The use of foot orthotics are commonly prescribed for many lower quarter conditions including running injuries, foot and ankle pain, and even low back pain. As we have described in previous posts off the shelf orthotics perform as well as more expensive custom orthotics, but overall their impact on many conditions is limited. When compared to...
The selection of running shoes continues to be a controversial topic in the sport. Arguments are heard from both sides of the running shoe continuum from barefoot/minimalist to heavily cushioned shoes. Both groups advocate their product based on its’ perceived influence on reducing the large numbers of running injuries seen every year among both recreational...
Knee arthritis is a common condition among older adults leading to increased knee pain and decreased participation in recreational and sporting activities. A incorrect, but commonly held belief is exercise may lead to further arthritis or knee damage due to a “wear and tear” effect. This outdated line of thought has been disproven by many research...
As we move towards the middle of summer many runners have experienced an increase in overuse injuries in their legs. Unfortunately, these running injuries are common among athletes with the vast majority of runners reporting one injury over the last year of training. Two of the most common injuries include shin splints (medial tibial stress...
The analysis and implementation of different foot strike patterns among runners has grown over the last 10 years. Changes in foot strike patterns have been shown to reduce loading through the leg and may help reduce the risk or symptoms associated with different running related injuries. Many runners entering our Physical Therapy clinic state confidence...
Compression garments including shorts, tights, and socks have gained in popularity among both amateur and professional runners. Manufacturers and athletes claim improved circulation, recovery, and performance can be found using these products either during or after a run. As with many products in health, fitness, and performance these claims should be taken with a grain...
The treadmill remains a necessary evil when completing run training allowing athletes to escape inclement weather to complete their workouts. Thankfully, in Boulder we have few inclement days as we move through the Spring and Summer months allowing athletes to train outside. Prior research has noted significant bio-mechanical differences in treadmill vs. ground running including...
The popularity of barefoot running, with or without the use of minimalist shoes, has grown since the publication of the book Born to Run. In the book, the author argues that running was an essential part of our evolution and survival, but up to 80% of runners will sustain an injury in a given year....
In our Boulder Physical Therapy Practice, gait retraining is an effective intervention to reduce the abnormal forces which perpetuate many overuse running injuries. Athletes are videotaped by Physical Therapists for bio-mechanical faults including alignment, stride length, step rate, and running technique. The athlete is then given real time feedback to correct the faults associated with their...
Over the last 5-10 years ultra marathon running has grown in popularity with pavement and trail races popping up throughout the West. Ultra trail running events are described as distances greater than a marathon, in mountainous terrain, and involving elevation changes. Authors report a 5200% increase in these events between 1978 and 2008 (Hoffman et...
