03 Jan From The Foot Up
Thanksgiving and Christmas have passed and the new year is upon us. This time of year people set new goals for their lives including fitness goals. Whether that be to lose weight, eat right, or just be consistent with their exercise. As a runner and running coach this is the time of year when we start training for spring endurance events such as marathons or half marathons. Runners and endurance athletes who train regularly will more than likely have some kind of injury or nagging problem that prevents us from competing or achieving our goals. Over half of running related injuries occurs at the knee, but the source of the problem may be caused from another part of the body. As a physical therapist assistant with basic knowledge of the body, it amazes me how God has put us together and how everything is connected. For instance, if a runner tends to overpronate or the foot/ankle rolls out during a step this will cause excess pressure on the outside part of the knee. It is very important for runners and for anyone who stands or walks allot to have proper mechanics or footwear. Shoe manufacturers have designed shoes for all foot shapes and gait patterns. They have shoes that provide support for individuals who overpronate, oversupinate, or who have a neutral step. I personally prefer low profile shoes or shoes with minimal support. I believe it is more beneficial to have proper mechanics than rely on bracing or supports. However, I realize sometimes supportive shoes are necessary but I would prefer to teach a person on correct posture and correct gait sequence to prevent injury and how to become a more efficient runner. This all starts by looking to see what is going on at the foot then going up from there.
We will be beginning our fitness class, Fitness Resolution, on January 7th at our clinic. The class will meet at 6 on Mondays and Thursdays for 6 weeks. For pricing and more information you can call us at 662-282-4949 or email kim at kimpropt@gmail.com.
Cory Lee, LPTA, RRCA-Certified Running Coach.
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