Why Do My Feet Hurt So Much When I Run?

If you are a seasoned runner you know the importance of a good running shoe. It can make the difference between a great running experience and potential injury.

The problem is not being informed. Most people do not know that there is a proper shoe for your foot type. Knowing your foot type before you hit the stores can make a world of difference whether you want to do brisk walking, jogging or marathons.

How do you determine your foot type? It's really quite simple. Get a piece of dark paper and then soak your feet and step on the paper. Look closely at the imprint. There are generally three types of feet.

1) If your imprint covers most of the feet (not much arch at all) then you have flat feet. You are among the 60% of the population in America with flat feet.

2) If you show a wide arch and narrow line of your outer foot then you have high arches. You are among the 30% of the population of in America.

3) If your imprint has a medium arch then congratulations. You are among the 10%

of the population in America with the ideal foot.

Regardless of what foot type you have, there are running shoes that are right for you. As many as 56% of the 30 million runners in America, have injuries from improper shoe selection. So you can see that you do have to do your homework to protect yourself.

With all the pressure one gets from TV adds or what is popular to wear now, you really need to put the health aspect first. Most likely you will be able to find a shoe that is right for your foot type and still have style.

To determine the shoe to buy, here are some guidelines:

1) For the flat-footed person, you will want to buy a shoe that is rigid and stable. This will prevent your ankles from bending inward or outward and it will protect you.

2) If you have high arches, you will want to look for a very cushioned shoe. High

arched feet don't absorb shock very well so you'll want that cushion to help in

absorbing the shock for you.

3) For the medium arch or ideal foot, you want the combination of both the stability and cushion for your feet,

When you try on a shoe it should be snug but not tight and there should be approximately a 1/2-inch between your longest toe and the front of your running shoe. Tip: Shop for your shoes late afternoon when your feet are a little more spread. If it is not comfortable when you are in the store, imagine what it will be like when you are out on a run. So test them well while you're there.

In summary, those shoes you bought that were such a bargain may be cause for concern in the future, so pick wisely and may your running experience be smooth and wonderful. Your feet will be most grateful.

About the Author

Willie Jones http://www.onlyrunningshoes.com

Willie is a freelance writer and researcher who enjoys sharing information. Only Running Shoes


Programming Brief: Exercise Order

One of the fundamental principles of exercise prescription, specifically resistance... Read More

The Lactate Threshold ? Reality or Fallacy?

For many years exercise science has perpetuated the concept of... Read More

Elements of Exercise

Warm upWarming up before exercising has physiological and psychological benefits.... Read More

Get Moving...The Benefits Will Last a Lifetime!

The benefits of physical activity are numerous and very well... Read More

Diet and Exercise ? Without Going to the Gym

Exercising and dieting are tasks that are very difficult for... Read More

Mom, How F.I.T.T. Is Your Workout?

Moms don't have the time or desire to mess around... Read More

5 Little Known Benefits of Warming Up & Cooling Down After Exercising

While working out in the gym, I have noticed that... Read More

The Right Exercise Intensity

We've all heard the exercise guidelines that recommend we participate... Read More

Exercise and Kids: The Difference between Training Children and Adults!

The greatest mistake a person can make when exercising with... Read More

Arthritis Exercise ? One Way to Relieve Pain & Stiffness in Your Joints (part 2)

Even when you cannot make it out to walk or... Read More

Salsa Dancing for Fitness is Hot

Salsa dancing is emerging as a refreshing replacement for conventional... Read More

What is the Best Exercise for Weight Loss?

It is a common misconception that aerobic exercise tones/firms muscles.... Read More

Get a Health Screening Before You Start Training

So, you have decided to hire a personal trainer to... Read More

Yoga

Yoga traditionally conjures up images of long hair, loin cloths... Read More

10 Best Workout Tips

Top Trainers share their secrets to getting slim, toned and... Read More

When Exercising Right Looks Wrong

For most of us we live in a black and... Read More

What the Philosophy of Tai Chi Can Do For You

Taoist PhilosophyTo understand the purpose of the form it is... Read More

Exercise Nutrition: How To Keep That Energy Up!

How many times has this happened to you?>> You psych... Read More

Physical Fitness - Is Your Workout Missing Something?

Hiking along a rocky trail, two of the three friends... Read More

After Exercise Headache - More Serious Than You Think?

It's surprisingly common - you're exercising, everything's fine, and then... Read More

Exercise Intensity

"Physical Fitness"Some physical activities (exercise) are not intense enough to... Read More

Weight Loss and Fitness - Facts not Fiction

The world of weight loss and fitness is certainly vast,... Read More

Thirty Minutes of Exercise a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

"Exercise is good for you!" If you had a dollar... Read More

Take a Break

Writing is a strenuous creative activity, and like physical activity... Read More

6 Things A Norwegian Fable Teaches Us About Healthy Perseverance Part 1

Author, H. Besser, in his book, "Perseverance: How To Develop... Read More