Thanks for your query, and this is actually the case with many people today. Pain in the knees and repetitive stress injuries like front of the leg(shin splints), back of the foot(achilles) etc. Unless there is a medical reason which you can get diagnosed with, this is to do with improper technique of running. Lot of us run on the treadmill or outdoors by landing heel-first. This is scientifically proven to cause 2x the injury rates in the foot than otherwise.

How to fix this - Thankfully there is help available. I faced a similar injury back in 2008, where due to improper technique I used to end up getting hurt during my outdoor runs, so I got myself coached here - www.trainingclinic.vivobarefoot.com. As a certified coach, I now provide training currently in Bangalore for 2.5 hrs and help improve the running technique, which reduces the impact on the knees and joints, to provide an efficient and injury-free lifestyle.

You can follow the simple barefoot squats and jumps shown in the video. Also jump rope (skipping) is an excellent conditioning tool to improve your technique of running, as the goal is to 'Land on your front of the foot, and come down on the heel'. So the body weight is first absorbed by the reflexive capacity of your front-foot. Also try not to wear very highly cushioned footwear, which aggravates the pain further.

Yes absolutely. In fact novice runners are better able to grasp new techniques, as the style and form have not become an innate skill yet. As part of the barefoot running clinic, a 2.5hr technique coaching program is conducted where we diagnose through video analysis the current running form, and coached on the technique to improve efficiency and reduce the chances of stress-injuries.

Hi, please ask Sophia Yasmin this question. You can use this link: http://healthmeup.com/experts-array/sophia-yasmin/65

Hi, please ask Sophia Yasmin this question as she is the weight loss and pregnancy fitness expert. You can use this link: http://healthmeup.com/experts-array/sophia-yasmin/65

Hi Vikash, this is the site administrator. Please ask this question to Arnav Sarkar on this link: http://healthmeup.com/experts-array/arnav-sarkar/45

There are two parts to this query. When we look at competitive/endurance cycling, it is all about efficient power transfer from the body to the pedals, insisting on a rigid sole, without much flex. This is combined with other attachments like cleats etc which lock on to the pedals. While casual cycling calls for a much softer sole, most of us combine a sports shoe as dual purpose footwear.

So once you’ve determined your larger usage, the right footwear can be chosen for your need.

Running on the other hand calls for a totally unrestricted movement of the feet. This means the footwear should have no or minimal artificial support, like arch, heel and shock absorption. Yes, shoes have a lifetime for usage, generally varying from 500Km to 1000Km, or 1-2years whichever is earlier. You can notice the wear and tear on the sole of the shoes, where the grooves appear compressed than normal or worn out.

Barefoot is all about unrestricted movement to the feet, and taking away all the artificial support that we are used to. Barefoot concept vests on the fact that our feet have all the necessary shock absorption and dexterity needed to facilitate our different movement patterns like Walking, Running and Sprinting. Science has proven this concept with Harvard University releasing their official study of 5 years titled ‘Foot strike patterns amongst habitually barefoot runners v/s shod runners’ which challenged and studied the conventional belief of footwear and how the rates of stress injuries have increased along with them.

Barefoot products are built around the foot. With wide toe-box to accommodate natural toe flex in the front, no artificial support in the base, almost like a straight line, puncture resistant soles, as our feet are prone to environmental damage and lastly high flexibility of the footwear. This build allows the foot to behave in a natural bio-mechanical manner, increasing the advantages of leading an injury-free lifestyle in whatever sport or activity we wish to undertake.