through, a fairly controversial one has been that of barefoot running. It is controversial because there are two fighting sides to the issue. There are groups that fully support and encourage barefoot running as the only true way our feet were supposed to run. Others, however strongly oppose this activity for the reasons of foot health and injury.

The bottom line is that foot health is extremely important and needs to be a priority. If you are interested in barefoot running, you need to know the facts being given on both sides and make an educated decision that ultimately will keep feet safe in the long run.

The Pro’s

Some studies have shown that barefoot running can actually prevent injury and improve and enhance a runner’s stride. Supporters suggest that it encourages you to land on your forefoot, which helps strengthen your arch as a shock absorber. Barefoot running may work smaller muscles in your body that help improve balance and also strengthen muscles and ligaments in feet.

The Con’s

The underlying negative is that barefoot running can put foot health at risk. Feet can be exposed to dangerous debris such as glass and sharp rocks. Blisters and calluses can form from running without protective cushioning. Common injuries seen in podiatric offices from barefoot running include plantar fasciitis, Achilles strain and abrasions.

Before your bare feet hit the pavement, listen to trusted experts such as Dr. Tina Boucher, foot and ankle specialist in Meriden, CT. She can provide a thorough foot analysis and help decide if this activity is right for your foot health. To schedule an appointment or find further information, call our office at (203) 238-3668 or visit us at www.centralctfootcare.com.

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What is Barefoot Running?

There has been quite a bit of talking lately in the running world about running without shoes, or barefoot. Those who run barefoot are choosing hard surfaces, like pavement, over softer surfaces like sand or grass. Our ancestors ran barefoot for many years without anything covering their feet. Today, runners are choosing barefoot running to relieve chronic injuries they incur over time.

When we run with shoes, our shoes force us to land on our heel instead of the ball of our foot, which is the natural way to run and land. The arch of our foot and our lower leg cannot fully absorb the shock the way the ball of our foot can. The shock then instead travels up our heel, through our legs and to our hips. It is possibly a reason why so many runners get shin splints, heel pain, and other problems because of the way we land in shoes.

Barefoot running uses our natural way of moving to propel ourselves off the ground and then again when we land. When you push off the ground with the ball of your feet you will land with your feet directly under your hips, as they should be.

For more information on barefoot running, please see: http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/UserFiles/File/Wall_Street_Journal6-6-2006.jpg and

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2006/aug/14/q_ken_bob_saxton_barefootrunning_pioneer/.

Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist in Meriden CT
http://www.centralctfootcare.com/
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