Asics Shoes & Hip Bursitis
As the saying goes, "when your feet hurt, everything hurts." Similarly, pain in your hip can be debilitating, whether the cause is arthritis, a fracture, dislocation, congenital deformities or bursitis. The articulation of your hip with your lower limb normally provides a stability and mobility to your body that well-supportive shoes can help maintain. Certain features and technologies in Asics shoes are designed to offer such preventive support.
A woman is tying her running shoes. (Image: lzf/iStock/Getty Images)Description
Hip bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa of your hip. Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that lubricate or act as cushions in areas of friction. At your hip joint, for instance, friction occurs when certain muscles contract and relax, causing their corresponding tendons to move over the bones beneath them. The cardinal signs of inflammation are pain, redness, heat, swelling and loss of function.
Types
Different types of hip bursitis exist. Trochanteric bursitis, for instance, refers to the inflammation of the large bursa that overlies the bony point of your hip known as the greater trochanter. The iliopsoas bursa, located in your groin side, may also become inflamed, leading to iliopsoas bursitis. Another type, ischial bursitis, results in pain around your ischial tuberosity, the bony area on which your body rests when you sit down.
Risk Factors
Factors that can increase your risk of developing hip bursitis include previous hip surgery, spine disorders, spurs or calcium deposits in tendons around your hip, rheumatoid arthritis, hip injuries, limb length inequality exceeding 1 inch and stress injury. Stress injuries occur with overuse or repetitive overloading when running, stair climbing, bicycling, standing or sitting on hard surfaces for long periods of time. Well-designed shoes and good training technique are equally important in the prevention of stress injuries.
Cushioning Features
Sturdy shoes or sneakers that provide a high level of support can help prevent hip bursitis, according to Drugs.com. Specifically, the various silicone-based gel cushioning systems in Asics shoes may help protect your hips. For instance, the GEL Cushioning System is designed for shock absorption in high-impact areas of the midsole, while the Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL Cushioning Systems do the same in your rearfoot and forefoot, respectively. Asics shoes that feature CCS, or Comfort Cushioning System, technology combine the gel cushioning with a cushioning capsule for maximum shock absorption and comfort.
Sole Features
Shoes that enhance support and stability can help protect your hips. The DuoTruss and Trusstic Systems in Asics are examples. Other features are designed to help with biomechanical issues. The DuoMax system, for instance, combines midsole materials that control pronation, the inward rolling of the foot. Pronation normally accompanies each walking and running stride but can overstress the foot when it is excessive. Similarly, the Impact Guidance System helps improve heel-to-toe alignment while running. Outsole technologies, such as the DuoSole and AHAR Heel Plug are engineered for flexibility and durability.
Considerations
According to Pittsburgh orthopedist Patrick McMahon, good training technique is an important aspect of bursitis prevention and should include adequate stretching and warm-up before exercising. Also, have your feet measured whenever you purchase a new pair and get the size that fits the larger foot if your feet are different sizes. You may need an insole or shoe lift to compensate for differences in foot size or leg length, respectively. Your shoes should fit well and be comfortable from the day of purchase, with a toebox that allows your toes to wiggle.
