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...
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...
Running is one of the most popular sports in Boulder, Colorado with many individuals taking advantage of our many trail options. In general, run workouts can focus on short duration, higher intensity sprints performed as intervals or longer duration, sustained low to moderate intensity distance runs. Each training option promotes beneficial changes in the body...
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...
In our previous posts on running shoes we have described the limitations of orthotics and shoe wear to alter foot, ankle, or knee mechanics during gait. Despite the hype and claims shoes have been unable to significantly improve running mechanics compared to proximal interventions including hip strengthening and gait retraining by a Physical Therapist. The...
Running is one of the most popular forms of exercise due to its’ accessibility, low equipment cost, and health benefits. As running’s popularity continues to grow, unfortunately so do the number of runners who miss a training session or competition due to injury. These runners are not alone; as research has reported up to 90%...
Running remains one of the most popular forms of exercise due to its’ affordability, accessibility, and health benefits. The popularity of the sport has grown tremendously over the last few decades, but despite advancements in shoe wear, training methods, and rehabilitation interventions the injury rates remain frustratingly high. Up to 90% of runners will report...
In prior posts, we have discussed the importance of hip strengthening among runners. There is a strong correlation between hip weakness, especially the hip abductors, and knee pain. Studies have questioned if these strength impairments are present before pain develops or occur due to the onset of pain. In addition, some research has demonstrated runners...
In an attempt to reduce the high risk of running injuries, athletes are making changes to their strike patterns and shoe wear. Running trends towards minimalist shoes have attempted to move athletes away from a heel strike and toward a more mid or forefoot strike pattern. These strike patterns have been shown to reduce loading...
In the examination of healthy or injured runners it is tempting to focus on an individual’s leg alignment and posture. The hope of these tests and measures is it will help a clinician identify the source of client’s symptoms or a risk factor for injury. The limitation of these examination items is their inability to...
