Howdy, Stranger!
Categories
Why do my feet slap down
![[Deleted User]](https://we.vanillicon.com/ef578b7c9a0b8e5eddcc8cb85de5f149_100.png)
I am 42 and have been running on and off for over 20 years. In the last 12 months I have started slapping my feet when run and cannot seem to do anything about it. I deliberately try to land on my heel and roll off the ball of my foot but it just does not seem to happen.
I am now getting sore feet and was wondering if anyone has any advice. I run at about a 5 min km and don't take large strides if that helps.
The materials in this website are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor, qualified personal trainer, therapist, dietitian or nutritionist Runners's World, Part of the Hearst UK well-being network © Copyright 2017
Comments
Foot slappers usually have weak tibialis anterior muscles.
This muscle is the one to the front and slightly outside of your shin bone. It's the one that bulges up if you put your foot flat on the floor and then raise the ball of your foot whilst keeping your heel on the ground.
The classic way to strengthen this muscle is to sit on a table with your feet dangling and hook the handle of a medium size tin of paint over your toes and do some raises. Don't overdo it though because if you run with tired tibialis muscles you can get injured.
As well as controlling the front of your foot during the landing phase of running, the muscle has one other function - to lift your foot clear of the ground after it pushes off. If you take small strides you will be using the muscle much less. This may be why it's weak. Perhaps your stride has become shorter over the last couple of years? You might want to do some general leg stretches to lengthen your stride a bit.
I don't really get involved in discussions about the pros and cons of heel vs forefoot striking. It's all a bit unscientific.
There is some science ...
http://www.acsm-msse.com/pt/re/msse/abstract.00005768-200402000-00015.htm;jsessionid=JGGRnhbwHvLg6rXhTwX22zW1TQLbQTHWygMxQ7v6kXQYNH2Y9pWh!136317464!181195628!8091!-1
The extract just concludes that its worth looking into.
JRM
I'm intrigued by your suggestion that 'Foot slappers usually have weak tibialis anterior muscles'.
Is it scientific?