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Neck pain caused by Thoracic outlet syndrome
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You neck pain could be Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
You neck pain could be Thoracic Outlet Syndrome 290 290 Ace Health Centre

What is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (neck pain)?

Neck pain caused by Thoracic outlet syndrome occurs when there is tightness built up between the area of your neck and collarbone. This pressure build-up can affect the nerves or blood vessels that are found in this area. Thoracic outlet syndrome is not as common as other conditions but does generally affects females more than males. It may occur due to either of the following:
–      A traumatic event
–      Repetitive injuries
–      Pregnancy
–      Body structure changes (i.e. having an extra rib)

Many symptoms overlap with other types of conditions which may make it difficult to initially identify.

What are the Signs & Symptoms?

If you have thoracic outlet syndrome, symptoms can vary from person to person. No one will have the exact same symptoms but may include some of the following:
–      Face pain
–      Neck pain
–      Chest pain
–      Shoulder pain
–      Burning or prickling feeling anywhere along the arm
–      Altered sensation anywhere along the arm
–      Arm weakness
–      Arm heaviness
–      Altered skin coloration
–      Coldness in the hand or fingers

Signs and symptoms tend to worsen when you raise your arm overhead. You may notice these symptoms during activities like serving a tennis ball or painting a ceiling. Driving or typing on a computer may also bring on some of these symptoms.

How to Treat Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Physiotherapy can help resolve the symptoms you are feeling above. Taking a thorough history of the symptoms you present with along with physical tests, can confirm or deny if you have thoracic outlet syndrome. Education regarding the condition can be provided to make you feel more assured and understand why you have these symptoms. Treatment may also include a mixture of the following:
–      Posture correction
–      Activity modification
–      Shoulder control exercises
–      Massage
–      Relaxation of tight muscles
–      Neck stretching exercises
–      Strengthening exercises
–      Shoulder joint mobilizations
–      Taping

Come see one of the physiotherapists at Ace today to relieve your pain and get your symptoms under control.

knee meniscal injuries
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Knee Meniscal Injury. What is it, & what can you do?
Knee Meniscal Injury. What is it, & what can you do? 444 444 Ace Health Centre

Have a knee meniscal injury?

The meniscus is a piece of cartilage in your knee joint. It acts as padding by providing cushioning to the joint. Bending and straightening your knee is a nice smooth fluid movement with a healthy meniscus. knee meniscal injuries are very common.The  Knee meniscus may become injured either from:

1.     A sudden twisting movement or;
2.    Repetitive movement causing wear and tear in the joint

The most common area for a knee meniscal injury is along the inside/middle part of the knee. For instance, athletes are susceptible to meniscal injuries due to the fast twisting movements often observed in sport.

Symptoms of a knee meniscal injury may include some of the following:

–      Locking of the knee
–      Knee popping sounds
–      Knee clicking sounds
–      Pain around the knee
–      Difficulty kneeling or squatting
–      Tenderness when touching the knee

Luckily, meniscal injuries can heal on their own with the help of some physical therapy.

How Does Physiotherapy Help?

Not all knee meniscal injuries require surgery. Physiotherapists can help relieve the signs and symptoms you have around your knee. Firstly, A physiotherapy session will begin with a thorough discussion. Secondly, your symptoms will be identified, goals will be developed. After that, a plan to return to full activity will begin. Physios will, therefore, observe different types of movement and ask how it relates to your symptoms. Hands-on tests will be conducted to determine the extent of the injury. A mixture of exercises to address your symptoms will then be taught and prescribed.

Exercises areas focus on:

–      Knee mobility

–      Thigh/leg muscle strengthening
–      Flexibility exercises
–      Balance and agility

In conclusion, The aim of physiotherapy is to decrease your pain and improve the function around the knee. Your physiotherapist can give you a detailed plan for your rehabilitation and recovery. Come and speak to one of the Ace physiotherapists to begin your track to recovery.

