Run barefoot for healthy joints

It may seem counter-intuitive, but if you want to keep your joints healthy and strong, running barefoot might be the perfect solution for you. Read on to find out why...

You might think that working out – and running especially – is all you need to do to keep your joints and bones healthy.
 
But did you know that your running shoes could be ruining your knees?
 
That's right – the very same running shoes that are marketed to be 'super comfortable' because of their superior cushioning can actually be destroying your knees.
 
How do running shoes ruin your knees?
 
The average running shoe has thicker padding on the heel than in the front of the shoe. No matter how expensive or designer your running shoes are, this is probably true.
 
The shoe makers say this padding is to cushion the blow from having a 'heel first' running form.
 
Running shoes encourage joint-destroying form
 
The heel-strike running form puts a huge amount of impact on your knees, says WebMD. The added padding from the running shoe does little to remedy this.
In fact, the illusion of comfort only makes it easier to carry on running while each stride creates a massive 'collision force' on your knees, hips and ankles.
 
This leads to what doctors call 'repetitive stress injuries' on your joints.
 
Barefoot running fixes your form
 
Barefoot running encourages a natural forefoot strike. This not only helps you go faster, but protects your joints.
 
If you're worried about water, dirt and blisters on your feet, try minimalist running shoes that protect your feet without the extra heel padding of traditional running shoes. Your joints will thank you for it.

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