Trendy Barefoot Running Shoes Cause of Pain and Injury

Experts have issued a warning that 'barefoot' five-finger running shoes, which has become a big fad and craze for its claims of reducing injuries and back pain, can actually be the cause of injuries. Researchers at Brigham Young University in the U.S revealed that runners who switch from normal trainers to barefoot shoes had a great risk of injury to bones in the foot and also the risk of stress fractures.

The change from regular trainers to barefoot running shoes is the cause of the problem as it can be stressful to the bones.

'Transitioning to minimalist shoes is definitely stressful to the bones,' said Sarah Ridge, lead author and assistant professor of exercise science at BYU.You have to be careful in how you transition and most people don’t think about that; they just want to put the shoes on and go. People need to remember they’ve grown up their whole life wearing a certain type of running shoes and they need to give their muscles and bones time to make the change. If you want to wear minimalist shoes, make sure you transition slowly.

Barefoot running shoes have caused an increase in injuries from pulled calf muscles to Achilles tendinitis. Some patients have been bedridden for several months.



Source-Medindia