Foot care specialist, Podiatrist writes Barefoot Running

 Dr. Burton S. Schuler podiatrist, foot care specilaist of 2401 W. 15th Street Panama City, Fl  wrote this article about bare foot running that was pickedup by hundreds of  news outlets 

Dr. Neil Blitz of California writes that barefoot running is not for everyone.  Those with flat feet, bunions, hammer toes, diabetes, and metatarsalgia may want to avoid barefoot running due to their feet’s in-built lack of support.  In  at Huffington Post article Blitz, also announced that May 1^{st   , 2011}  was the first annual International Barefoot Running Day.  Barefoot running has become more of a common trend, as dedicated runners seek relief from sports related injuries that more people increasingly link to poor footwear.  (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/neal-m-blitz/should-you-be-running-bar_b_853093.html). Blitz summarizes the appeal of barefoot running: “Running barefoot is not just about running without sneakers, it’s about re-training your body how to run. The main difference between the two styles of running center around foot strike — the moment your foot makes contact with the ground.  When running in sneakers, your heel makes contact with the ground first (heel strike) then as your body passes over the foot, pressure rolls onto the arch then pushes off with the ball of the foot” 

Dr. Burton S. Schuler, a Panama City Fl podiatrist, http://www.footcare4u.com/category/about-dr-schuler/   links the above foot conditions to a short first metatarsal bone—in many cases.  In his book Why You Really Hurt: It All Starts in the Foot, Schuler warns that even if you have a normal foot structure,  running too much will eventually cause you problems  . 

  But you will experience worse problems if you suffer from a common condition known as Morton’s Toe—or a short first metatarsal bone.  Schuler writes about runners with Morton’s Toe: “Our bodies were not designed to take the abuse that can be caused by a Morton’s Toe when you are a runner or jogger. If you think you may have some foot problem, don’t wait to start using the Toe Pad or Shoe Insert   written about in  Schuler  book Why You Really Hurt: It All Starts in the Foot.”  Schuler asserts that runners can avoid shin splints, Anterior Compartment Syndrome, Overuse Syndrome, Chondromalacia (Runner’s Knee) and other problems caused by the constant abuse and pounding on the body brought on by running.   

Blitz also acknowledges the new minimal footwear many runners are wearing to mimic running barefoot without the fear of stepping on sharp objects: “The main concern is stepping on a sharp object leading to puncture injury, and a specific area of caution from the medical community. This should not be taken lightly as foot puncture is a real risk and may lead to serious problems. I have treated severe limb-threatening infections from simple pedal scrapes. Make sure your tetanus is up to date!” (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/neal-m-blitz/should-you-be-running-bar_b_853093.html).  He concurs with Schuler that there are many complications to consider when running on normal feet already can cause problems over time, and runners should exercise caution when attempting to change shoe wear. 

For those who have found barefoot running to be the answer, then happy First International Barefoot Running day!