Los Angeles Podiatrist Dr, Pedram Aslmand Cautions Against Barefoot Running

Online, April 9, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Dr. Pedram Aslmand, of the Advanced Foot Ankle Center, continues to be skeptical on the craze behind barefoot running. This is a trend that caught on several years ago, and is picking-up steam as the shoe industry is embracing it's new lines of minimalist shoes. He wants his runners to understand that as you are running barefoot, you are exposing your feet to more cuts, scrapes, bruises and unsanitary conditions. Also, Parasites can enter the body through the bottoms of the feet. (www.footadvice.com)

Dr. Aslmand takes the position that hard surfaces, such as concrete and asphalt are not very giving, and without the right support and cushion, there will be more damage to the joints, tendons and ligaments. He feels that especially if you are Diabetic, you should avoid barefoot running, as the risk of a wound is too great, and could lead to very serious complications. Athletes with heel pain problems, foot pain or injuries should also avoid barefoot running.

Barefoot running involves retraining the mechanics of the feet, and should begin on grass to avoid injury in this re-training process. It is far better to obtain a running shoe that is properly fitted to the individual. Dr. Aslmand points out that the feet take tremendous abuse, and not just from athletics. Most people don't give their feet a second thought until something goes wrong, and they feel pain.(www.footadvice.com)

Meanwhile, foot pain afflicts four out of five adults, especially after the age of 50. Dr. Aslmand goes on to explain that one reason for foot pain is simply an accumulated amount of years of inadequate foot care. Also, chronic diseases that are more common in the later years, such as Diabetes, Gout, and Peripheral Artery Disease, wreak havoc on the foot.(www.footadvice.com)

At a recent interview, Dr. Aslmand had this to say about runners injuries: "Most injuries occur when runners do too much, too fast. A slow and gradual increase in distance and speed is the key to preventing injuries", he adds: "Before you institute a running program, make sure you are wearing shoes that are designed for your foot type. Warm-up before, and stretch after running. If you feel an injury, stop running, ice the area, and reduce swelling by taking an NSAID, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as Ibuprofen. If pain persists for more than one week, you should visit a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis".

Complete information is available at the website: http://www.footadvice.com