You see them everywhere—on the sidewalks and streets, on paths high in the mountains or along rivers and beaches. They are runners, and they typically find this simple yet challenging exercise to be a favorite when it comes to staying fit and often relieving mental tension as well. Whether you or a client in your chiropractic practice likes running, it is a good idea to get educated on some of the top tips for runners when it comes to proper foot care.
Perhaps the first and most important tip when it comes to foot care for runners is to find the right shoes. Unlike the bodybuilder, who gets fit in the gym, or the mountain biker, who prefers riding out his exercise, the runner’s main piece of equipment is his or her feet, and the shoes one wears can make or break foot health and function in the life of a frequent runner.
When we talk about finding the right shoes, we are not talking about a specific brand or model, but rather about finding the shoe that fits and supports your feet in the best possible way. A shoe that fits poorly can lead to foot problems that may range from blisters and bunions to toenail pain and even pinched nerves. When any one of the these foot issues arises, it can lead to an unwanted break in one’s running schedule due to the need for recovery.
Unfortunately, the reason foot issues tend to plague so many dedicated runners may be based on the lack of custom sizing available when it comes to running shoes. One may be able to find a wider or narrower model every once in a while, but the tailored fit rarely goes any further. However, by exploring the world of foot orthotics, one may be able to take a shoe that does not feel quite right and create the perfect fit.
For example, if you have an especially high arch, it may be difficult to find a mainstream running shoe that will support that arch and help prevent foot problems. Fortunately, when you add a custom foot orthotics to the mix, you can essentially build a better running shoe. Foot orthotics are made to provide the support and appropriate fit that some people need and cannot find in a regular running shoe.
As you go about educating yourself or your clients who love to run about the basics of proper foot care, be sure to look into all the benefits of foot orthotics, as well as the variety of foot orthotics available.