Pre natal pilates. Pregnancy Pilates. Best Pilates Gold Coast. Pilates throughout the pregnancy. Best Pilates Studio Gold Coast. Pilates with a Physio. Tailor made program for pregnant.
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Post-partum / women’s health physio. You’ve missed something!
Post-partum / women’s health physio. You’ve missed something! 1000 667 Ace Health Centre

Our first priority as mothers after giving birth is usually caring for baby. We do this so much so, we neglect the changes our body has undergone in the past nine months. The pelvic floor requires time to recover and recoil due. This is due to the baby’s weight over nine months on the pelvic floor. Carrying a baby causes Stretching of the pelvic floor muscles if the mother chooses vaginal birth. Failure to retrain the pelvic floor can lead to urinary and bowel incontinence, organ prolapse, and pain with intercourse. This is where Post-partum / womens health physio comes in.

What will Post – partum / women’s health physio check?

One condition that is regularly checked by a Post-partum / womens health physio is separation of the stomach muscles. It is normal to have a separation of the abdominal muscles during pregnancy in order for the baby to grow. The fascia between the abdominal muscles also has to soften to allow expansion. Some common symptoms of stomach muscle seperation is doming of the stomach when you try to lift your head off the bed. Another is weakness of the core muscles and a feeling of sinking and softness in between the abdominal muscles.

It is important to address this with a women’s health physiotherapist within the first six months post-partum. The goal to ensure the muscles are regaining its tension to allow your abdominal muscles to function well as this may have future implications on low back pain. If the abdominal muscles are not regaining its tension, specific exercises will help.

Post – partum / women’s health assesment.

Post-partum / womens health physio asses the pelvic floor in 2 main ways. These are : via ultrasound and via internal examination.

Internal examination is the gold standard test to gain information regarding the pelvic muscle strength, tone, endurance and looking at pelvic organ prolapse.

Real time ultrasound is useful for a visual feedback for the patient when trying to teach a pelvic floor contraction. However, it may not be useful in the cases of an overactive pelvic floor. The reason for this is you will not be able to see a great degree of lift.

Whats the goal?

Finally, a common goal for mothers after birth is weight loss and toning the body. Prior to doing any exercises, especially high impact exercises, it is important to ensure the pelvic floor and stomach muscles are fully assessed. Exercises postpartum should be graded, as the body is healing and will take time to return to the state had been in previously. Undergoing supervised exercise with a Post – partum / women’s health provides a safe environment in which progress can be monitored to establish a solid foundation for return to exercise.

Book here today to see how our Post partum / womens health physio can help you. 

lower back pain treatment
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Lower back pain. Scans, physio and footwear
Lower back pain. Scans, physio and footwear 788 522 Ace Health Centre

Chronic lower back pain is common but not normal

Chronic low back pain is very common, however common does not mean this is normal and that you cannot feel better. Many people shrug off a niggle in the low back for years, and with time, the episodes become more frequent. Eventually this stops them from doing activity they used to be able to do. If this sounds familiar to you, you’ve probably been told to get a scan as well.

Scans and lower back pain

Many  scans will show up with disc bulges, arthritis, degeneration in the spine. However, most cases, the scan findings do not match up with the symptoms we feel. There are other sources of pain such as muscular tightness, muscular strength imbalances, joint stiffness that cannot be captured on film. More often than not, seeing the scans are not helpful to diagnosing the back pain, nor does it change how physiotherapists treatment. It can also give the client the negative notion that there is nothing that can be done to improve the condition as it is “wear and tear”

Role of physiotherapy

Seeing a physiotherapist to determine what deficits are contributing to the back pain is the first step in aiding your recovery. We are skilled in looking at your pattern of movement, palpating for joint or muscular stiffness and addressing the contributors to your pain.

 Optimal treatment

The most optimal treatment for chronic low back pain is a combination of manual therapy and exercise therapy. We aim to not only relieve the symptoms but address the muscular strength and joint imbalances for long term benefits. Simply relying on hands on treatment will improve symptoms for a short time. However, just like massage, your muscles tighten back up because you have not changed anything you’ve been doing in your daily life. Your muscles are not stronger, the way you move is the same, so the original symptoms will gradually return.

Footwear and chronic lower back pain

Another factor that is often missed when looking for contributing factors of low back pain is footwear. We are on our feet feet during the day, and the shock that is not absorbed through our foot and footwear transmits up into the spine. Having a stable basis of support is crucial in balancing out and limiting the forces travelling up to our spine. Think of the time you spend on your feet, while exercising, shopping, walking along the beach. Each step counts. Therefore, getting a professional opinion from a podiatrist is vital in protecting your spine from unnecessary strain and stress.

