Are you training in the correct footwear?

Footwear choices are important in every day life, however here we will talk more specifically about training footwear and sports injury prevention. High impact physical exercise (running, jumping etc) transfers a lot of forces through the body. If your feet and the surface you are on don’t absorb much shock the energy has to go somewhere, so the majority will pass up through your body to the knees, hips, lower back and so on. As we predominantly walk on manmade surfaces with little to no absorption (such as tarmac) we can rarely depend on the ground absorbing any shock.

For specific running trainers I recommend going to a good running shop and selecting a trainer most suitable to your foot shape. Many running shops now provide a gait assessment in various trainers, this can help you select the correct trainer to support your foot. Each trainer brand varies, for instance you may find one is more suitable for a wider foot and a different brand for a slimmer foot. It is also important to consider support in other areas of the foot, particularly if you have a history of foot pain.

There are 26 bones in the foot so lots of opportunity for dysfunction. The foot is the primary shock absorber as we strike the ground and when functioning well the arch of the foot responds to this positively. However these bones can do one of three things:-

  • Function well

  • Become restricted

  • Move too much

Your chiropractor may check your feet to asses for any restriction and treat these accordingly to improve your function. Poor foot mechanics can often lead to issues at the knee, hip, lower back or elsewhere in the body, therefore it’s important to get the foundation right.

Once you have selected the correct footware you must wear them correctly. Tying up your shoes properly and using all the eyes, to provide an equal support can help prevent sports injuries. Do not get lazy and force your foot into any shoes without untying them in an attempt to save time, undo your shoe laces properly each time. It is important to make sure your trainers aren’t too small as this can lead to extra stress on toe nails and other areas of the foot, which can lead to blisters and foot pain, preventing you training and leaving you seeking sports injury treatment.

It’s really important to look after your feet by selecting appropriate, good footwear whatever the occasion (workwear, social wear or sportswear). We are lucky enough to have ‘The Running Works’ onsite who have helped a number of our patients. The experienced team at the shop can assist you in selecting the most appropriate footwear for your activity level, foot size and shape.

*If you have treatment at KH Chiropractic and Sports Massage you are also entitled to a 15% discount at ‘The Running Works’.

Drop into the shop to chat to the staff about footwear and for a Free gait analysis.

For Chiropractic treatment or Sports Massage call 0203 633 0565 or book online at www.khchiropractic.com.