There is a revolution going on in the athletic realm because many experienced athletes are wearing barefoot running shoes to remain injury free. Some athletes are of the opinion that traditional foot gear, with raised heels, can cause foot injuries and leg injury such as runner’s knee. Some common injuries include Achilles strains, stress fractures, and Plantar injuries.
There are many benefits of avoiding wearing traditional foot gear. A common injury athletes suffer is shin splints. The symptoms of shin splints include intense pain and a burning sensation in the shin region and can occur due to over use. Some athletes believe shin splints are caused by foot gear with raised heels.
A shin splint injury can develop into a chronic injury needing surgery. Shin splints can be prevented by stretching before the work out and avoiding overly strenuous work outs. Icing the injury after a work out will relieve inflammation and help cut down pain and sensitivity.
Runner’s knee will keep an athlete off the track for a time until the injury heals. Some athletes believe that foot mechanics are the reason why runner’s knee develops. If one has pain in the hips and back when the the area above the knee is squeezed there is a chance that runner’s knee is the reason.
Plantar Fasciitis occurs in many instances when excessive pressure is placed on the heel of the foot and happens to those who are overweight, or to those who work for too long of a period. Some athletes are of the opinion that foot ware with raised heels can lead to tissue injury in the sole of the foot. This injury might need physical therapy to properly heal.
Achilles tendinitis is an injury that results from the accumulation of tendon stress over an extended period of time. In essence, this is an ankle injury but it is more serious than a sprained ankle because it involves the short, and less than flexible, tendons running from heal to the calf muscle. Some athletes believe that raised heels can cause an Achilles tendon injury because the tendon is lifted in an unnatural angle.
Many athletes are wearing barefoot running shoes for health reasons. Some athletes believe that foot ware with raised heels cause stress injuries such as Achilles tendinitis. Athletes who wear bare foot ware report having more agility and control.