According to a study conducted by Trinity College in Dublin women may benefit more from barefoot running than men and may prevent running injuries by participating in the activity. The study used 23 active females having each woman run on treadmills once barefoot and once with running shoes. The results showed that the women showed corrective shifts of the body when running barefoot that could potentially reduce and prevent common running injuries.
Barefoot running, although increasingly popular is not for everyone. For more information on barefoot running contact Dr. Robert J. Kaplan of Twin Rivers Podiatry Easton. Our doctor can treat your foot and ankle needs.
Barefoot Running
Barefoot running is a fairly popular trend in the running world. More than just simply ‘running without shoes,” barefoot running affects the way your feet hit the ground and your overall posture. Barefoot runners land on the front part of their feet as opposed to those who wear shoes, who usually strike their heel as they hit the ground.
Barefoot running contains many advantages, including:
- A lower risk for ankle and foot injuries
- Improvement in balance and body posture
- Strengthens muscles in the lower legs, ankles and feet that are not normally worked when wearing shoes
There are also some disadvantages to barefoot running, which include:
- Lack of shoes increases the risk of incurring blisters, scrapes, bruises and cuts
- Risk of Achilles tendonitis as a result of landing on the front of your feet constantly
- Needing time and transition to adjust as the switch cannot be automatic
Start on even, flat surfaces and consider investing in minimalist running shoes. Minimalist running shoes provide the ‘feel’ of barefoot running while affording the same protection you get from wearing shoes. Barefoot running can be safe and enjoyable with the proper planning and transition.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Easton, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.