Here at Feet First Clinic, we’re always overjoyed when our clients are in good health and enthusiastic about running. Because running is such a high impact activity, when gait problems and aggressive heel striking comes into play, it can cause many problems for the feet, knees and lower back. Furthermore, many people suffer from foot, knee and back pain without the added strain of running.
In an ideal world, everyone would have a perfectly balanced gait and minimal body pain. Unfortunately, the real world that we live in often presents a plethora of challenges that require treatment and an investment in new footwear to remedy. In addition to gait issues that cause chronic pain and make exercising painful, some folks need plantar warts removed in Toronto or fungus and ingrown toenail treatments. Thus, if you are free to run pain-free on a regular basis, thank your lucky stars!
With winter fast approaching, we thought we’d take a moment to offer some additional advice to those hardcore runners out there who don’t retreat to the warmth of a heated gym during the frosty months. Running in the winter takes real dedication, and presents a set of unique problems that are not easily overcome. Ending up with injuries is no fun, so heed these tips if you are amongst the brave polar bears who like to jog in a snowstorm.
Proper Footwear
First and foremost, it is a good idea to buy a special pair of sneakers for your winter running adventures. Our Toronto foot clinic offers many brands of running shoes that provide excellent grip to guard against the slippery conditions. That said, keep a keen eye out for nasty patches of ice – good tread will only help you up to a point. Typically, we would recommend runners from Saucony or Asics, so come by today and we’ll find the shoe that’s right for you!
Stretching Your Feet
If you go to yoga class, you may already be in the habit of giving your feet a good stretch on occasion. The feet are the workhorses of the body, and while most people forget to stretch them, it is essential to get into the habit, especially if you run. Toe separators are another great tool to make sure your feet get a chance to open up and breathe a bit. Your feet are complex mechanical structures comprising 26 bones and 33 joints, so show them some love this winter!
Arch Support/ Orthotics
While barefoot running is trendy these days, many people actually need arch support and could create a lot of pain by running in five finger shoes. Also, in the winter, barefoot running is simply not an option. Come in and talk to our expert foot chiropodists and figure out which shoes are best going to support the structure of your feet. Additionally, we can provide custom orthotic inserts to give you the confidence and support to run like the wind!
Whether you’re looking for running gear or plantar fasciitis treatment in the city, Feet First Clinic is here to support you in your quest for comfort and health!
