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Feet are important. By the time the typical American reaches the age of 50, they will have walked 75,000 miles.

Runners put even more miles on their feet, and stress. Your feet are your foundation. A problem with your feet can throw your entire body out of balance. That is why when it comes to running shoes, it is important to find the right type. This guide will help you find the running shoes that are right for you.

Before you Shop

Know the type of runner you are. Different types of running require different features in shoes. Some questions to consider:

• Do you run or jog?
• What surface do you run on – asphalt, treadmill, or trails?
• How far do you run each week?
• Are you training for a marathon?
• Are you a competitive sprinter?

Know your body type. A larger person will not move and run the same way a thin, wiry person does. An overweight person will put more stress on their feet – and shoes.

Know your running style. The way you run, the motion of your stride and how your foot strikes the ground has great bearing on the type of running shoe you need. When your foot comes in contact with the ground, what hits first? Does the inside of your forefoot hit first? The center of your heel? The outside of your heel? Where your foot first hits is where you really want the cushion.

Know what injuries you may have sustained from running. Plantar fasciitis, shin splints, tendonitis, and blisters are a few common injuries can be reversed or improved when you wear running shoes that fit properly.

Know the type of arch you have. Whether you supinate (foot rolls to the outside) or pronate (foot rolls to the inside) is determined, at least in part, by the shape of your arch. While supinators are rare, quite a few people overpronate. This can be the source of injuries due to overuse.

When you Shop

Give it the 360-degree test. When people try on shoes they typically check for fit in the toe box, but look no further than that. When you try on running shoes, you do need to make sure you have adequate space in the toe box, but you also need to check that your entire foot fits on the shoe’s platform.

Give your foot enough space. The upper should have enough room but should not be loose. It shouldn’t squeeze your foot either though. It should fit well with no pinching or binding.

Shop later in the day. Throughout the day your feet swell. When you run they also swell so when you shop for shoes, going when your feet are the largest will help ensure that you get the most accurate and more comfortable fit possible.

Bring your old running shoes along when you shop. Having your old shoes with you when you shop will help the sales person determine what kind of running shoe you need. They can look at the wear on the shoe to see your running patterns and help you find a shoe that works best for you.

Get your foot measured. As you age your feet actually change; they can expand or flatten. Don’t every assume your shoe size, get your foot measured every time. A comfortable fit is dependent upon wearing the right size shoe. You also need to keep in mind that shoe sizes may differ from brand to brand.

Dress for the run. When you are shopping for a new pair of running shoes, dress as you would when you run. Don’t show up wearing flip flops or when you are dressed for the office. Definitely don’t show up without socks.

Forget the latest trend or what’s fashionable; think functionality. There are plenty of sharp looking shoes, but that doesn’t mean they are the right running shoe for you. Go for fit and functionality first and fashion second.

Take them for a test drive. Once you have settled on a pair or two, try them both on and try them out. Many stores that specialize in running shoes have a treadmill or area where runners can try their shoes. That is the only way you can tell for shoe if the shoe is right for you.

I hope you found this article helpful and gained some new knowledge from it. Please, leave a comment or feel free to ask questions. Also, Let your Friends and Family know about the article by sharing it on Facebook.

In Health,
Dr Jim López

The Vulnerable Shoulder

The shoulder goes through a lot in a day. It is comprised of an intricate network of ligaments and muscles, with the rotator cuff taking the bulk of the movement and exertion.

Not only is it the most flexible joint in the human body, it is also one of the most unstable. Among athletes, shoulder injuries are quite common; causing more injuries than almost all other parts of the body.

The shoulder is particularly vulnerable due to its unique construction. Other joints in the body, such as the ankle or elbow, have a somewhat limited range of motion. A wide range of motion allows it to be a freely moving joint. This leaves it susceptible to stress, injury, and pain.

The various soft tissues within shoulder, muscles, tendons, and ligaments can be injured from overuse, excessive strain, falls, and improper motion. Treating pain in this area can be a challenge because it is used so often in the course of daily life. A chiropractor can help relieve shoulder pain and speed healing.

Causes of injury and pain

Shoulder pain can be caused by a number of conditions. Injury to the rotator cuff is the most common causes and is seen in athletes, like gymnasts and football players, who use their upper body frequently and tend to put increased stress on the joint.

Any activity that involves repetitive shoulder movement can also cause injury. Swimmers, tennis players, and baseball players are highly susceptible to injury.

Athletes are not the only ones who experience shoulder pain and injury. People who work in an environment that requires repetitive motion or strenuous upper body work are also at risk, such as construction workers, truck divers and assembly line workers.

Prevention of shoulder pain

Preventing shoulder pain and injury is usually quite simple. Athletes and workers whose job requires repetitive arm motion should be sure to warm up and cool down before playing, and they should take breaks often.

Address pain as soon as possible. Apply ice packs immediately and schedule a chiropractic appointment to jump start the healing process. Ignoring pain could lead to a more serious injury.

Taking time off to give an injured joint rest is always a smart move. The joint needs to heal. Regular activities should not be resumed without approval from your chiropractor. The doctor will recommend exercises specifically geared toward healing your injuries or conditions, and should be followed to the letter.

Chiropractic care for shoulder pain

Chiropractic care can be very beneficial for the patient with an injury or pain in the shoulder. It helps to reduce and relieve pain, improve range of motion, increase flexibility, and restore function to the joint. Depending on the type of injury, a variety chiropractic techniques can be used for treatment.

The chiropractor will assess the patient and determine a care plan during the initial visit. Ischemic compression techniques are very effective for certain types of shoulder pain. It is a safe treatment that is easy for the doctor to perform, and the patient to sustain. Other conditions may respond better to different chiropractic techniques.

Chiropractic care is often the care method of choice for shoulder pain because it is minimally invasive and it works. As is often the case, pain in one part of the body can cause pain in other areas. In the case of shoulder pain, the spine and neck may become inflamed. Chiropractic care addresses all areas of the body to relieve pain without drugs and gets the patient on the road to healing quicker.

Are you or a loved one suffering from shoulder pain? If so, give us a call. We are here to help!

I hope you found this article helpful and gained some new knowledge from it. Please, leave a comment or feel free to ask questions. Also, Let your Friends and Family know about the article by sharing it on Facebook.

In Health,
Dr KayLynne Gasiorowski