Odd gait

[Liono]

Hello, I'm new to the forum although have been lurking for a few weeks from the injury couch!

I started C25K in January and made it to Week 4 uneventfully but then developed ankle problems so have been resting for 2 weeks. I suspect I have injured my peroneal tendons, but haven't had it confirmed. Today I bit the bullet and went for a gait analysis but have come away rather worried as I appear to have an odd gait! After a few comments about my legs being different lengths and my knees not matching (and seeing myself running in slo mo), I feel a bit depressed. I seem to lift and twist my left lower leg as I run and then land on the outside edge of my heel, which explains why I am having worse problems with that foot. The right leg is apparently normal, although I do have the same issue there to a lesser extent.

They have recommended a pair of neutral running shoes so that I can insert orthotics if required. Has anyone else experienced similar and have any advice about where I should go next for help? Having now seen myself run, I'd be surprised if my injury doesn't recur or I don't develop another one entirely.

This running is turning out to be an expensive hobby!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

I think that you would be well advised to consult either a sports physio or podiatrist.

Very few of us are symmetrical and specialists can correct all sorts of issues successfully.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Enjoy your journey.

[Liono Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you, I've seen the guide and found it very helpful indeed. I'm hoping I can be 'fixed' as I left feeling like a bit of a freak!

[nowster Graduate in reply to Liono]

Definitely ask your GP for a referral to the local hospital's podiatry or biomechanics department. They can organise corrective orthotics if you need them.

[Liono Graduate in reply to nowster]

Will do, thank you - I'd never even considered the GP!

[Ppflamingo Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Hi - sounds a bit like me!! 😁 I to have an abnormal gait and one leg slightly shorter. I get one trainer built up at the hospital which saved me stuffing heel raises into my shoe. It’s hardly noticeable from the outside - they do a very good job of matching colours etc. Well worth a GP visit! Good luck.

[Liono Graduate in reply to Ppflamingo]

Thank you, it's always reassuring to know that others have experienced similar 🙂

[Rotti57 Graduate]

Hi Liono, I too have one leg noticeably shorter than the other. One knee is higher than the other. I went to a podiatrist as I was experiencing pains in my foot. He fitted me out with insoles and have had no problems since. When I took up running, I went to a highly recommended local family running shop and as soon as I mentioned my insoles they immediately said I need neutral running shoes. The only issue I had was self inflicted. Because I had this issue for years when I started running I immediately tried to correct my footfall and my ankle ached. As soon as I realised what I was doing and trusted my insoles I didn't have a problem. Expect to take a few weeks with only using them for a couple of hours a day to let your body become accustomed to your new alignment. Good luck

[Liono Graduate in reply to Rotti57]

Thank you Rotti57, another very helpful reply! I'm so glad I posted as I was really down about it all yesterday but now feel much more otimistic. I was already wondering about trying to decrease my stride length to avoid heel-striking but maybe I'd better wait and see what the experts say. I've been wearing my new neutral shoes around the house and trying some Pilates and strengthening exercises for runners in the meantime to get my fix!

[Jogunlikely Graduate]

Hi, I would suggest a trip to your local chiropractors. Some of your wonky might be due to misalignment rather than be permanent I use a mctimoney practitioner. It's a more gentle form but effective. Worth a shot

[Liono Graduate in reply to Jogunlikely]

Thank you Jogunlikely, I'll look into it.