Biomechanics
By Amanda Brunner

Caring for Your Feet

This month I want to talk about the advantages to running cycling-shoes. There are more benefits than simply looking stylish. Fact is there are many small bones and nerves in the foot. If your foot isn't positioned properly or you tend to ride with simple tennis shoes this could cause the toes of the foot to become numb and the foot itself to become very painful over time.

If your just riding short distances on surfaces that are a predominantly flat then wearing your usual street sneakers does not pose much of a problem. If you're training for a long jaunt or are doing a good deal of climbing then riding-shoes are a must. Whether clipless or platform oriented, most cycling shoes are specially made so that your foot is on the pedal in the proper position. The best position for your foot to be is to have the pressure be on the ball of the foot to prevent injury to the ankle. If you’re still not comfortable and feel that your foot is slipping then you may actually want to purchase a bigger pedal (one that will give your foot more support).

If, after running cycling-shoes, you find your feet remain painful and bothersome then you may be time to check the sneaker fit. Like I mentioned earlier, there are many small bones and nerves in the foot. The shoe may fit lengthwise but the width may need to be adjusted. Conversely if the width is too tight this will cause the bones to shift in the foot, which leads to irritation of the nerves. Make sure when you purchase the cycling-shoe from a bike shop that you are properly fitted. If you order your components off the web or through a catalog, ask questions. Every company typically has cross-reference charts and a smart salesman should be able to tell you if the shoe in question typically runs big or small.

If, after making sure the she fits properly, you still feel pain then the last thing you can consider is to buy or build an arch insert to go into the sneaker itself. Supporting the arch of the foot can be painful at first (especially to individuals who are flat footed) but over time your foot will mold to the additional support. Don’t be surprised if you experience gains in your ability just by making sure your feet are supported properly. After all, they may be at the bottom but it’s the feet that hold the rest of the body up.

If you have any questions on this topic or any other medical topics related to cycling please e-mail Amanda.

Who knows, your question may be in the next article.