Comments on: Repetitive Overuse Injuries in Runners: Causes and Prevention Strategies

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to John.

John,

Yes, feel free to use the images - I'm happy to help!

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Janmac.

Excellent question - perhaps we need to find a physician who can provide us
with a note. I could use one to explain this to my wife as well :)

By: Sergio

Sergio — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Excellent post, Peter! I fully agree with your conclusions and this is something I was thinking about. Now things are clearer in my mind. Another aspect that you can change if you feel discomfort, apart from the shoes, is to run on a treadmill. The muscles and tendons that you use are somehow different from the street experience. I did that this week. Last weekend I felt a discomfort at my knee and this week I ran on a treadmill and felt nothing.
Regards,
Sergio (Brazil)
corredorfeliz.blogspot.com

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Sergio.

Excellent point about the treadmill - very different experience for sure.

By: John

John — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Pete,
Great post. I've discussed rotating running shoes with fellow runners at my club. We reached a similar conclusion that rotating different models is beneficial as each model produces slightly different stresses. Of course, this is purely speculative as it is not based on any scientific evidence but it feels correct. The graphs are excellent (a picture paints a thousand words etc). Would you mind if I 'borrowed' them for an article in my club newsletter? I'll give your blog a mention of course. Regards, John.

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Patrick.

I don't know the literature on stretching very well, but from what I have
heard it sounds mixed. I think your take is about right - if you feel they
help, then do it, otherwise not necessary.

Pete

By: Sean K.

Sean K. — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Pete Larson.

Agree with this 100%! So much so, that I have seen Fitz's site and will be in tough with him soon. My ongoing ITBS is a direct result of not strength training. Just started running in Kinvaras and have looked at Vibrams, but fear they would be TMTS, especially with my ITBS. Will rotate the Kinvaras and my clunky Asics 2150s for now.

By: Mark U.

Mark U. — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Great post! My only comments are:
1) While I fully agree with the logic of rotating amongst different shoes so-as to minimize the likelihood of a specific injury potentially triggered by a certain shoe's stress-points, I'd urge caution to a runner unaccustomed to running in shoes with a minimal heel-to-toe drop following your example of doing speed-work in running flats. Such a runner doing high speed interval efforts in flats can quickly exacerbate problems for their Achilles tendon and calf (I'd recommend such a runner transition instead to flats through incorporating them into their recovery and easy runs);
2) Your suggestion that someone may not be able to afford to rotate amongst different types of running shoes is somewhat negated through rotated shoes lasting far longer (since it's obviously miles versus time which ages them), and as there are substantial savings through not buying the latest hyped shoes.

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to John D.

I have read some of Nigg's stuff, although the vibration research is not
something I have looked into much as yet - thanks for the suggestion! I saw
his mention of the subject in the recent Runner's World article on
minimalist shoes, but matching shoes to runners based on vibration
frequencies seems like a tough one to apply practically.

Regarding impact, Nigg seems to downplay impact forces, but others have
shown correlations between vertical impact loading rate and repetitive
stress injuries (e.g., Irene Davis and some others). It's a very complicated
topic, and one that has many conflicting viewpoints that are supported by
some studies and not by others. Regardless, I doubt anyone would argue that
impact does not play a role in fractures that occur from switching to
quickly to highly minimalist shoes like the Vibram Fivefingers.

Pete

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Mark U..

Mark - your first point is basically what I was saying about running in
Vibrams, or adjusting to any new shoe. The second point is a good one, but I
get a lot of emails from people who can only afford to buy a single pair of
shoes on their budget - that's where the comment was targeted.

By: Brendan Hayes

Brendan Hayes — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Pete Larson.

Sorry, should have been more clear, the Minimus Trail. I've put 130 miles (give or take) on them and had no problems until a short run the day after one of my longer workouts, so I'm pretty sure I just pushed a bit too hard. I'm just a bit worried about transitioning coming off of an overuse injury. Any thoughts on the best method for this aspect would be appreciated.
Bren

By: Janmac

Janmac — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Great post... makes so much sense. I had read in the past that you switched shoes when something hurt so I did the same recently when my xc flats (and, yes, I admit it... a wee bit of unshod running) caused some foot pain. A week or so in my Mountain Masochists worked like a charm.

My only questions is this - Scientifically speaking, the frequency with which I can now purchase new running shoes guilt-free is directly correlated to... what? If I run 30mpw can I tell my hubby the new shoes are for medicinal purposes?! Insurance?!