Why Minimalist Shoes Are One of the Best Treatments for Weak Feet
The benefits of minimalist shoes are becoming more clear as the gold-standard solution to weak feet, especially arch and toe weakness.
Foot Health
How Heel Strike Running Causes Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis can be added to the list of injuries caused by heel strike running because the higher-than-normal amounts of impact on the heel at touchdown was found to cause plantar fascia degeneration and fragmentation as well as reduced thickness and atrophy of the fascia. This is why heel strike running causes plantar fasciitis to turn into a chronic condition as compared with forefoot running.
Are Orthotics Good for Runners? NO!
Emerging research raises new questions and concerns about the efficacy of orthotics as findings show that runners actually suffer under wearing orthotics. Orthotics were found to do nothing to reduce foot strain or impact, and failed to keep the foot steady. Instead, orthotics were found to force the feet into extreme positions, especially in heel strike runners, which over-strained the plantar fascia and arch, The good news is however, changing your foot strike from heel strike to forefoot strike is the best, sustainable solution in maintaining foot step stability and low impact production!
Barefoot Running and Plantar Fasciitis Explained
The big reason plantar fasciitis may arise in a new barefoot runner is that the plantar fascia is now playing a more active role in transferring elastic energy between certain areas of the foot to allow better spring during propulsion. Plantar fasciitis may arise as a temporary form of adaptive pain until the plantar fascia becomes strong enough to carry out its natural function as a spring mechanism. Essentially, with more barefoot running experience, plantar fasciitis will resolve once the plantar fascia adapts to the new running condition, which it will, so don’t worry and be patient because depending on your fitness level, everyone adapts differently to barefoot running.
What is the Point of Minimalist Shoes?
Unlike conventional shoes, minimalist shoes are more beneficial for your feet because research has shown that there’s less stress on your foot. This is because of the wide, anatomically correct shape of a minimalist shoe allows your entire foot to expand, which expands the surface area of contact, thereby reduces uneven tendon, muscle and bone stress on the foot. At the same time, the unrestricted, flexible fit delivers a constant stream of engagement to promote more soft tissue growth and muscle strength development of the foot and leg.