For the study, researchers examined both running techniques in terms of injury rates, running economy and overall stride biomechanics, and their work reviewed 53 previous studies on the techniques. One of the main conclusions they drew was that running with a forefoot running pattern was linked to lower reported rates of mild and severe repetitive stress injuries, but overall injuries weren’t reduced. However, that doesn’t mean that everyone should be switching to the forefoot strike pattern, because they also found that when heel-strike runners switched to a forefoot strike pattern, their running economy decreased.

“Our comprehensive review suggests that telling someone to run on the ball of their foot instead of their heel may make them less efficient, at least in the short term. Additionally, there is no evidence either way on whether running on the balls of your feet reduces injury,” said study lead author Dr. Christian Barton.

Injury Risk Shifted, Not Reduced

Dr. Barton also noted that while one type of running pattern may help avoid injuries to one area of your body, it may increase your risk of an injury to another area compared to a different running technique.

“Running toe-heel might help injuries at the knee, where loads are reduced. However, it may cause injuries to the feet and ankle, where loads are increased,” said Dr. Barton.

Essentially, the team concluded that runners should stick to what’s working for them. If you’re comfortable with a heel-strike running pattern, don’t worry about switching things up just to try to avoid injuries. Dr. Barton had an even more straightforward message when talking about the idea of changing running patterns, saying, “When it comes to running style: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

At the end of the day, if you’re comfortable with your stride, stick with it. Changing it when it’s not causing problems seems like it has the potential to do more harm than good. But if you are dealing with injuries because of your stride and biomechanics, we’d be happy to help you make a smooth transition from one running pattern to another.

The post New Study Shines Light On Foot Strike Running Injury Rates appeared first on Lance Silverman, MD - Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon.

Cold temperatures have forced barefoot runners to find a gym that can accommodate their workout, but many gyms have banned barefoot running for a variety of reasons.  Some health clubs are afraid of the liability, while others have banned the trend due to outcry from other members.

Hanna Brooks Olsen, who is a member at Mode of Fitness, said she complained after a barefoot runner made her uncomfortable.

“It was just a big, hairy dude with his big, hairy feet, clomping along beside me,” said Olsen. “I just felt like that was an unnecessarily excessive human skin transfer.”

While some believe Olsen should “get over it”, Mode of Fitness banned the barefoot practice for liability reasons, echoing the sentiments of Jason Carrell, who operates a gym called Fitness 19.

“If someone were to drop a weight on their toe, and they don’t have their shoe on, their toe is going to explode,” said Carrell.

Other gyms worry about the spread of germs, but many barefoot runners say that there is little evidence that shows that running sans footwear exposes others to more bacteria.

“Who’s to say shoes are more healthy?” says Ken Bob Saxton, a barefoot running advocate. “It should be an individual choice.”

Growing Trend

Barefoot running has increased in popularity as proponents say it naturally lends itself to the optimal foot strike.

Many doctors and foot specialists agree that a midfoot or forefoot strike is best, and running without shoes naturally allows for this type of strike pattern.  Tired or novice runners sometimes run with a heel strike gait, which can lead to complications or problems over time.

Dr. Silverman comments

There is extensive scientific evidence that supports barefoot running, and there is absolutely no scientific evidence supporting a logical fear of barefoot activities.

The claims of increased risk of disease transmission are ridiculous. Disease transmission by hand to hand contact or hand to fomite (inanimate object) contact is astronomically higher.

Stopping these people from running on the treadmill simply because their bare feet are touching the machine is like telling someone they can’t hold dumbbells with their bare hands.

Related source:  Wall Street Journal

The post Barefoot Runners Face Obstacles during Winter Months appeared first on Lance Silverman, MD - Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon.