Weird looking shoes

Running shoes exerted more stress on knees, ankles and hip joints compared to running barefoot or walking in high-heeled shoes.

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) accounts for more disability in the elderly than any other disease. Running, does have proven health benefits however, it will increase the stresses on the joints of the hip and legs.

Running barefoot also has its drawbacks but a new study shows that it is much better “in the long run” than “new”running shoes with high arches and wedge shaped soles.

The researchers observed increased joint torques at the hip, knee and ankle with running shoes compared with running barefoot. Disproportionately large increases were observed in the hip internal rotation torque and in the knee flexion and knee outward (varus) torques. An average 54% increase in the hip internal rotation torque, a 36% increase in knee flexion torque, and a 38% increase in knee varus torque were measured when running in running shoes compared with barefoot.

Other problems with running are Sacroiliac stressors. This joint is one of the most over looked when it comes to low back pain. Many of my patients report that they have low back and leg pain and call it Sciatica, when actually it is a sprain or strain of the large joint between the tail bone and the Ilium. Problems with this joint occur when the spine and pelvic motion is not even.

When ever you begin a new running or jogging endeavor have your hips spine and shoes checked to avoid long term degenerative changes that will require time and money to correct later in life.

If your looking to run barefoot check out this weird looking pair of running shoes.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112995970

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100104122310.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Latest+Science+News%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112995970

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6112350

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6070741&ps=rs

http://www.fitnessspotlight.com/2009/09/10/barefoot-running-injuries