 

Book today to find out that you don’t have to be in pain.

Heel Pain. Heel Spurs. Ace Health Centre. Ace Podiatry. Best podiatrist Gold Coast. Bulk Billing Podiatry. Medicare Podiatry. Best Health Clinic Gold Coast.
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The Many Reasons For Heel Pain
The Many Reasons For Heel Pain 1000 667 Ace Health Centre

Reason For Heel Pain

There are  Many Reasons For Heel Pain. Most of the time people think its from a heel spur. most note worthy doctors are giving people the diagnosis of heel spurs for all types of heel and arch pain. Here we will name a few different reasons, and help you know the symptoms to look out for.

Plantar fasciitis / Heel spurs

The important part to know about this is that heel spurs are not a Reason For Heel Pain. Doctors and people alike are quite happy to send patients off for x-rays, only to see a spur. Its important to remember a huge number of the population have heel spurs, but most of them do not have pain.

This is because its an injury to the tissue (fascia) that causes the pain. Pain will most like be in the morning and again towards the end of the day. It will come from a change in lifestyle. Whether this be a change in footwear, increase in weight, standing for longer than usual, starting a new exercise programme.

This is usually treated via exercise, orthotics, shoes, and shockwave.

 

Nerve entrapment (baxters nerve)

Nerve entrapment through the inside of the heel is a big Reason For Heel Pain. This can occur to anybody. It can be a sharp and also aching pain. This is common mis-diagnoses as plantar fasciitis (heel spurs). With similar symptoms to heel spurs, the main difference is when the pain occurs. It generally can be at any time rather that specifically after rest.

First of all this is usually treated via orthotics, mobilisations and heat. Finally injections can be considerd

 

Heel bruising / stress fracture

Heel bruising is a Reason For Heel Pain. It will tend to be painful with pressure. It can be worse the longer you stand on it, but also can hurt all day. This can be diagnosed by squeezing the heel. However, If this increases the pain usually a scan is needed to rule out a stress fracture.

It will happen from a hard landing on the heel, or walking around on very hard floors. People with high arches are more likely to get this injury.

In addition can be treated with moon boots, orthotics, good shoes, massage, heat and more.

 

Severs Disease

This is not technically a disease although it is called one. Severs is growing pains and can be very common in children aged 7-12. The is diagnosed the same as heel bruising. Via a squeeze. Severs can be very painful and will need treating the major of the time to keep them on their feet.

Finally This is usably treated via heat, orthotics, massage and hip strength. It will eventually go by itself but needs managing the rest of the Time

 

This concludes our Reasons For Heel Pain blog. Therfore If you think you have heel pain book in now with our podiatrist, and get a proper diagnosis.

Heel Pain. Heel Spurs. Ace Health Centre. Ace Podiatry. Best podiatrist Gold Coast. Bulk Billing Podiatry. Medicare Podiatry. Best Health Clinic Gold Coast.
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PLANTAR FASCIITIS – HEEL PAIN / SPUR
PLANTAR FASCIITIS – HEEL PAIN / SPUR 1000 667 Ace Health Centre

PLANTAR FASCIITIS – HEEL PAIN / SPUR

Do you have heel pain? Is your pain worse in the mornings or after periods of rest? Does the pain stopping you from doing the activities you love and from enjoying your life? If so you may have PLANTAR FASCIITIS – HEEL PAIN / SPUR

With people spending time on their feet, the area never gets time to heal. Heel pain is extremely common. There is good news, the condition is easily treated via footwear, stretches and exercises, and custom orthotics.

What is it?

It is a painful condition affecting the heel of the foot (plantar fascia).
It is caused by continual, repetitive stress which leads to trauma of the Fascia. The plantar fascia is a long band of tissue on the bottom of the foot. It extends from the heel to the bases of the toes.

Repetitive injury result in degeneration, inflammation, and the formation of a heel spur. Therefore It is important to treat this condition in the early stages as late stages can lead to permanent damage.

