9 replies to this topic

[RL44]

Hello Coolrunners.

Since I started running 14 months ago I have ITBS for the second time (in my RHS, which was the same side as the first time...ok, so maybe I never FULLY recovered).

Anyway, I was reading "The Lore of Running" today and it was explaining how it is sometimes the case that after stress fractures caused by overpronation, that people are advised to either (a) get orthotics or to ( get a more motion controlled-type shoe. It goes on to say the irony is that both these thing might help to cure the overpronation and related fracture injuries, but that this pronation limitation can then lead to ITB injury.

The reason I write this is because that is EXACTLY my situation. First a stress fracture in the 3rd metatarsal when wearing very old, soft flexible Nike's (that were in the cupbaord long before I started running) and then a switch to orthotics and Asics 2110s (and now 2120s) before getting ITBS twice.

I have done some technique training at one stage to help correct overstriding/overpronation. I have also had 4 physio treatments over the last 2 weeks and an ice cold bath after running 17km last night, as well as stretching and ice after every run for the past 2 weeks. STILL I have localised ITB pain in the right knee.

My question is: Does anyone with a similar experience think it might be worthwhile to actually move back to a more flexible, cushioned shoe (keeping the orthotics in)?

[Terrigal Todd]

RL44,

In my (limited) experience, I would say that ITBS is more related to "overuse" & "body balance" (hip alignment & leg length) as opposed to shoe selection.

I think shoe selection has been over marketed by the manufacturers of shoes. Not to say that is doesn't effect running... however I think there are more contributing factors that would compound your ITBS more than your shoes selection.

Todd

[RL44]

Thanks Todd, I TOTALLY agree...it's not (just) the shoes, more so the technique, BUT I figure ANYTHING to help MINIMIZE THE CHANCES of getting injured again is worth a shot, such as perhaps using a more cushioned shoe for longer runs versus a stiffer shoe for shorter, faster ones.

[FIT PT]

Hi RL44,

I have had similar experience to yourself. I had been wearing 2000 series asics for 10 years, and the problem flared when the 2120 came out. Shoe companies are forever changing little things and this could have been the reason but I think not, just a coincidence. After a visit to the physio, I discoved that the activation in the affected sides glute medius [above the glute max] was pretty much non existent. He gave me some activating and strengthening exercise with the use of a thera band and I've been running 100k weeks ever since.

don't run for 2 weeks while you do these exercises [see physio] twice a day and you'll be right.

Good luck

[brizza]

i think(and have no stats) that some iliotibial band things can be managed by a shoe change,people with knees in varum are actually made worse by anti pronation shoes becaus pronation can only be managed by shoes if the subtalar joint is the cause and only in high or normal sub talar axes(? plural of axis), a low subtalar axis will rotate about its own long axis and will not be corrected by the shoe.itbs caused by an event outside the foot ie varum tibias,knees or a leg length differance needs something else-to much info? google the terms-briz

[jenny the orienteer]

Okay, so ITB tightness has been a problem for me on and off for years, but I have managed with the help of a very good physio, and religiously buying a new pair of Asics 2000 series shoes every 6 months. I even orienteer and rogaine in them.

So it can't be coincidence that 3 weeks after breaking in a pair of 2110s back in june, I could hardly walk. Even allowing for an increase in distance at that time, and the age of my orthotics, I could tell that they were not the same as my beloved 2100s. These are seriously inflexible shoes.

I spent the next 6 months bonding even more seriously with my physio and her accupuncture needles, and actually doing all the stretches she recommended, and alternated two old pairs of 2100s week about until they finally gave up the ghost.

And now I don't know what to buy next. I gave the next model of 2110s a go about 3 weeks ago, and guess what, I can already feel my kneecap being pulled sideways again. I also notice that somehow your sensation of contact with the ground is reduced, and feeet just don't feel like they are able to respond appropriately to the surface you're running on, so ankles lock and knees are kept rigid as a preservation mechanism.

Thereby flares the ITB.

[RL44]

Thanks Jenny and fellow Coolrunners.

As I only ever run in the one pair of shoes (now Asic 2120s), I might buy a second, more flexible pair of runners and alternate....will see if I 'feel' a difference....can't hurt (hopefully!)

[Running Widow]

I have meet a few people with this problem and a lot of them use orthotics which they have got from their podiatrist. I use the Asic Nimbus VIII they seem to work pretty well for me.
You should visit Running Science who have podiatrists working there to help fit the right shoes to the right people.
http://www.runningscience.com.au/

[RL44]

Thanks Running Widow.

I have driven past there before and might pop in to hear what they have to say.

On a brighter note, I ran 20km today pain free and I'm not sure if it is because of a week's rest or the fact that I change the lacing pattern on my shoes, removing the laces from the very top holes (thereby giving me more lace to tie and, maybe, more flexibility around the ankle?).

Anyway, not completely cured (as it still feels stiff) but getting there.

[catstrat]

ITB injuries can be caused by pronation throwing your leg alignment out. Suitable arch support that aligns your leg correctly is important, however more often than not the support provided by shoes is not enough to correct bad alignment and orthotics are required.

This is what I have gathered over the last couple of weeks as I am currently suffering from a stained ITB myself <_<

Cat