My Attempt to Stop My Knee Pain With "Barefoot" Running

[Francie]

Look at these crazy shoes! They have NO padding or support. They fit your feet like a glove, with a thin rubber sole. They are Vibram Five Fingers.

I am learning about barefoot running. I heard about it through a friend, who knew I was having knee trouble. I had to start keeping my milage below 7 miles per run because my knees would hurt so bad. Then they started hurting after only 3, so I had to start thinking of alternatives. I didn't want to quit running. I didn't want to go to the doctor and get shots or surgery!

Barefoot running is supposed to be a more natural way of running. When you wear shoes, it's easy to strike on your heel first, and no amount of padding will stop the shock wave that runs up your legs and to your joints. When you run barefoot, you naturally have to land on the ball or middle of your foot. Your feet and calves absorb the shock instead of your knees and hips.

After years of wearing running shoes, my calf muscles are woefully weak. The first day I had these shoes, I ran 2 miles, and could barely walk for 3 days afterwards, because my calves did not work properly! I waited a few days, ran a mile, waited a few more days and ran another mile. That's where I'm at right now, trying to go easy and develop some muscles. The good news is, my knees DO NOT HURT AT ALL! I have hope that this is going to turn out to be a good thing! :-) I'm excited to run again!

[Pat Robinson]

Those are amazing shoes.


Pat

[Anna]

Francie,

You need to check out Chi Running. It will stop the pain. Even my big time running friends love it. http://www.chirunning.com

~Anna

[Francie]

I've seen that site. These shoes make you run more like that!

[Kristi Beguin]

Have you heard of the Egoscue method? I know many people who've had great success in using the method to change their body alignment, become more focused on how their body is positioned while running/biking and who have learned to change the biomechanics of their stride which results in an end to pain during or after running/biking.

They have a book which is pretty useful, and links to their providers.
http://www.egoscue.com/painfree/themethod.php