A lot of people think that its the Heel Spurs that cause pain. Docotrs send patients off for an x-ray diagnose the spur as the cause of pain. This is in-fact is not true. A huge percentage of people walking around have heel spurs and manage to live pain free.

Risk Factors for PLANTAR FASCIITIS – HEEL PAIN / SPUR:

• Flat feet or high arched feet
• Jobs which involve long standing or walking
• Sudden change of lifestyle or exercise involving increases in standing or walking
• Tight calf muscles or fascia
• Excessive weight / weight gain
• Inappropriate footwear eg. Thongs
• Hard surfaces/bare feet walking

Signs and symptoms:

• Heel or arch pain
• Pain worse in the mornings/after rest, at the start of exercise and after activity

Prevention:

• Prescription orthotics
• Correct footwear
• Calf and fascia stretches
• Gradual increases in training or activity

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PLANTAR FASCIITIS – HEEL PAIN / SPUR, BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH ONE OF OUR QUALIFIED PODIATRISTS AT ACE 

Orthotics – why has the podiatrist recommended them?
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Orthotics – why has the podiatrist recommended them?
Orthotics – why has the podiatrist recommended them? 600 600 Ace Health Centre

Orthotics. – why has the podiatrist recommended them?

Orthotics have many uses. Depending on the patients medical history, drugs, muscoskeletal pathology, footwear, skin type will make up the decision of if orthotics are needed and the prescription of the orthotics. There are many differences between over the counter and custom. The main thing is that you get what you pay for in terms of fit, durability, comfort and service. Most of the over the counter insoles will be too soft to provide support and so defeat the point of having an orthotics.

An orthotics is only as good as you shoe you place it into and so its important the shoes is stable and firm. Placing it into a soft unstable shoe will not provide enough stability for the orthotics to have a outcome in. We use motionX to manufacture ours. 

An orthotic though should never be thought of as a final cure. It should be looked as as part of a multi-disciplinary treatment.

Here is a list of reasons why a patient might need orthotics and why a podiatrist has prescribed them.

 

Pressure redistribution

This is one of the main reasons a podiatrist will prescribed an orthotic. For pathologies such as diabetics, neuropathy, poor circulation, cancer, chronic pain issues and rheumatoid arthritis. Taking pressure under the arch and redistributing it to other places will help to increase circulation to areas that were under high pressure. This reduces pain, reduces risk of ulceration, reduced the formation of hard skin and callous / corns. A callous and corn can be as dangerous in a diabetic person as a melanoma! Supporting the arch take more pressure off the ball of

the foot during gait that metatarsal domes.

 

Create stability

In people with neuropathy, elderly patients with falls risks, people with chronic ankle sprains increasing the point of contact increases neural feedback to the brain. This can help improve balance and reduce risk of falls and injury. One of the last areas in the foot to lose sensation is the arch. Therefore, having contact with the arch is important in people with these issues.

 

Sports and msk injuries

Chronic sports injuries often need help healing. When you injure your arm or a finger you can put it in a cast of sling. With the foot this is very different as a person needs their feet every day to walk and stand. This weightbearing means that areas never get chance to rest and heal. Orthotics can move areas of load, change mechanics and therefore allow areas to heal up faster.

 

Reduce injuries

Just like going to the dentist a podiatrist looks for pathological movements, weaknesses and structures that can cause injuries. If these are seen then orthotics may be prescribed to help prevent future complications. Just like people clean their teeth and use braces for prevention. Appropriate footwear and orthotics can play just as important part.

 

Realign structures

Everybody thinks that this is what orthotics are for, and yes they are correct in ‘some’ cases. Though that is dependent of the patient’s needs. Whether they need a devise that is palliative or aiming to change structural alignment. One that change aleignment are good for a few issuers such as knee arthritis, tibialis posterior dysfunction, excessive supination, hip bursitis, and a big leg length difference. To be able to have a orthotic that will realign a structure will depend on the patients mobility with their lower limb as you cannot change a ridged structure.

To get your orthotics Book Here

ACE dry needling treatment
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Dry Needling, What does it involve?
Dry Needling, What does it involve? 1000 667 Ace Health Centre

Dry Needling involves the insertion of sterile, single-use acupuncture needles directly into myofascial (muscular) trigger points. Trigger points are composed of taut bands within the muscle, which cause and contribute to pain. Research studies have shown that inserting such needles into trigger points causes biochemical changes within the body, which help reduce pain.

