"Top of Foot Pain" from Barefoot Running

Regarding 1. You could use a longitudinal "fan" strapping to increase plantarflexion moment on the forefoot, not sure how long it would last running barefoot though.

 

Wouldn't it be better to use a modified low dye to attempt to plantarflex the 1st and fith metatarsals than just the fan taping of the foot into equinus?

I suppose you could use both.

I agree, not alot of worth barefoot, but a valid thought.

Is it not more important to stabilize the Forefoot to rearfoot relationship as the heel lifts when the DFion forces would normally be highest in the midfoot? That is the way I usually look at it. I use ankle joint manipulation for decreasing the DFion forces at the forefoot / midfoot as well due to increased DFion range of motion at the ankle joint.

Just a thought.

Bruce

 

Anyone? Am following the debate but can't "get my butt over this fence", thanks, mark

 

Less achilles tensile force = heel lifts later = increased forward progression of trunk over planted foot prior to heel lift.

 

Out of interest...were these highly competitive runners/elite level? There probably aren't many elite level athletes that will compromise race times by trying ..well anything if its detrimental in any way. Im sure they'd be back to the shoes quick smart..A lot of the barefoot runners I have seen are lower level/ recreational types checking out the 'new fad'. It would be hard to separate out injuries from purely increasing mileage in non elite athletes from 'barefoot' injuries. Has anyone found it more common to have elite or recreational runners in these studies? Got to admit, it is a pain in the neck for us to be trying to treat these injuries in people that have no really good reason for using this method. In saying that...I wear Sauconi Hattoris, and love them..my reason..interests sake. If they appeared to cause injury, I would try something else..just like Ive done in changing Vibrams to Hattoris. it's just common sense, which unfortunatley not all clients have.
I have suggested using Spenco in getting used to Vibrams to the local running shop. Will let you know of any results..

 

Hicks showed increased tension in the fascia with increased Achilles tendon tension. I'm pretty sure you say it was causal and not just correlated. Tension in the Achilles shifts weight on to the forefoot, increasing the moment from ground reaction force dorsiflexing the forefoot. (The rearfoot plantar flexion moment is also increased from the pull of the tendon). To maintain the arch, there must be increased tension in the plantar structures.

Eric