One the first of June, the first day of my Juneathon Run Streak and as such the first day of this whole running blog lark, I went along to an advice and support day at Up & Running courtesy of Salomon. At this event, I spoke to a visiting physiotherapist about a random flicking feeling round my knees sometimes when running. She had a quick look and told me that despite previous advice suggesting I was a neutral runner, I do actually pronate, but as a forefoot striker this wouldn’t be picked up in basic gait analysis which is filmed from behind. She said this had probably caused tightness in my IT band (the flicking feeling) as well as some aches in my 1st metatarsal and that it wouldn’t be a bad idea to see a podiatrist. She suggested I check out the podiatry department at Salford University, so I sent off my enquiry but as we were just coming up to the summer break, they were only just able to see me. Though I’ve had no further problems with my IT band, nor any aches or pains in my feet, I thought it wouldn’t be a bad idea to hop along anyway, just for an assessment. I found the department very impressive. I really don’t think you’d know you were in a university, with the environment and the ‘staff’ every bit as professional as a ‘proper’ hospital. Arguably better, depending on your view of the NHS!
After an initial verbal analysis with 2 students in which we agreed to avoid orthotics if possible since I’m not having any current problems (Why fix what ain’t broke?), They conducted a physical examination which began by simply looking at how I stand. I was slightly alarmed when one of them commented loudly ‘Too many toes!’ How many was I supposed to have!? It was quickly explained to me that rather than identifying a physical excess of digits, this actually meant that too many toes were visible from behind, suggesting my feet were slightly out-turned and consistent with pronation.
After an initial verbal analysis with 2 students in which we agreed to avoid orthotics if possible since I’m not having any current problems (Why fix what ain’t broke?), They conducted a physical examination which began by simply looking at how I stand. I was slightly alarmed when one of them commented loudly ‘Too many toes!’ How many was I supposed to have!? It was quickly explained to me that rather than identifying a physical excess of digits, this actually meant that too many toes were visible from behind, suggesting my feet were slightly out-turned and consistent with pronation.
| She gently manipulated one of the springy bits at the front of my ankle to put my feet in a ‘correct’ neutral position and I could feel a difference instantly. It felt very much like I was standing on the outsides of my feet, consistent I guess with being used to rolling in towards the ankles. Aside from this, pretty much everything is as you’d want it to be. My legs are even the same length! Whew! They did notice some stiffness in the metatarsal and hallux (that’s the bits where the toes come out and the big toe itself) and that I have limited foot flexion; they’d expect me to be able to bend my toes back towards my shin by an extra 10 degrees, but determined that this was potentially due to tight calves. ‘Might this be because I ran quite a hilly race yesterday?’ I asked. Maybe so, maybe not. Apparently it’s not uncommon anyway and no big cause for concern, especially if I’m not experiencing any difficulties. I queried advice that one should aim to strike with the heel. ‘Really? I’ve been told and read multiple articles suggesting that mid to forefoot striking is ideal?’ Interestingly, they weren’t really of that opinion, simply responding by saying that whilst there may have been some research in that area, it was not yet formally accepted. I guess there’s a certain tendency for students to ‘go by the book’ while they (Watch out, incoming pun!) ‘find their feet’. After watching me walk up and down the corridor a few times, the pair began discussing the potential benefits of fitting me with small heel raises. I was a little surprised, following our earlier conversation but thought I’d see where it ended up. | They eventually decided to consult with a guy whom I assume was their lecturer; a really friendly chap who plonked me on the treadmill and set me off on a steady plod. He was firmly against any form of correction (Yay!) and concurred with my instinct that I’d be more likely to cause discomfort, pain and even injury if I suddenly started trying to change how I run. Thought he agreed there was some mild pronation, he was also of the opinion that if I’m not currently experiencing any issues, it’s a bad idea to do anything different. I even got a DVD for home viewing of me strutting my funky stuff! So; I think that was the best possible outcome really. Something to be aware of and some notes on file in case of future issues but we now have a general consensus that there’s nothing to worry about and I’m not hurtling towards injury! Huzzah! |