Is Dry Needling the same as acupuncture?

Although Dry Needling uses the same needles as acupuncture, it is not the same technique. Dry Needling is strictly based upon Western medicine principles of treating myofascial trigger points, which are different from traditional acupuncture points.

How does it work?

Pioneering studies by Dr. Jay Shah and colleagues have shown that inserting needles into trigger points causes biochemical changes which alleviate pain. It is essential to elicit local “twitch” responses within the muscle, which are the first step to breaking the pain cycle and releasing tight trigger points within muscles.

Is it painful?

The initial insertion of the needle does not usually cause any discomfort. The local twitch response can cause a brief painful reaction. Some patients describe this as an electric shock or a cramping sensation. It is important to remember that the therapeutic effect only occurs by eliciting the twitch response. Therefore, it is the desirable reaction. Most patients describe treatment as feeling uncomfortable, but not painful.

Are the needles sterile?

Yes. We only use sterile, single-use, disposable needles.

 Are there any side effects / How quickly will it work?

It is common to feel some soreness post treatment as with many manual therapy techniques, however, once this soreness has subsided there should be an improvement in the initial symptoms. Typically, soreness can last anywhere between 1 hour and 2 days post treatment. Some patients require 1-2 Dry Needling sessions, while others require 8-10. Individual results will vary.

What can I do after the treatment?

You may be advised to use heat over the area after Dry Needling to help alleviate post-treatment soreness. You may need to temporarily modify your exercises or activities for 1 or 2 days afterwards. Dry Needling is only one part of your treatment. Other therapy techniques will also be used, as appropriate, to gain the best results. You will be advised on the correct exercises to perform in conjunction with your treatment and these will be progressed over time in order to complete your rehabilitation.

Which conditions can be treated with Dry Needling?

DN can be used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal problems. Examples of conditions that can be treated successfully with dry needling include:

o Back and neck pain, including postural problems and tension o Arm pain (shoulder impingements, tennis or golfer’s elbow)

o Headaches

o Buttock and leg pain (including sciatic pain)

o Hamstring strains

o Knee pain

o Calf tightness or cramps

 

Book today for your Dry Needling session with out talented physio Lily

Runners wearing different types of running shoes
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6 Important Points To Consider When Buying Running Shoes
6 Important Points To Consider When Buying Running Shoes 1000 743 Ace Health Centre

There are a few things we encourage you to think about before you buy a new pair of running shoes.  A few simple checks, a tweak here and there and an expert’s eye, examining your feet, can work wonders and ensures you will buy the best fit for your feet.

There are a lot of brands and even more styles for you to choose out there.

Running Shoes are basically all made for the same purpose but target slightly different issues or support various areas of your foot, which can make the whole process a little bit confusing.

Your-Running-Style-determines-the-footwear-you-need

The more you land on your rear foot, the more cushioning, support and heel pitch you need.

But you are not alone! This guide is here to help you find exactly what you are looking for and narrow down the endless supply of choices to not only enhance your performance but also to keep you injury free.

This next section covers nearly everything you need to know to get the right shoes for your feet. Use this guide and a recommendation from your Podiatrist, and you will never find yourself standing confused in front of a wall full of running shoes ever again.

1. Get a running shoe according to your foot type

  • Supination

If you have a supination foot type, then a natural shoe will be the right fit for your feet. Your new pair of running shoes should have a slightly wider last to create stability and to prevent the shoe from giving way on the lateral border when put into action. If this sounds like your type of feet, then look out for a shoe with adequate cushioning to prevent ankle sprains and other nagging ankle injuries. Without favouring any particular brand, our podiatrists as well as our patients have been quite happy with the Brooks Dyad runners and would recommend them to anyone with this particular foot type.

  • Neutral

Consider yourself lucky if you have a neutral foot type because you are an easy one to please! Nothing too fancy. Maybe just something with a little bit more flexibility through the midfoot and some added cushioning. Over the years, we have recommended a range of runners such as the Asics Nimbus, the Brooks Glycerine, the Mizuno Enigma, the Nike Vomero or the Adidas Supernova Glide to runners with a neutral foot type.

