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An Interview with Dr. Joyce Jenkins, Podiatrist and avid runner

Should we be stabilizing the foot, or should we allow the foot to strengthen and stabilize itself? Or is this just all shoe company marketing?

“No, its not all marketing. Runner’s whose feet are flat can over pronate and may need a stabilizing shoe. Those with high arches tend to have poor shock absorption capability and need more cushioning. When you buy a shoe with more stability it is at the cost of weight, where a shoe with more cushion is lighter, but not stable. If you are a first time runner, follow these guidelines when looking for a shoe, but if you are a seasoned runner and you have no problems, you don’t need to change anything.”

How long days it take to break in new shoes?

“Never use brand new shoes on race day or on a long training run. It will take at least 2 weeks of shorter mileage to break in shoes. Shoes have a lifetime of about 400-600 miles.”

What are some common running injuries you see in your clinic?

“ Most of the running injuries I treat are blisters and blood blisters under the toe nail. This is usually because of poor fitting shoes that are too big or wrong for their foot. Moisture can also be a problem either from the environment or from sweat. Sock’s are important and often overlooked. Follow the same guidelines as shoes; they need to be broken in. Make sure a seam from the sock isn’t in the wrong spot and causing a blister.”

Any advice as a four time marathoner and podiatrist?