Can Barefoot Running & Walking Fix Flat Feet?

Can barefoot activity cure flat feet?

Flat feet is a condition where the arch of the feet undergo collapse and flatten: That is why it is often also referred to as fallen arches. Individuals with flat feet can suffer from a variety of foot ailments, pain, and fatigue, which can also extend to the legs and back. This condition is present in up to 30% of all people, and it is unfortunately not reversible by the use of arch-shaping shoe inserts, whether over the counter or prescribed by a doctor. 

Studies Prove Shoe Wearing Predisposes To Flat Feet! 

A very interesting Indian study ⁽¹⁾ analyzed the footprints of 2,300 children. It is commonplace in India for typical children to be barefoot most of the time, with only the higher classes usually shod in shoes. It found that the incidence of flat feet among children that used footwear was over three times greater than those who commonly played and ran in bare feet. The study unequivocally states that “shoe wearing predisposes to flat foot”. Flat feet can also be due to other factors, such as genetics, injury, etcetera. 

New Evidence To Prove That Barefoot Running Can Help Raise Arches! 

There have long been anecdotal reports that barefoot running can actually raise the arch of the foot and reverse flat feet, but now we have available the remarkable case study presented by a 41 year old male who recorded his foot print prior to engaging in a six month campaign of walking and running barefoot.

This individual has no history of medical problems and after a lifetime of conventional shoe wearing began to average 35 kilometers per week in running barefoot. He also shunned his footwear for most of this time in his everyday activities. 

Remarkable Proof Provided By Before & After Foot Prints! 

The Before & After footprints posted above clearly show how the remarkable transition from a flattened foot (or  flat foot) to a healthy and normal arch. The individual also reports that since he has been barefoot, he has been suffering far less knee and ankle pain and swelling through his running. 

Supportive Shoes Limit The Motion Exercise Of Foot Muscles! 

This person’s fascinating experience is just further evidence that even the most advanced shoes cannot provide the incalculable benefits of walking and running in bare feet. Indeed, supportive shoes tend to limit the motion exercise of foot muscles which can lead to further flattening of the arch! 

Perhaps, it’s time to shun your shoes and regain flexibility and strength in your feet! Your arches will thank you! 

(BTW, I would love to hear more “foot” reports – good and bad -  from other barefoot runners and walking! Please feel free to post comments with any foot-altering changes you have noticed as a result of barefoot activity.) 

Key To References

1) Rao UB, Joseph B. The influence of footwear on the prevalence of flat foot. A survey of 2300 children. J Bone Joint Surg Br 74 (4): 525-7. 

Source: www.americaspodiatrist.com

 

1st Barefoot Half Marathon in Mumbai

In an era where shoes have become the basic necessity for a marathon runner, Navi Mumbai will have the distinction of hosting the world’s first ever ‘Barefoot’ half-marathon on December 12 at Kharghar. An initiative by the Barefoot Runners of India Foundation (BRIF), this 21km run will witness around 300 participants.

Anand Anantharaman, the managing trustee of BRIF, said that the aim of their foundation was to promote the native art of running. “Barefoot runners are in demand these days. In the US, they are looked at with immense respect. Indians can easily attain world acclaim in this as we have it in our blood,” said Anand, who participates in marathons.

In the first edition, only Thane residents and students of Mumbai University will be allowed to run. No fees will be charged from the runners. The run also has a sponsorship model attached to it where a person can sponsor a runner by donating Rs2000 to the BRIF.

“There is a misconception among people one can get injured by running barefoot. But the fact is that barefoot running protects the feet and lower limbs from some of the impact-related injuries now experience by a high percentage of shod runners. This time we have restricted ourselves to Thane mainly for logistics purpose. We are planning to expand it state-wide and nation-wide in the future. It is high time that we nurtured Indian barefoot runners to take on the world stage,” concluded Anand.

Source article: Click here

Something to aim for here in New Zealand, aye?!

On the Run: Getting more with less

If you’ve run a road race recently, you’ve probably noticed them: Runners who are wearing these strange rubbery contraptions that look like gloves on their feet. And you might have spotted one or two people running barefoot.

So what’s with the lack of footwear? It’s a back-to-basics movement for some runners, who find that the lack of fancy cushioned sneakers is helping them run the way they were always supposed to run.

It’s all about footfall, the way your foot strikes the ground when you run. Traditional running shoes have been designed to protect your feet, cushioning the impact of your steps to ostensibly prevent injury. But that motion-control design has also caused us to run with our heels absorbing most of the impact. Proponents of minimalist running say that heel strike leads to many more injuries. They argue that running in either minimalist shoes or barefoot forces you to run the proper way, with your forefoot or midsole striking the ground first.

This certainly isn’t a new concept. Every so often you’d see someone running barefoot, but it was never a common sighting until last year by Christopher McDougall’s book “Born to Run” was published. The book was about Mexico’s Tarahumara Indians, who run hundreds of miles at a time in sandals, and it received a lot of publicity. McDougall believes humans have evolved to run that way, and those who have tried minimalist running say it has relieved longtime injuries by completely changing how they run. It’s unclear whether the change in styles leads to faster race times.

The shoe companies have heeded this trend and pretty much all of them offer lightweight, minimalist shoes. Another company that has made a splash is Vibram, which sells the easily identifiable FiveFingers footwear, which indeed look like a glove for your feet. The shoes have become so popular that the company warns on its website that consumers beware of buying knockoffs and fake versions of Vibrams.

On the other side of the argument are folks who are wary of running without the cushioning to which they’ve become accustomed over the years. There are also the fears of running over rocks, glass or other hazardous objects in lightweight shoes or barefoot. And if you’re running successfully with so-called regular shoes, why change now? Runners who have switched to minimalist shoes say it takes a while to get used to the different foot strike and the impact that has on the body.

Who’s right? Like everything else, it depends on the runner. Minimalist running appears to work for some, but it may not work for everyone. Some runners may not be able to handle the change for various reasons, whether it’s because of pre-existing injuries or other factors. The most sensible approach seems to be to use caution. Doing too much too soon could lead to injury. But by the same token, if you’re intrigued by minimalist running, why not give it a try? Just don’t throw your old shoes out right away.

On the Run: Getting more with less