  • Mild Pronation

“Guidance” is the magic word for this foot type. If you are diagnosed with a mild pronation, then we suggest, you hunt for a pair of shoes with a firmer heel counter and less midfoot flexibility. Unlike other foot types cushioning isn’t something you have to worry too much about and we recommend a moderate support, which can be found in the Asics Metarun and Kayano, the Mizuno Inspire or the Saucony Guide for example. Other alternatives for this foot type are the Nike Odyssey and the Brooks Ravena.

  • Moderate Pronation

Support, Support, Support is what you are after! You want a pair of runners with a firmer heel counter, moderate cushioning and a re-enforced midsole for less flexibility. You might find your runners a little stiff to start with but don’t worry; they will wear in and fit perfect with time. Ask your sporting good store for the Asics 3000, Mizuno Paradox, the Brooks Transcendence / Adrenaline or the Saucony Hurricane for optimal fit and maximum comfort.

  • Severe Pronation

Motion control is the key for maximum performance and comfort.

A wide last and less cushioning are what you are after if you have a severe pronation foot type. Also, make sure you purchase a ridged shoe with at least 1cm heel pitch. For best results ask your footwear specialist for the Brooks Beast or the Asics Divide.

2. Ankle motion is an important aspect to consider when buying footwear

Without getting too technical, we have to get technical here. However to keep it simple, let’s just say your ankle motion determines the heel pitch in your shoes. Each shoe is slightly different and can range from 0-12mm with a few exceptions.

We say exceptions because there is a good chance that almost everyone, reading this blog, will fall into one of the four categories below.

  • Stiff ankle

Less than 90 degrees’ dorsiflexion – 10-12mm heel pitch

  • Moderate ankle motion

90 degrees’ dorsiflexion – 6- 10mm heel pitch

  • Good ankle motion

10 degrees dorsiflexion – 4-10mm heel pitch

  • Hypermobile ankle

15 + degrees dorsiflexion – 8-12mm heel pitch

3. Talk about your Injury History with a footwear specialist

If you have a history of injuries such as heel pain, shin splints, calf pain or achilles pain then make sure your shoe has a heel pitch of 10-12 mm. Also, be careful when buying your pair of runners and make sure your shoes don’t bend through the midfoot.

4. What Type Of Running Are You Into?

Competition vs. Training vs. Speed workouts vs. Long Runs. There are so many variables when it comes to running. For example, racing shoes are very different to training shoes and should only be used for the occasional speed work session and race events. These shoes are lighter, flatter and more flexible than the average pair, which increases the risk of injuries considerably. Doing your due diligence and carefully evaluating the purpose for your runners can save you a lot of headaches in the long run. We suggest you take the time and talk to your sports store’s shoe specialist about your training regiments and goals to get the most appropriate footwear that fits your needs.

5. Keep The Terrain of your Usual Routes In Mind

Are you running cross-country or on solid ground? We would like to encourage you to think about your footwear the same way you think about the tires of your car. Off road cars have solid tires with a lot of grip for enhanced traction whereas race tires are slick and thin, designed for speed and performance. Well, your shoes are no different! Off road shoes are a lot firmer than your everyday pair of runners. They are designed for stability and support with features like the extra grip or water-resistance, which in return changes the structure of the upper on your shoes.

6. Your Running Style determines the footwear you need

The more you land on your rear foot, the more cushioning, support and heel pitch you need. Over the years working with professional athletes and everyday runners, we have seen a lot of different foot placements which all have an impact on your feet. Your heel pitch should be between 8-12mm if you come down rear first when running. If you have more of a balanced running style, then we recommend a heel pitch between 6-10mm or 4-8mm if you come down heavy on your forefoot.

You are ready now! Our guide should help you decide on the running shoes you want and what level of support you need. We all been there and know how overwhelming it can be to buy the right pair of runners to not only perform at your best but also to stay injury free.

What-type-of-running-are-you-into

Competition vs. Training vs. Speed workouts vs. Long Runs. There are so many variables when it comes to running.

Don’t get lost and use our guide to make the selection of your perfect runners a little bit easier and to help your thought process in deciding on the best possible fit for your feet.

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