The Barefoot Running Debate

Barefoot running is a topic of much debate. The trend of runners shedding their bulky running shoes for lighter weight shoes or even no shoes at all as been progressively getting bigger over the past several years. More and more runners are joining the movement, and the shoe companies are responding. Nike’s Free series of running shoes have different gradients of cushioning depending on the level of barefootedness that a runner desires; Vibram makes a shoe that looks more like a glove for the foot, with individual toes and a durable rubber sole, but virtually no support or cushioning.

Advocates of the barefoot running movement point to the natural biomechanics of the body as the reason to follow suit. With barefoot running, the tendency to strike with the heel first is erased. The foot hits the ground in the midfoot area first, allowing forces to be displaced more evenly and to allow for the natural shock absorbing mechanisms of the body to work. Barefoot runners claim that this causes less overuse injuries like tendonitis and arthritis, as well as a decrease in knee and hip pain.

The other side of the argument points out that there are many hazards to running barefoot, particularly in a city on pavement. Foreign objects like rocks, glass, and metal may find their way into the runner’s feet, causing injury and possibly infection. Furthermore, the opposition to barefoot running points out that there are very few “perfect” feet out there, and that most people will require some level of cushioning and support.

The truth most likely lies somewhere in between these two extremes. There are many runners out there that would benefit from strengthening of the muscles of the foot, which may be achieved from running barefoot. However, this population is limited – not everyone will reap the benefits. For many athletes, particularly the less serious and beginners out there, the risks of barefoot running outweigh the advantages.

There is a ton of information on barefoot running, whether it is coming from the Internet or from a published book or from “expert” opinions. If you are one of the many that is considering or currently participating in barefoot running, it is important to be skeptical about this information, and to ease into any new exercise program. Running long distances barefoot takes a long time to work up to, and it may be difficult to achieve for the average runner.

Central Florida Foot and Ankle Center, LLC.

101 6TH St. NW. Winter Haven, Fl. 33881

863-299-4551

www.FLFootandAnkle.com

Is it Athlete’s Foot, or Something Else?

That dry, itchy, burning feeling on your feet hasn't gone away in weeks. Is it athlete’s foot, or could it be something else?

Athlete’s foot is a common presentation to the podiatric physician. It is a fungal infection of the superficial skin layers, usually of the fungal genus Trychophyton, and is also called tinea pedis or ringworm of the foot. It causes flaking and scaling of the skin, which can lead to itching and other unpleasant sensations. It is common for tinea pedis to spread to other parts of the body, most notably the toenails. When the fungal infection spreads to the toenails (or it may originate at that location) it is known as onychomycosis. Tinea pedis and onychomycosis are a very common combination.

Athlete’s foot may be treated with a number of different pharmaceuticals, including over-the-counter medications as well as prescriptions. Over-the-counter medications include tolnaftate (sold as Tinactin), miconazole nitrate, and terbinafine (sold as topical Lamisil). Oral medications are available by prescription. Regardless of the type of medication used, however, the timeline for curing tinea pedis can often last more than six weeks.

The fungal infection is transmitted via contact, typically in damp environments such as locker rooms and bathhouses. Preventative measures against tinea pedis can be taken by preventing contact with public surfaces. Wearing sandals or bath-shoes in areas like this can help, as well as washing the feet with soap and water, drying completely, and wearing absorbent cotton socks. Excessive sweating of the feet, or hyperhidrosis, is often associated with tinea pedis, due to the increase in moisture in the area.

However, not all that looks like athlete’s foot is tinea pedis. Blisters of the bottom of the foot, particularly diffuse blisters from chronic friction, can often look like tinea pedis. These friction blisters may come from poorly fitting shoes or sandals, and are often seen in runners.

Erythrasma is a bacterial infection of the skin between the toes that can look like tinea pedis. The two diagnoses are differentiated with the use of a Wood’s Lamp, as well as a culture of the area.

Some other conditions that may mimic athlete’s foot include psoriasis, candidiasis (also a fungal infection, but of a different genus), and allergic reactions.

Additionally, there are several different forms that tinea pedis may take. The inflammatory form of tinea pedis may show as small blister-like lesions on the foot, which are filled with either a clear or slightly opaque fluid. The blisters may pop and ooze, causing more pain. This form of tinea pedis should be dealt with aggressively, as the discontinuities of the skin can lead to infection.

Central Florida Foot and Ankle Center, LLC.
101 6TH St. NW. Winter Haven, Fl. 33881
863-299-4551
www.FLFootandAnkle.com