How Physical Therapy Can Help You Choose the Right Shoes
Are you frustrated with the sheer quantity of information on the ideal running shoe? Have you noticed how information seems to be confusing or contradicts itself? Fortunately, at Taylor Rehab Physical Therapy, our physical therapists can help! We stay caught up on what works and can help you find solutions that are right for you! Injuries are common among runners, and recent trends in footwear have attempted to minimize the risk of injury. Unfortunately, despite all the technological improvements and modifications to running shoes, up to 50% of all runners experience running-related injuries every year. Even more frustrating is that the percentage of injuries has not gone down even with all these changes!
Whether you are looking for a new pair of running shoes to wear for recreational running or are looking for the right sneaker to wear while running a marathon, our therapists can help clarify the pros and cons of each style of shoe. Working together with Charlotte Running Co, we will educate you on finding the type of shoe that works best for you based on your individual needs.
At Taylor Rehab Physical Therapy, our therapists specialize in treating runners and running-related injuries. We can guide you through the process to ensure you find a shoe that meets your personal needs and helps you achieve your running goals!
Request an appointment with one of our specialists today!
Are You A Runner? Join Our Upcoming Event!
Free injury screening at Charlotte Running Co. in Mooresville on October 1st
Event location at Charlotte Running Co:
146 Mooresville Commons Way – Suite I
Mooresville, NC 28115
10am-12pm
What to do when buying a new running shoe
Suppose you are recovering from a new injury or dealing with a chronic issue. In that case, a comprehensive approach will include assessing the type of running shoe you are wearing to ensure it is the correct type of shoe for your particular situation. You must remember choosing the right shoe is only one piece of the puzzle.
When the time comes to find a new shoe, there are some general guidelines you can follow:
- Remember, no matter what, they should feel good when you put them on and while you wear them. Modern shoes rarely need to be broken in like shoes of the past.
- It is crucial to ensure that you have at least ¼ -½ inches (6-12mm) of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
- It is equally important to ensure that the forefoot area (toe box) is “comfortably” snug and not too tight.
- Your heel should not slip up and down or rub excessively in the back of the shoe. It’s also good to try the shoes on later in the day, as feet tend to get slightly larger as the day progresses.
We recommend that you try on more than one shoe if you go to the store. If you are ordering them online, make sure you walk around your house wearing the same type of socks you will be using if/when you decide to keep them.
Although shoe manufacturers would like you to purchase new shoes several times a year, the most crucial consideration is how they feel. You should get a new pair if you start to develop foot (or leg) pain. Most times, even for runners, the shoe will last about 6-12 months (i.e., 800-1200 km)
It is crucial to understand your gait pattern to make sure your shoes fit correctly. Our team will assess your gait and help you determine the best style for your particular foot based on your intended training and goals for running.
People with abnormal wear patterns are more susceptible to specific injuries, some of which can be minimized with the proper show style. Although this is often overemphasized, there are some people where this is a primary factor contributing to their issues and is part of a comprehensive approach to running pain-free.
What to expect at physical therapy sessions
At Taylor Rehab Physical Therapy, our physical therapists will conduct a thorough evaluation that includes a biomechanical assessment of your body’s movement ability. We combine this information with a walking and/or running gait analysis to identify factors that may be contributing to your issues.
We combine these findings with your personal health history, shoe history, and whatever injury you have (or had) to provide you with a detailed recommendation. Our goal is to evaluate all the different factors contributing to pain and/or injury to ensure we are designing a program that addresses each limitation, restriction, or weakness you may have.
Our therapeutic interventions include targeted manual techniques, mobility work, strengthening exercises, and any appropriate balance and coordination techniques to resolve your pain, improve your gait and restore your overall function.
Our team will work with you to help you avoid errors in training judgment and manage appropriate strategies to ensure results. Rather than relying on the fads of the day, we base our decisions on research-based and proven interventions. No matter what type of shoe you are looking for, our team can assess your body and guide you through finding the one that works best for your particular needs!
If you are struggling with an injury or dealing with persistent pain, contact Taylor Rehab Physical Therapy so we can help you choose the right running shoe to help you resume pain-free running!
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