PODCAST Conversation about “Built to run”, covering Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendinitis and other issues

[CBDB]

Just listening to this interview with the author of the book BUILT TO RUN.

He has some really useful suggestions for runners that have heel pain, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, etc.

Basically, the classic heel drop, both normal and with bent legs, is advised. If needed weighted as to get rid of PF you need to load the arch. That’s his No 1.

Also a section on linking the desire of feet and toes to spread as an essential, as the arch only stiffens automatically when the toes / forefoot is stretched, so wide toeboxes are essential.

Link here to Apple podcasts:

podcasts.apple.com/gb/podca...

[CBDB Graduate10]

Maddee_6333 do I remember right that I read that you had been suffering PF. So this might be of interest to you?

Hope your feet stay feeling wonderful!

[Maddee_6333 Graduate10 in reply to CBDB]

👍 thanks

[skysue16 Graduate10]

Thank you for link 👍 My right achilles has been tender/sore for a while now despite stretching it daily. So this will be useful, thank you 😊

[nowster Graduate10]

I've downloaded this to my podcast player and will be listening on my long drive this evening. As you know I have quite an interest in the mechanics of the foot.

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to nowster]

Yeah, you’ll like this one!

[nowster Graduate10 in reply to CBDB]

Yes, it was interesting, and matches my own experiences.

What was new to me was the expert's assertion that heel striking can be useful at lower speeds and longer distances (eg. ultra running). Also overstriding is more of a problem than how you land your foot, and is tied to cadence.

The bit about narrow shoes affecting the function of the arch actually matches my experiences over the last month. I'd overtightened the laces on my walking shoes (toe shoes, naturally), making them tight at the forefoot, and found that that narrowing over several weeks had given me problems with my calf muscles and eventually the start of some the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. I'd worked out the "how" but hadn't found the "why", which was explained in the podcast (talking about Hokas).

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to nowster]

Yeah, the connection between toe splay and this triggering the stiffening of the arch, which in turn protects the plantar, was the biggest takeaway for me.

But I have to admit, when I have PF niggles, I revert to more supportive shoes which works fine. When I then go back too early to zero drops (and wide toe box), my niggles return.

I think one of the difficulties is the interactions between arch support and wide toe box, and most wide toe box shoes are also zero drops.

So I did wonder if I should see if I can find a trail shoe with

- some cushioning, as I’m a heavy and old runner

- a relative small drop of ca 5-8mm

- some arch support

- but an essential wide toe box.

Difficult.

[Gthants 60minGraduate]

Searched for achilles and found this. Have bookmarked the podcast series and will listen whilst I cook ... walk ... and hopefully run!

Thanks for the link.