Can minimalist shoes protect against injury by increasing foot-muscle thickness? – Dr. Nicholas Campitelli and Dr. Scott Spencer.
The January 2018 edition of Lower Extremity Review featured an article published by myself and Dr. Scott Spencer – Associate professor in the Division of Surgery and Biomechanics, Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine.
The approach in our society to selecting running shoes has, typically, been to find a shoe that is supportive and has plenty of cushion. Running shoe manufacturers have reinforced this notion by developing features—such as increased cushioning, elevated heel, and various motion control and stability technologies—designed to protect the body from mechanical stresses caused by running. Despite these efforts, running injuries reportedly affect 19.4% to 79.3% of runners every year. In fact, some studies suggest that cushioning mechanisms used in running shoes can alter running biomechanics by modifying kinematics and muscle-activation properties. Click here to read the entire article on running shoes and injuries.
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About The Author
Dr. Nick Campitelli
Dr. Campitelli is a podiatrist in Akron, OH specializing in foot and ankle surgery with an interest and enthusiasm for running as well as helping runners with injuries. For the past several years he has been treating running injuries in patients by fixing their form and transitioning them to minimalist shoes. Having treated runners with all types of injuries through conservative measures with orthotics and shoe gear changes to reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, Dr. Campitelli has brought what works best and is most current to his practice as well as the Akron and Cleveland running communities.
Hi Dr. Nick –
I just found out today I have a stress fracture on my third metatarsal. This is a real bummer to me as it’s only been a few weeks since I’ve been back to running. I’ve been rehabbing running injury high hamstring tendinosis/ischiofemoral impingement for four months and now this. I thought my return to running was gradual, but apparently it wasn’t enough. The fracture occured about 35 minutes into my run last Thursday morning.
The doctor says no running for 6-8 weeks. In the meantime, he suggested I change from my Newton Gravities to a Hoka to avoid this in the future. I was running in Hoka’s up until about 2.5 years ago when Jay Dicharry recommended a more minimalist shoe to help reduce injury. Unfortunately, I failed to mention to Jay that I have osteopenia. I’m not sure if this would have changed his view on minimalist shoes for me but – the doctor does not think shoes with a lower drop are not ideal considering my situation. The doctor also thinks I have Reynaud’s.
In your opinion, would you not recommend a shoe like a 3 mm drop Newton or a zero drop for someone with my condition? Even if you thought a more minimalist shoe could help with my other issues? I’m a little confused as to where to go next. Thanks so much and sorry for my long winded question! Funny that this blog topic just happened to pop into by inbox today!
MD’s DO’s, NP’s and PA’s will have a biased opinion on this. I work as a tradesman in medical as a Phlebotomist and Medical Assistant, i been wearing minimalist for 3 years and i run minimalist. I had fallen arches and since going minimalist my arches gotten stronger and they no longer are fallen, my muscles in my feet have gotten bigger, definitely worth the cracked and widen feet. Plus im no pussy, my feet have came accustom to gravel and harder surfaces. I try to live similarly to the tarahumara lifestyle when it comes to running and my weight lifting and cycling improved since i walk, run in sandles.