Running Shoe Replacement & Piriformis Syndrome

I recently had to go see a doctor due to a nagging pain on my right side from my lower back, through my glute, down my leg and into my knee. This has been going on for quite a while and even though I knew I should have had it checked out sooner I didn't. Well, now I am paying for it!! Lesson learned! Don't put off tomorrow what you can do today. I wouldn't be in the pain I am in right now if I didn't wait to get this checked out. Most of the time if pain continues in the same place for an extended period of time, IT IS AN INJURY!!! So, I am now getting physical therapy and chiropractic care which I am very happy about. The thing I am not happy about is I cannot run for 2 weeks right now and that is really cutting into my Marathon training. Yes, it is painful but hopefully once it is done I won't be in constant pain....So Piriformis Syndrome is what I have as well as an uneven pelvis, UGH!! Piriformis Syndrome is a condition in which the piriformis muscle irritates the sciatic nerve and causes pain in the rear and may cause pain along the back of the leg and into the foot (similar to sciatic pain). Piriformis syndrome is most common among women, and is thought to be common among active individuals (such as runners and walkers).
Piriformis syndrome can develop when the piriformis muscle becomes tight or spasms and places pressure on the sciatic nerve that runs beneath it. The pressure on the sciatic nerve can cause low back pain and/or pain that radiates to the rear and down the leg (similar to sciatica pain). From a technical standpoint, piriformis syndrome does not cause true sciatica (as sciatica is usually defined as a radiculopathy, or compression of a nerve root as it exits the spine). However, just like sciatica, piriformis syndrome can cause pain, numbness and tingling along the sciatic nerve, which runs down the back of the leg and into the foot. (http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/what-piriformis-syndrome). So my doctor is doing all kinds of fun manipulations of my legs and back to hopefully clear this issue up as well as to re-align my pelvis.

Another good thing about getting checked out was the doctor I went to see is also a runner so he KNOWS what is up with running injuries and the like. Many times you go to your doctor with a specific injury but they have no clue except their medical training. It is nice to find a doctor that knows first hand what's going on with you.

So, one of the first things the doctor did was had me run. I ran back and forth so he could check my gait and see if the way I ran was causing my issue. He said my gait was good and I run pretty neutral with no pronation which is definitely a positive because I can use basically any running shoe out there!! I could even go minimalist if I wanted which makes me even more happy!! That brings me to my other point in today's musings...Running shoe replacement. I have heard many different takes on when to replace your running shoe, should it be by mileage, length of time or by how hard you are on your shoes. Take a look at your sneaks if you are wearing them, if not check them out later. I found a poll on the Runners World website (http://www.runnersworld.com/community/forums/runner-communities/beginners/replace-running-shoes) about how often to replace running shoes. It is funny to see quite a lot of different answers. Basically my doctor told me that I should replace them every 3 months no matter what my mileage is...

And now to actually replacing my Karhu's, I am in the process, it is just deciding which ones to get this time...I did see a wonderful looking pair that are a neutral shoe that I really want to try called the Signature Racer (http://www.karhu.com/products/signature-racer-surf-blue-fade.html) but the issue I have is they only come in ONE color, light blue!! LOL!! I am not that picky when it comes to running shoes but Karhu always has the coolest, brightest colors and I thought it would be great if they had more choice with this one! Needless to say my Stable Fulcrum_Rides were a great pair of running shoes and I am definitely a Karhu lover and promoter!! I can't wait to try out my next pair...until then, HAPPY RUNNING!!

RUNNING SHOES: Stable Fulcrum_Ride
KARHU WEBSITE: www.Karhu.com
SHOE REVIEWER: Melissa Baldwin
IF YOU WANT TO TEST KARHUS APPLY AT: http://www.facebook.com/likekarhu
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