Barefoot healing
Seemingly every walker/runner in history, certainly that I've had dealings, has experienced deflating ‘lower leg’ niggles. Apart from the pain and discomfort, niggles can be the ultimate motivation killer!
The Big Three of Lower Leg Niggles.
1. Plantar Fascia tendonitis – a sharp pain in the arch of the foot, more towards the attachment into the heel.
2. Achilles tendonitis – typically at the junction of the achilles and the calf belly.
3. Patella femoral pain – knee pain just below the knee cap and often on the medial side.
The Fixer!
While resting and appropriate treatment (e.g Physio) would seem practically obvious, along with a change in shoes and reducing training intensity, my tested & proven treating practice is the following.
a) I'll find a flat well-grassed park – like a footy oval.
b) I'll slowly walk a lap (5mins-ish).
c) I'll take my shoes & socks off.
d) I'll run at my 50% of max effort – so super easy. I'll practice ‘picking’ up my feet from the surface (quickly). I'll keep moving (easily) until I feel obvious discomfort. This may be never.
e) Then, I'll repeat the same practice the next day, and the next, until it is clear nature has returned my body to balance.
Barefoot movement naturally amplifies the nerves in the feet. In turn, the nerves message all body parts the best most balanced action. It’s like a reset. The tingling feeling in your feet well after your session means you’ve nailed it!