Leading London Osteopath Asks: How Good Are Your Running Shoes?

A running shoe is purposefully designed to enhance and encourage foot function at the three distinct phases of action during motion and exercise. If your running shoe does not provide adequate cushion and support at heel contact, mid-stance and toe-off, you run the risk of painful injuries in later life.

Daren Fletcher, founder of Victoria-based clinic Posture Dynamics said, “Achilles Tendonitis, Plantar Fasciitis, Ankle Strains, Knee Pain, Shin Splints and even Stress Fractures are common injuries which can be helped and avoided with good appropriate running shoes.”

Running shoes are a tool for healthy exercise but what works for one person, will not feel comfortable for another. It is therefore advisable to spend time choosing the correct shoe. Although everyone is different, there are simple tests that work well and should be considered when buying new running shoes in order to avoid future injury.

The first sign of a good running shoe is its degree of heel counter rigidity. This means that when you try to bend it from heel to toe, only the toe area of the shoe should bend upwards. If the arch bends, the shoe will not provide optimal levels of stability and support.

The second test to carry out when considering a new running shoe purchase is the torsional stability. Holding the shoe in your hand and twisting, the top and bottom parts of the shoe should move, leaving the arch to stay firm and stable.

Finally, if the running shoe you have selected stands up to the first two tests, push firmly on both sides of the heel before making the decision to buy. The heel area must remain firm when pressure is applied.

Daren Fletcher said: “These three basic tests demonstrate stability and motion control. Sports shoes play a vital part of any keep fit regime so it’s vital that you spend an extra two minutes trying out these three tests before committing to buying a running shoe that will do you more harm than good. Our Osteopaths can also assess your biomechanics and recommend a short list of appropriate running shoes to meet your specific demands.”

Find out more about staying healthy while keeping fit by logging on to www.posturedynamics.co.uk

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