Does Running Technique Matter

Advice from Dr Mark Matthews...

"From an injury perspective, the simple answer is no. To briefly explain, we usually run in our own unique way that is optimal for us. Technique primarily considers the way your foot first contacts the ground – either rearfoot first (heel) or forefoot (ball/ front of your foot) – and the impact force. Most runners run with a rearfoot pattern. Some suggest a rearfoot pattern places more force on the body and can cause shin, knee and hip problems. However, a forefoot pattern will place more stress on the calf and Achilles tendon.

Changing running technique won’t reduce your overall impact force – it just shifts the stress to other areas of your body. From an injury perspective, it is just about which part of the body will have to deal with the impact force the most. If the muscles and body can tolerate it, it doesn’t matter which way you run.

If you want to change your running technique, do it after the marathon, do it gradually with a good coach, and with appropriate strength exercises - it can take up to two years to adapt to a new technique."

Would you like to know more? Do you have other running-related issues you'd like to know more about? Please drop a comment or message us and Mark will do his best to address your questions!