Gait analysis

Look at me!!! ©

The last time I purchased running shoes I went to three different shoe stores who do gait analysis. Two said I had a neutral gait and one said overpronator. I ended up buying shoes from a very reputable store who said I have a neutral gait. I purchased the Asics Gel Cumulus V at that time. Between the last time I purchased these shoes and now I have aquired a knee injury. The knee injury is somewhat complicated but has ranged in diagnosis from arthritis to a torn meniscus to chondromalacia patella ("runner's knee").

Last week I went to another reputable shoe store and they told me I am an overpronator. I told them I had been running in neutral shoes. They had 4 people (including a lady who had worked there for over 10 years) watch me run and they all said I was an overpronator. They suggested I purchase the Asics 2090 (they are on backorder for me right now).

Could I have been injured because of the netrual shoes? My overpronation is apparently very mild. Should I go back to the original shoe store and complain? Could my gait have changed (I wouldn't think so)???

Comments/Suggestions???

Gone Fishin

For 20-years I ran in motion-control shoes after being told at a running store that I overpronated. Then a few years back I was battling plantar fasciitis, went to a reputable physical therapist that did a complete gait analysis and told me I underpronated. Getting into cushioned shoes did the trick for the PF. But I do believe those years of running in MC shoes, eventually, motion-corrected.
Yes, I do believe the wrong kind of shoes can cause an injury. And yes, I do believe your gait can change over the years.

G'luck Dives::

Member

The wrong shoes can lead to an injury, although you could have perfect shoes and still get injured. As jrjo mentions it is possible for your form to change over the years. If you are a relatively new runner, or you are going through a period of rapid improvement, you could see a significant form change in just a few weeks. Most likely you just got a bad analysis. Many shoe store employees have no special experience in this area. It not only requires them to view you running at full running speed in very soft shoes, but it takes some skill to know what you are seeing. Viewing you just standing or walking is useless and a sure sign the person has no idea what they are doing.

The Pinball

i really hope all those gait analysts considered your arch when looking at a good running shoe for you.

most flat-footed runners are typically overpronators. most high arched runners are underpronators. running in a motion control shoe (when you need a neutral shoe) can be the cause of lots of pain and injury

runner's knee to me is the most frustrating two words spoken. i heard it again and again and there was never a solution.

try these two things:
http://www.performbetter.com/detail.aspx_Q_ID_E_4278_A_CategoryID_E_235
and
http://www.endurancezone.com/free.php?tabselected=products&browsebrand=The+Stick&coupon=stick

i have been using these things regularly for 12 months and haven't had nearly the knee problems (or supposed knee problems) i used to.

stretching your piriformis muscle can really loosen up things in your lateral leg - right down to your knee. also, a tight ITB will cause lateral knee pain as well that increases with distance, at least for me it does.

have you had a sports massage? a very good sports massage person can pinpoint areas of stress and spasm in your body that are definitely causing trouble in other areas; it's amazing. i'd look into finding a really good therapist and go for an hour massage with evaluation. it will hurt like heck, but if they are good they will highlight areas that might be tight and refering pain elsewhere.

and while i'm on the buy this bandwagon, Embarassed

you might want to consider a glucosamine supplement. http://www.activexamerica.com/syn-flex/

Pyromaniac

Member

The 2090's are stability shoes, best for people with minor overpronation, normal to high arches, and moderate distance runners. The great thing about being a neutral runner is you can wear stability shoes if you choose. (I wouldn't go with the high stability, or motion control) Of course, if I was blessed with a perfect gait, I'd love to be in cushioned shoes.

Your gait can change, especially as you pile on the mileage. When I began running, I needed a stability shoe, and wore several pairs of Adrenalines before they began giving me problems. Now I need more stability, but probably run 2 to 3x as much as I did then. Most of the time you may have one foot that's worse than the other. I don't pronate much on my right side, but quite a bit on the left.

I doubt it caused your knee injury, although it may have made it feel worse.

Look at me!!! ©

Look at me!!! ©

Anyone know the predecessor to the 2090's? I just got a call from the store telling me there is a 2-3 week backorder on these shoes. I don't know if I can wait that long. I'll have 2 22-milers within that time (the only 22 milers on my schedule).

Member

Member

Oh, and 2090's are pretty popular shoes. You should be able to find them almost anywhere. Try another store or order online.

Look at me!!! ©

Look at me!!! ©

Well, I went to another shoe store tonight and they said I'm an overpronator. They didn't have the Asics 2090's but they told me (and were the second to tell me) that the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 5 was almost the same shoe. So, I came home, did a little research, and ordered these:

Member

Yikes! Have you tried the test where you wet the bottoms of your feet and step on some colored paper? This will tell you something about your arches and step. Hmmm, I'll try to dig up an article on it if someone here doesn't beat me to it. I know finding the right shoe is tough. I went through many different shoes before settling for now. I think the foot changes, maybe gets flatter...or maybe you're changing your gate??? Good luck, you! I know it's frustrating. You'll find the right fit, though, in time.

Gait analysis

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