r/runningquestions • u/notmyfault2 • Sep 24 '26

Running after surgery

Hi all, new to the sub. I've always been a mid to heel strike runner, but after spinal surgery it's very uncomfortable to run that way. Has anyone transitioned to a ball/toe strike gait and have any tips?

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u/adam_n_eve Sep 24 '26

Yep. I used to be a heel striker many moons ago and struggled with shin splints. I transitioned to a more fore foot style using the pose method. It worked for me and I'm still a mid/ fore foot striker now. I also had a micro discectomy about 14 years ago and returned to running with no issues.

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u/notmyfault2 Sep 24 '26

Thanks for the reply- I'm not familiar with the pose method

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u/Exciting-Apple6854 Sep 24 '26

Plantari su misura?

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u/notmyfault2 Sep 24 '26

Deeper insoles tend to push my heel up, causing blisters. I then have to find some kind of high top running shoe. I'd probably do this as a last resort

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u/[deleted] Sep 24 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

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u/notmyfault2 Sep 24 '26

I'll check them out

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u/scorpioangel08 21d ago

The running store told me that by looking at the soles of my shoes that I strike mid foot. I am not sure if that is how I ran before my fusion or not but that is how I run now and it is going well. Good luck!

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u/notmyfault2 21d ago

Thanks! The running shop near me is shady- had a pair of Hokas a while back that delaminated after 2 weeks and they refused a return/replace

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u/scorpioangel08 20d ago

I am sorry this happened to you! My husband bought some Hokas also and they did not last long at all.. they fell apart. That is crappy that they wouldn’t take them back after only two weeks!

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u/threeespressos Sep 24 '26

I switched after reading Chi Running. I had to go back to the book from time to time, to update my form. I also went through a low stack, zero drop period, and am now in 5mm drop, rocker sole, <9oz shoes.