GET OFF ON RIGHT FOOT
Prep and recover like a pro with some tips from Southern Cross University experts in sports science, psychology, podiatry and osteopathy each Saturday in the Gold Coast Bulletin.
IF you’re running the Gold Coast Marathon, running shoes are the first thing you’ll think about.
Feet are important, and for a runner, keeping your feet healthy and choosing the right shoes is fundamental.
The science of footwear is a highly specialised health discipline and, luckily for runners about to undertake the Gold Coast Marathon, we have expertise right at our doorstep.
Southern Cross University is the only university in Australia to offer a bachelor degree in pedorthics and a double degree in pedorthics and podiatry, right here on the Gold Coast.
Pedorthics is an allied health discipline that involves the design and manufacture of footwear supports and orthoses. Pedorthists are also experts in the manufacture of sporting footwear, including running shoes.
At the state-of-the-art pedorthics laboratory at Southern Cross, students analyse, design and manufacture footwear all day.
Senior lecturer Dr Paul Butterworth says running shoes, like all footwear, have different aspects.
“We refer to it as footwear anatomy,” he said.
“This includes a heel counter, a toe box and the upper of the footwear.
“All of these aspects of footwear anatomy vary according to the make and model of the shoe, but it’s important to understand what kind of foot you have and how to choose the right footwear for your foot.”
If a runner has a neutral foot (one that does not roll inward or outward as they run), then a neutral runner – without any extra support – will be appropriate.
“But if you have a really flat foot, then something with a little more rigidity in the heel counter may be appropriate as this helps the foot to not flatten out too much,” Dr Butterworth said.
Having an arch that goes the other way can also cause problems.
“Having a high arch can cause foot pain as you have more weight placed on the ball of the foot, so you will need support in a different part of the shoe,” Dr Butterworth added, noting the importance of getting shoes fitted professionally.
When deciding what to wear for the marathon, athletes should use common sense, making sure footwear fits and that it doesn’t cause any blisters or irritation.
“Blisters are one of the biggest problems we see in runners,” Dr Butterworth said.
“You should be wearing in your runners well before the big day.”
Podiatry and pedorthics clinics are held regularly at the SCU Health Clinic on the Gold Coast campus.
To make a booking, call 5589 3252.