I have been most annoyed that I have succumbed to a foot injury that has stopped me in my tracks. It seems to be caused by Plantar fasciitis which causes inflammation of the fascia, a long ligament type structure in the bottom of the foot. Most people have abnormal motion in their feet, usually pronation.
When the feet turn in and collapse, the fascia takes on an extra stress at the heel. It only takes a small change in activity or change in shoes to cause microscopic tears in the plantar fascia.
For me the transition to bare foot running has been made more difficult because of an on going ankle injury that causes me instability, and has I believe put extra pressure on the foot to cope with the new stress of Bare foot running.
Even though I spent awhile with my transition phase I guess it was not enough to give me the strength needed for the activity.
After spending so many years in shoes the foot becomes weak and needs to be strengthened and exercised accordingly so I am back to stretching and strengthening.
I have found it most difficult to give it the rest it needs as my work dictates I am on my feet for most of the day and doing physical work climbing ladders and the like so it is not the ideal conditions for recovery
I do not believe it is barefoot running that has caused the problem as the statistics are In fact, about 5 to 10 per cent of all running injuries are inflammations of the fascia, an incidence rate which in the United States would produce about a million cases of plantar fasciitis per year, just among runners and joggers. Basketball players, tennis players, volleyballers, step-aerobics participants, and dancers are also prone to plantar problems, as are non-athletic people who spend a lot of time on their feet or suddenly become active after a long period of lethargy and this is with shoes.
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