I'm a physio and have recently, after years of running-related injuries, started running barefoot. It hasn't been without problems but I'm not going to throw the towel in just yet as I do think that there's something in the whole barefoot thing.

I'm suffering with left foot dorsal pain in the soft tissue around metatarsals 1-3 and, to cut a long story short, am attempting to strengthen up the peroneals and tibiali's to provide better forefoot support (current "mid-forefoot hypermobility" issues due to foot muscle weakness, tight gastroc/achilles, excessive lumbar lordosis and tight hip flexors IMO, podiatrist has advised x-ray to rule out stress fracture and Frieberg's).

I am a physio and my current protocol is:

1. cut running time to almost nothing (5 mins x 3 per week) on level grass surfaces only, barefoot (I own some Vibram 5fingers but am sticking with barefoot currently)
2. Calf raises on step to stretch achilles and strengthen calf muscles)
3. Peroneal and tib strengthening seated using theraband
4. Stuff to sort out my tight lumbar and hip flexor issues
5. Ice to settle slight inflammation around metatarsals

Does anyone have any other suggestions or indeed thoughts on my rehab and the whole barefoot thing generally????? I'm fascinated by this area so any thoughts, advice, opinions and facts would be very welcome.

Similar Threads: