Tom Brady’s Patriots lost to Peyton Manning’s Broncos in yesterday’s AFC title game.  Brady was featured on the cover of a recent issue of Men’s Health that contained an article titled “The Truth About Barefoot Running.”  Running barefoot or in minimalist shoes has been a trend for some people.  However, many podiatrists and other health professionals are concerned that this places runners at increased risk for stress fractures, Achilles tendon injuries, and other foot problems such as plantar fasciitis (a very common cause of heel pain.)  Many of us have seen an increase in these types of problems in our patients who have begun barefoot running.  Certain foot structures and abnormal mechanics already make foot/ankle problems more likely for some people, so be sure to talk with your doctor before beginning such an endeavor. Let’s keep your feet and ankles healthy so that you can go the extra mile if necessary!