It seems that over time my feet have flattened out. I have been suffering from really bad shin splints when I run, which is the main problem with it.
I bought some running shoes yesterday and the salesperson suggested I put new soles in them; "orthotics" i think they're called. Anyway they raise the inside of my foot up a bit on the arch, and it alleviates most of the shin splint pain. It causes me to run more on the center, or outside of the foot, rather than the inside.
I had tried training my calves, and that alleviated the pain a little bit, but the new shoe insert helped the most. I haven't weight trained in a few weeks, but I've been running and doing a full-body bodyweight exercise regimen.
She also commented on how my legs look just a little bit bow-legged.... like the knees point inward a bit.
So now the question: Has anyone else suffered from this, or trained someone with this problem? Is it possible to train certain muscles to fix this deformity?
It seems like my abductors (muscles on the outside of my leg) flex when I try to "un-bow" my legs, so maybe that's a start? I also thought about squatting with the inserts in my shoes to sort of re-train my legs to fire the right way, but I'm not sure that's such a good idea...
So basically I'm just wondering if there is a way to fix this or if all I can do is wear sole inserts in my shoes. I'm sort of worried that this isn't fixing the problem and it may get worse. But maybe this is the best way?
Thanks.
Posted by: KelJu
I was born with flat feet. I had to wear custom made orthotics for close to 6 years before my feet corrected themselves.
For othotics to do any good, I think you will need to see a podiatrist. They will take a mold of your feet, then make orthotics to fit your feet. They are made from some sort of hard plastic and hurt like a mofo until your foot starts to reshape to the orthoitcs.
Posted by: P-funk
if your feet are that bad, then go get the orthodics.
also, your knees are bow legged if they are pointing in.....bow legged is the opposite (pointing out) because it looks like a bow being drawn.
Posted by: CowPimp
Yeah, do you mean knock-kneed?
Posted by: CowPimp
Oh, and I've never noticed that, but you should let me take a look at your legs next time we chill. I can give you my opinion on what they said about your knees/legs.
Posted by: P-funk
oh and yes, if your feet are that bad, squat in the inserts....run in the inserts.
the last thing you want is poor alignment starting at the foot and ankle to fuck up your knees, hips, lower back and possibly opposite shoulder.
Posted by: squanto
ok thanks
Posted by: CowPimp
Oh, and you may also consider specific strengthening of the muscles that supinate the foot and eccentrically limit pronation. I can show you what I mean next time I see you.
Posted by: Double D
I went and got fitted for orthopedics, but still havent gotten the 350 bucks to buy the damn things! URGH, so much money for something. But eventually I will get em.
Posted by: Big Smoothy
Quote:
Originally Posted by Double D
I went and got fitted for orthopedics, but still havent gotten the 350 bucks to buy the damn things! URGH, so much money for something. But eventually I will get em.
I am very flat-footed.
I could do and can do everything, that 'normal-footed people' can do, except run over 1 mile on a flat track. I was involved in all kinds of different team and individual sports growing up, without any problems.
Many doctors pushed orthopedics on me. I even tried them once. I did not notice a difference. Orthopedics are expensive and provide a high profit margin to the doctor.
If you feel you need them to train and/or do physically things in life, then go for them.
