Does Wearing Combat Boots Cause Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar Fasciitis & Combat Boots A common search phrase regarding plantar fasciitis is whether it can be caused by wearing combat boots. The Simple Answer No, not directly. The Longer Answer The general consensus has moved away from inflammation as the cause to microtears in the origin of the plantar fascia, leading to inflammation. With… Read More

FootStriker: A ‘Shocking’ New Aid to Develop Running Technique

As a qualified running coach I appreciate how difficult it can be to change an individual’s running technique. Trying to convince/develop runners to land on the front of their feet rather than the back can be a tricky task. However, there is now another method available to coaches: “CHANGING your running style can be tricky. Perhaps… Read More

Running Shoes: Linking Cushioning, Loading Rates & Risk of Injury

Verbatim from the REPS UK magazine (2017, p.7), as I thought they wrote a witty article (and I couldn’t be bothered completely re-writing the whole thing): “‘It’s the ultimate advancement in energy,’ brags Under Armour about its Charged Cushioning (r) ‘absorbing the impact of your foot strike.’ Nike’s breathless boasting cuts to the chase, declaring… Read More

Injury Risk in Runners: Standard versus Motion Control Shoes

Research Paper Title Injury risk in runners using standard or motion control shoes: a randomised controlled trial with participant and assessor blinding. Background This randomised controlled trial investigated if the usage of running shoes with a motion control system modifies injury risk in regular leisure-time runners compared to standard shoes, and if this influence depends… Read More

The Benefits and Risk of Running from 1982

Research Paper Title An Epidemiologic Study of the Benefits and Risks of Running. Abstract To better estimate rates of certain benefits and risks of recreational running, we sent questionnaires to 1,250 randomly selected male and 1,250 female registrants for a 10-km road race. The response rate was 55% for men and 58% for women. Telephone… Read More

Is Higher BMI Associated with Plantar Fasciopathy/Fasciitis?

Research Paper Title Higher body mass index is associated with plantar fasciopathy/‘plantar fasciitis’: systematic review and meta-analysis of various clinical and imaging risk factors. Question What (risk) factors are associated with plantar fasciopathy (PF)? Design Systematic review with meta-analyses. Participants Patients with PF. Factors All factors described in prospective, case–control or cross-sectional observational studies. Results… Read More

Running Injuries & Illness 01

History and Examination In order to establish a diagnosis for any musculoskeletal injury, it is vital to understand the exact mechanism and circumstances of the injury process. By knowing the direction of forces acting upon a particular body part, it is possible to focus further history and examination towards developing a diagnosis (from an exerciser’s… Read More