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Switching to Minimalist Running Shoes can Cause Injuries and Pain

Prevent Running InjuriesRunners in a recent study reported higher rates of injury and pain with less structured shoes. But many advocates of the barefoot running style promote that “minimalist” running provides a more natural experience one should engage in. In the study, participants had two to three times as many injuries as compared to runners who stuck with traditional shoes.

The study took place over a three month period, so participants would be able to switch from traditional shoes to minimalist ones. Minimalist footwear is designed to provide as little interference to the runner as possible indicated Dr. Michael Ryan of Griffith University in Australia.   

By keeping certain techniques in mind, many running injuries can be easily avoided. To learn about how to run safely, consider contacting a podiatrist like Dr. Zahid Ladha, F.A.C.F.A.S. of Foot First Podiatry . Dr. Ladha can give you advice and tips about how to exercise properly.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. Runner’s knee usually is treated with strengthening exercises focusing on the quad muscles and sports orthotic. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned. Physical therapy can help you learn the best exercises to heal runner’s knee.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?

- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries

- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits you’re running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber

If you have any questions, contact our office located in New Albany, IN. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about How to Prevent Running Injuries.

Foot First Podiatry

3605 Northgate Ct Ste 206
New Albany, IN 47150
(812) 945-9221 (812) 945-7141

Our Location

3605 Northgate Ct Ste 206 New Albany, IN 47150

Hours of Operation

The office is closed from 12:00 to 1:00 for lunch Monday thru Thursday.

Foot First Podiatry

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-1:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed