"Critics of barefoot running, including many podiatrists, note that there is no scientific evidence that indicates running barefoot is better than running in shoes, and say that even if running barefoot reduces some types of injuries it may cause other types of harm, such as puncture wounds on the soles and stress fractures in the metatarsals.
"Dr. Michael Nirenberg, a podiatrist who practises in Crown Point, Indiana, is not among those critics. Nirenberg has been a runner off and on throughout his life, and has suffered from plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammation of the main ligament in the foot's arch. This led him to conduct research on ways to strengthen the muscles in feet, which in turn led him to become a fan of going barefoot.
"'I started reading about our feet and shoes and supportive shoes. I became intrigued with the idea that once you support the arch of the foot, you don’t use your foot muscles as much,' says Nirenberg, who writes about barefoot running and other topics on his blog (http://www.americaspodiatrist.com/). 'If you start doing barefoot activity, be it running or walking, you start to build up the muscles in your feet.'
"His views aren't common in his profession, which tends to focus on using orthotics to correct foot problems. Orthotics do relieve pain quicker, Nirenberg acknowledges, but he recommends that people with foot problems transition over time to less-supportive footwear, and eventually incorporate some barefoot activity into their lives. As for barefoot running, Nirenberg agrees with the critics that there is no proof of its benefits ― at least, not yet.
"'Right now, there is no proof that running barefoot is better for you, but there is a lot of research that is leaning in that direction,' he says.
Nicely done. Some of our other friends from the less-enlightened side of the podiatric profession are also present, including Dr. Kirby, who's moved atop the fence, and the idiotic Dr. Payne.
Dr. Nirenberg is a wonderful proponent of the whole barefoot movement. Dr. Craig Richards and I highlight his work in our barefoot running book where we share information and resources for enthused barefoot runners. I am sure more research is on the way, but we cannot always wait on science to play catch up : )
ReplyDelete@Twinlance: I'm guessing you're Thomas Hollowell and you're one of the authors of this book:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.amazon.com/Complete-Idiots-Guide-Barefoot-Running/dp/1615640622
Nice to see a podiatrist who is open minded. What has baffled me is that the concept of bracing the foot is recorded back into the late 1800's. I can understand why that approach was favoured back then but after more than a century of medical development it has baffled me why the industry has continued to brace the feet, of course there are some exceptions, But in simple terms the foot is just muscle, connective tissue and bone. For any other part of the body we would try to rehabilitate it, but the foot - why? Check Scholl's website - they say Dr Scholl saw the relationship between a weak foot and pathology, if it's weak - make it stronger, it's not rocket science. Things like biofeedback insoles, going barefoot, and adopting barefoot exercises are all logical options to the continued encouragement of atrophy. Bravo to find a podiatrist interest in the long term well being or the patient as opposed to the potential profit margin on orthotics.
ReplyDeleteD Patterson
At a more general level, you can express it as this: Do you believe in strong bodies or strong medicine?
ReplyDeleteI have come to believe in strong bodies first and last. Strong medicine may come in the middle and thank goodness for it, but the crutch you can lay aside is best left as soon as possible.
The only criticism of merit in this case is the one that says people will not do it. "We" demand to be left with our vices and be fixed later on.
"Cynthia" post deleted as spam.
ReplyDelete