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I used to be an avid runner, but in recent years I’ve been struggling with my Achilles tendon. Two years ago I had an Achilles tendon rupture, which I had surgery for. Result: too long Achilles tendon, not being able to unwind and not being able to stand on the toes (the area of operation).
Could sports soles, certain shoes or walking ‘barefoot’ help?
Herman
Sepp Mortelmans, podiatrist
Within the running world there are different views on the influence of running shoes and whether or not to wear soles. Most studies indicate that shoes are not the major factor causing injuries, but that training and load/load capacity is a greater factor.
The difference between running shoes and ‘barefoot’ walking is not only a difference in the shoes you wear when you run, but also a difference in technique. However, the different techniques are not suitable for everyone. There are people who, even if they use the right technique, get injured faster with barefoot running, and there are also people for whom the net helps to avoid injuries. So it is very personal.
No normal foot function
The problem with you is that you don’t have a ‘normal’ foot function. Due to the Achilles tendon injury, you have a foot that no longer unwinds properly and where (I suspect) the function of the calf muscle is no longer proper. Because of this, running will always, unfortunately, be difficult for you and you probably need a different technique for running than the average person.
There are indeed shoes that partly take over the settlement of the foot and can therefore partly compensate for it. But I would also recommend contacting a sports physiotherapist with experience in guiding runners. He can then look for the best possible running technique with you.
Do you also have a question? Then ask one of our experts. Always go to your doctor with urgent questions, the experts are not the right person for that. They also do not diagnose. You can find the other conditions here.
Sepp Mortelmans is a podiatrist. He is a specialist in the field of ultrasound and foot complaints as a result of rheumatism. You can ask him questions about foot problems in general and his field in particular.