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JOURNAL
OF
SPORTS SCIENCE &
MEDICINE
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Research
article
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FOOT AND LOWER LIMB DISEASES IN RUNNERS: ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS |
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Francesco Di Caprio  ,
Roberto Buda, Massimiliano Mosca, Antonino Calabṛ and Sandro Giannini |
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Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, University of Bologna, Italy. |
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© Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (2010) 9, 587 - 596 |
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| ABSTRACT | |||
| The present study analyzed the impact of the running style and
the morphologic and functional characteristics of the foot on the incidence
of non-traumatic foot and lower limb disorders in runners. From January
2004 to December 2008, we prospectively examined 166 runners, both recreational
and competitive, involved in various running specialities, from three athletics
clubs in Northern Italy. They were 86 males and 80 females, with a mean
age of 31.1 ± 12.2 years. We considered non-traumatic foot and lower limb
diseases reported during the follow-up period, which resulted in a minimum
sport rest of two weeks. The incidence of these diseases was examined with
respect to general characteristics, type of activity, foot morphology, running
style. 59% of athletes reported one or more diseases. The most common were
plantar fasciitis (31% of athletes) and Achilles tendinopathies (24%). Overall,
the more prone to injuries were males (60.9% of cases), competitive runners
(70.9%), middle-distance runners (51.7%), and those using spike shoes (80.3%).
Age, body weight and height were not important predictors of running injuries
in general. Considering the morphological characteristics of the foot, the
most prone to injury were the varus hindfoot (87.5% of cases) and the cavus
arch (71.4%). In conclusion, a deep knowledge of the factors predisposing
runners to specific diseases, often chronic and highly debilitating for
the athlete, may allow implementing effective therapeutic measures.
Key words: Running, foot, disease. |
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