If a nagging ache is keeping you off the treadmill, track, or trail, the fix may be in your feet. Research recently published in
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that runners who land on the ball of their foot are 40% less likely to have repetitive stress injuries than those who touch down heel-first.
"I don't recommend minimalist shoes if you have a history of chronic injuries or if you run extreme mileage. Runners can still run in adequate running form in regular running shoes, minimalist shoes aren't always necessary," Dr. Kate Steklachich, D.P.M.
Following the strategies listed to (slowly) switch up your strike:
- Touching down with a stiff leg ups the force of impact, so keep a slight bend in your knee
- Bend your back knee more than usual, and don't let your rear leg lag behind. This will help you take short, fast strides (aim for 165 steps a minute), lessening your injury risk.
- When your foot hits the ground, it should be aligned with your hip.
- Angle your foot slightly down and land on the outer ball of your foot, behind the second-to-last pinkie toes. After the front of the foot hits, let your heel naturally touch down, then push off your toes again to begin the next step.
source: Shape Magazine August 2012 Issue
