Running Movement Impairments: Excess Hip Internal Rotation

Running Movement Impairments: Excess Hip Internal Rotation

Everyone knows someone that has a wobbly knee gait.  The knees seem to touch and dive inward while the feet splay outward.  This looks especially awkward during running and runners may complain of scuffing their knees or scuffing the inner part of their calves (due to the rotation).  Some individuals are indeed born with their hips in this manner (also called femoral anteversion) and will naturally stand with their feet turned in due to their hip structure.  Most people are either weak or have poor movement patterns.  Today we are going to talk about why this might be happening, the implications and what to do about it.

Image from www.sporting-heroes.net 

The classic Priscah Jeptoo.  Granted she is very fast, but that is a clear femoral internal rotation deficit (combined with knee valgus).  This is an example that people can still running very fast with these deficits, but you cannot beat biomechanics and tissue physiology. 

Skechers GOrun Maxroad 3 Ultra Review

Skechers GOrun Maxroad 3 Ultra Review

I have mixed history with max cushion shoes.  I understand the concept, but have been wary due to the excessive cushioning almost always impeding my proprioceptive relationship with the ground.  I have discussed some of the biomechanical benefits and limitations previously here, but have found myself feeling sluggish and limited in most max cushion shoes.  The Skechers GOrun Maxroad 3 Ultra has been different.  Different in that I actually get spring out of the midsole, rather than sinking in to it, there is forefoot flexibility, it is lightweight and the toebox shape is great!  I have enjoyed training in this shoe and it has become my go to long run shoe.  The only thing I am confused about is the major name change, but that does not affect the ride quality of the shoe.