It Must Be the Shoes
PM&R Physicians Stress the Importance of
Proper Shoes in Preventing Running Injuries
More than half of the runners this year
will experience an injury that will sideline them and force them to take time
off from their sport. An important part of any type of physical training is
using the proper equipment and, for runners, that means using the correct
shoe.
PM&R
physicians see many runners who have developed injuries – many of which
could have been prevented by wearing the right type of running shoe.
While
PM&R physicians don’t recommend any particular brand of shoe, they do
have some tips on selecting and caring for running shoes:
-
Select the
proper shoe for your foot type. The amount of support that a shoe
gives is very important in helping prevent injuries. Generally, there are
three types of feet: flexible, neutral, and stiff. Shoes come in three
basic types as well: motion control, cushioned/flexible, and stability.
Runners should make sure to match footwear to their foot type – flat,
arched, or in-between. Motion control shoes provide support and limit
excessive motion during running or walking; they are usually helpful for
people with flexible, often flat, feet. For high-arched or stiff feet,
more cushioning than support is needed. Stability shoes provide support
with some motion control, but they are flexible enough for neutral feet.
To determine your foot type and which shoe is best for you, consult a
specialty running store or a PM&R physician.
-
Replace
your shoes often. Runners should replace their shoes every 350-400
miles. While the shoe may look like new on the outside, the most important
part of the shoe – the midsole – will be worn out by then. Adjustments
for replacements should also be made depending on the runner’s weight,
type of running surface, and the types of weather conditions he or she is
running in. The age of the shoe is also a consideration. Shoes should be
replaced approximately every six months, especially in warm climates,
because the shoes will begin to deteriorate.
-
The wrong
shoe or a poorly fit shoe can hasten or cause injury.
PM&R
physicians stress that running shoes should fit well and be comfortable. It is
crucial that it is the right type of shoe for the runner’s foot.
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