It’s springtime and many people are out running for fitness and fun. One question many runners have is what is the proper running form to avoid injury? This includes lower or middle back pain and foot injuries such as plantar fasciitis and achilles tendinitis. Surprisingly, not all running experts agree. In fact, some podiatric physicians tout a lack of research that either midfoot or heel striking is better running form.
“Heel striking has received more negative press than it deserves. The evidence simply doesn’t support the theory that everyone should run with a midfoot or forefoot strike to avoid injury. Yes, it alters loading mechanics, with joints and tissues stressed differently by different footstrike types, but in doing so, it often shifts the problem from one area to another.”
So, what can runners do to avoid foot injuries and musculoskeletal problems going all the way up the posterior chain? The Guardian suggests the following.
“Studies show between 50 and 80 percent of runners are injured every year. Many of those overuse injuries result from a runner applying too much force on a repetitive basis. The way to reduce the chance for injuries is to run with the least possible musculoskeletal stress on your system possible with the least metabolic cost…”
How to Improve Your Running Form
So, changing up your running routine, running on different surfaces such as grass and sand in addition to pavement, rotating out different socks and running shoes, and keeping your running off the treadmill and outside where the terrain varies, can all contribute to decreased stresses.
If you experience foot pain and/or pain in your lower or middle back, it is important to seek help from a chiropractor. Here at Fitness Chiropractic & Massage Therapy, our chiropractors have experience treating running injuries. If you are suffering from pain, contact our Huntington Beach chiropractor and schedule an appointment.
