These shoes were made for running

This year I decided that instead of putting up with the problem – or being forced to rest when it became particularly painful - I would get some professional help from Profeet.

The first step is the analysis of the way you run – including your foot type, motion, foot pressure and timing - by being filmed running on a treadmill.

Once I got over watching my bottom wobble from side to side in baggy track bottoms (top tip: wear something supportive), I got to grips with the fact that my right foot swung outwards and both my feet rolled in rather than landing flat.

My trainers were so old they were effectively useless – as seen from the video of me running with them on and in bare feet. In fact, I ran better without them – so threw them in the bin in the shop.

The assistant told me that trainers need to be replaced regularly (a bit like a toothbrush) whereas I had been battering the same old pair for years.

Graphics make it easy to instantly see your foot type (mine had a normal imprint but the print out will show you if yours is flat or if you have a low or high arch).

The path that the centre of pressure follows on a normal foot and then on yours shows you how your foot lands and rolls.

Tiny dots indicate the speed – with mine showing that my foot slowed significantly just at the point when I should be kicking back.

I was given the graphics to take home and study and some stretching exercises to help with this (and a few other problems) and then, with the help of the computer, the assistant fitted me with some trainers (I had also been wearing the wrong size) and made up a customised insole (or orthotic) to help improve my running technique and compensate for my foot roll.

In six months I'll be back for a free check up to make sure the trainers are still doing their job but until then, I am finding it much easier to run as I feel like I am running on air.

The result? No more knee or hip pains. And the specific stretches they gave me have really helped.

The top tip? Break in your new insoles slowly or you will get blisters.

The cost? £40 for the evaluation and £75 for the insoles (you pay less if you buy them at the same time as your evaluation) plus the cost of the trainers – just over £200 in total.

Was it worth it? Yes to save me from injury. I needed a new pair of trainers anyway, but would have probably had to pay for physiotherapy for my aches and pains. So that's one bill I haven't had to pay.

Further information: www.profeet.co.uk – branches in Fulham Road and Clapham South.