Friday, August 22, 2008

High Arches + Overpronation = Me

In addition to the wicked shin splints I now have inflammed front-of-the-lower-leg muscles. (I can never remember what they are called). Last night's 8 miler quickly turned into a 1.5 miler with me limping off the track. I usually push through the shin splints but this was completely different. And it sucked. I almost mad-cried my way home.

So I went to Runners
today (twice hoping for some insight. The runner there (I love that the Runners peeps are actually runners) said that the wear pattern on my current shoes --heavy on the inside, light on the outside-- indicated that I am an overpronator. He said that my shoes still have life in them and that orthotics should help with my leg problems. He also showed me some ways to strengthen my hip and inner thigh muscles, as well as another stretch to add to my calf stretches. I'll be testing out the orthotics on my 13-miler Sunday morning. *fingers crossed*

I knew I had high arches but just learned today that I overpronate. This really kind of sucks! Most (all?) peeps with high arches underpronate; it's the flat footers that overpronate. Of course I could never be normal. Always gotta be a challenge, this shopperjoggerblogger.

13 comments:

Jenny B said...

I'm so lost! But I'm glad you got help. What does Overpronation mean? And were the inserts expensive?

The Storms Family said...

Jeff thinks that I do the same. I will have to get some information from you this weekend. Hang in there!

Brooke

Kristina said...

I'm the same--one of those weird high arched overpronators. The inserts should help you a lot. I used Power Step inserts for a long time before graduating to custom orthotics and the Power Step ones made a huge difference. Good luck!

C, L, and E said...

You are doing such a great job!!! Who knew so much would be involved in just running! I hope everything works out and you can get back on track soon.

C, L, and E said...

I didn't mean that like JUST running - running is a huge feat. THat didn't sound right, sorry!

Karen said...

What a pain! Those running store people are always so helpful, aren't they? It just seems like all those places are staffed by the running obsessed...which is so nice for those of us who need lots of questions answered.

I hope the orthotics make your 13-miler more comfortable. Can you believe the progress you're making?

jahowie said...

Don't feel alone. I have high arches and I overpronate too. I'm glad that you found some help and I hope that it helps out.

Chocolate & Chants said...

Hmm...maybe this is what I need to stop that annoying hip pain. I know the inside of my shoes wear out much quicker than the outside and was told by the people at the running store that I mildly overpronate. Whatever that means.

Glad to know they are working out!

Antony said...

Something similar here. I have high arches and yet overpronate. I ran 18k a couple of weekends ago, quite a bit more than my usual distance and after a couple sedentary weeks of being chained to a desk. The following day, I day after the run I felt a pain just below the right knee. A week later, after just 4 miles, same pain is back. I am now worried that I might have the infamous Runner's Foot ( chondromalacia).

Molly Craig said...

So, what type of orthotics and running shoes are you using??? I just discovered that I overpronate as well and have high arches. I get terrible pain in my calves when I run or even walk quickly. So, looking for any help!

Gigi W said...

I have just discovered your blog while trying to research recommended running shoes for high arches and overpronation. For years I have worn New Balance 1122 and just bought the newer model, 1123. (I did prefer the older model). I have recently developed plantar faciitis. My orthopedist said that my motion control shoes are all wrong for my feet. The New Balance store says that for the rare combination of high arches and overpronation, they recommend the motion control shoes with cushion or arch inserts. Everyone seems puzzled with what the correct recommendation is for high arches and overpronation. From fellow sufferers, do you have any recommendations for running shoes and insole types that work for high arches and overpronation?

trainers shoes said...

I cant run without my trainers shoes:)

Orthotics Pittsburgh said...

Oh, real awesome pronouncement of formula. Great job!