I have a mild form of inflammatory arthritis, I haven't had a bad flare for 9 years. However my ankle (left) is most affected- permanent swelling, weakness and pain. My running gait is cumbersome as I find it hard to roll from heel striking through that foot- I tend to slam the foot flat with each strike. I have calcifications in the back of the ankle which cause some tendon issues when I try to stretch the lower calf area. However, I can walk very comfortably on my forefoot, in fact this is how I choose to walk until my anti inflammatory kick in first thing in the morning.
So, is barefoot running a definite no? I'd like to try to see if I can build up the foot strength to see if it helps the ankle pain. I do think that my current 'foot slam' run can't be good for my back etc and while I have pain when I run anyway, it may well just be a case of it hurting somewhere slightly different with barefoot running.
I'm struggling to find any literature regarding arthritis and barefoot running. My consultant here in England said I shouldn't be running at all (but then he's not a runner) and was incredibly surprised when I explained I'm actually running London Marathon on Sunday having had a very successful training period throughout the winter!
Any advice very much appreciated...obviously information leading me to successfully trying barefoot running is more appreciated than a flat 'no, no way'
So, is barefoot running a definite no? I'd like to try to see if I can build up the foot strength to see if it helps the ankle pain. I do think that my current 'foot slam' run can't be good for my back etc and while I have pain when I run anyway, it may well just be a case of it hurting somewhere slightly different with barefoot running.
I'm struggling to find any literature regarding arthritis and barefoot running. My consultant here in England said I shouldn't be running at all (but then he's not a runner) and was incredibly surprised when I explained I'm actually running London Marathon on Sunday having had a very successful training period throughout the winter!
Any advice very much appreciated...obviously information leading me to successfully trying barefoot running is more appreciated than a flat 'no, no way'