BareFoot Running

Barefoot running is a new craze amongst many runners. People who like to run barefoot, says that running without shoes improves stride and prevents several back, knee and ankle problems. People who are against if say that this practice can, in turn, lead to many health problems.

Good things with Barefoot Running

There is a steady development of gait which gradually helps in strengthening and toning up the foot muscles, ligaments and tendons.

Research was conducted to study running efficiency in shoeless runners. It was found that shoeless runners had a 4% higher running efficiency than runners wearing shoes.

Padding in shoes is the reason why runners land on the heel. Landing on the back portion first subjects the body to a higher force of impact as compared top landing on the forefoot in shoeless running. This results in increased torque at the joints of the hip, knee and ankles, thus straining them with high impact force.

Around 30% runners suffer from injuries annually. This is because of tightening of tissues. Abandoning the running with shoes stretches tendons and muscles of the legs, thus reducing the occurrence of these injuries.

Stepping barefoot helps in spreading the toes with every stride, and makes the person feel more connected with the environment.

The small muscles of the leg, feet and hip region get activated, resulting in improved balance and a heightened sense of position, location, orientation and movement of various parts of the body.

Bad things of Barefoot Running

People who run barefoot are prone to  get injured by stones, debris, nails, glass pieces, rocks, etc., that are often scattered on roads.

People who do not have the habit of shoeless running initially feel pain and discomfort Sudden shedding of shoes is a shock to the feet which need time to recover.

Plantar fascia is the thick tissue which forms the bottom of a foot. Moving  out on tracks without protection in the form of shoes may lead to the development of pain, which may further worsen to plantar fasciitis or inflammation  of the plantar tissue.

There is an increased risk of contracting infection  due to cracks and blisters that are formed when running  without shoes.

Conclusion :

Deciding to run barefoot is a personal choice.

It may or may not suit an individual. Therefore, it is better to think over it wisely and then decide what is best for oneself.

Thanks,

Health, February-2013