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📄 Paper Overview The study by Gao et al. (2025) proposes a randomised controlled trial (RCT) evaluating an integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine (TCAWM) rehabilitation programme for post-acute ankle sprains. Population: 174 patients aged 18–35 Design: Single-centre RCT Intervention: Combined physiotherapy, exercise rehab, acupuncture, and massage Duration: 2-week intervention + 3-month follow-up Outcomes: Pain (VAS, SF-MPQ), function (FAAM, AOFAS), strength (to

🧠 Overview of the Paper The study, titled ' One exercise session a day keeps the physio away: Effect of a newly designed daily exercise programme on injury prevention in youth football' is a randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing a newly designed 10-minute daily injury prevention programme (IPP) with the well-established FIFA 11+ in youth footballers. Participants: 93 male academy players (ages 8–18) Duration: 6 months Primary outcomes: Injury incidence (per 1000 hours

Introduction: Why This Paper Matters Heel pain in youth athletes, particularly runners and field sport players is frequently attributed to Sever’s disease (calcaneal apophysitis). The reviewed paper, “Conservative Management of Sever’s Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis): A Comprehensive Review of Treatment Efficacy” by Nweke TC (2025), attempts to synthesise evidence and propose a tiered treatment model for clinicians. For podiatrists working with athletic populations, this topi

Introduction Managing Achilles tendon load is one of the biggest challenges in podiatry, sports medicine, and running performance. Traditional heavy–slow resistance (HSR) and eccentric protocols work, but it has been suggested that they are time-consuming, painful, and often poorly tolerated during high training loads. A recent study by Križaj et al. (2025) investigates whether eccentric quasi-isometric (EQI) exercise might offer a more efficient and less painful way to load

Introduction The relationship between ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (DF-ROM) and landing biomechanics has long interested podiatrists and sports clinicians. A newly published study by Rad et al. (2025) explores this link in female soccer players using a novel statistical approach (quantile regression) to examine how ankle mobility relates to landing quality in both amateur and elite athletes. For clinicians working in sports podiatry, ACL injury prevention, and running p

Introduction Can structured neuromuscular training genuinely reduce lower-limb injuries, and what does this mean beyond soccer, for running performance and podiatric care? A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis published in Journal of Clinical Medicine tackles this question by evaluating neuromuscular training (NMT) programmes such as FIFA 11+ for injury prevention in soccer players  . For podiatrists and sports clinicians working with athletes, this paper provides strong

Introduction The 2025 narrative review Dilemma in the Treatment of Sports Injuries in Athletes tackles three of the most consequential injury categories seen in sports podiatry and sports medicine: tendinopathy, acute muscle strain, and tendon rupture. While not foot-specific by title, the paper is highly relevant to Achilles tendinopathy, calf muscle injury, plantarflexor weakness, and return-to-running decision-making. For podiatrists, this paper is valuable not because it

Introduction Custom foot orthoses are a mainstay in managing running-related injuries, foot pain, and lower limb musculoskeletal conditions. As digital workflows become more common in podiatry and sports medicine, a key practical question remains: Does scanning the foot directly actually lead to better outcomes than traditional foam-box casting? A 2025 randomised controlled trial by Barr et al. finally gives us high-quality data to answer this question. Here’s a critical brea

Introduction Short foot exercises (SFE) have gained popularity in podiatry and sports medicine as a way to activate the intrinsic foot muscles, improve medial longitudinal arch control, and potentially reduce running-related injuries. A recently published proof-of-concept study explored whether a single session of SFE could acutely improve dynamic balance and foot kinematics in trail runners. This review aims to critically examine the study’s findings, clinical relevance, and

Flat foot (pes planus) is frequently discussed in podiatry and sports medicine because of its associations with overuse injuries, altered running biomechanics, and reduced ankle mobility. A 2025 randomized controlled trial by Kaczor et al. examined whether myofascial release (MFR) alone or combined with exercise improved ankle range of motion and foot function in adults with symptomatic flat feet. At first glance, the results appear encouraging. However, when viewed through t

Introduction When it comes to improving running speed, jump power, and agility, most athletes think of glutes, hamstrings, and calves. But the secret weapon for propulsion and stability might lie farther down the chain—your forefoot. A recent study by Tourillon et al. (2025) has placed a spotlight on the metatarsophalangeal joints (MTP joints) and forefoot flexor muscles as key contributors to explosive performance, suggesting that targeted forefoot training can significantl

Why Fatigue Matters in Running Biomechanics Fatigue is not merely a drop in power output, it fundamentally changes how the lower limb interacts with the ground. For runners, this means altered ground reaction forces (GRFs), delayed timing to peak forces, and modified muscle activation patterns. Clinically, these changes have been linked to common sports injuries such as plantar fasciitis, medial tibial stress syndrome, Achilles tendinopathy, and patellofemoral pain. For podia

Introduction Recent research by Castro-Méndez et al. (2025) peaked our interest; forensic gait analysis has long hovered in that grey zone between fascinating potential and methodological controversy. The systematic review by Castro-Méndez and colleagues (2025) steps directly into this debate, examining whether angular measurements or observational gait characteristics provide the most reliable method for identifying individuals on CCTV footage. Their work pulls together 25

Introduction Every runner knows the importance of strong legs, but hamstring strength and balance often get overlooked. Whether you’re an elite athlete or a dedicated weekend runner, strengthening your hamstrings is essential for injury prevention, stability, and performance. Recent research highlights a powerful but under-utilised exercise that may have the potential to transform your running: the Nordic Hamstring Exercise (NHE). In this blog post, we take a look at evidence

Introduction Achilles pain is one of the most frustrating injuries for runners. It limits speed, blocks explosive power during push-off, and can derail race prep for months. In recent years, shockwave therapy has been promoted as a fast-track treatment to “stimulate tendon healing” but does it actually work? A new 2025 randomised controlled trial set out to answer that question, comparing recommended-dose radial shockwave therapy with a minimal-dose sham treatment, on top o

Introduction Hydration isn’t just about quenching thirst — it’s a performance tool. For runners, fluid balance affects biomechanics, muscle function, and even foot health. As sports podiatrists focused on helping athletes run farther, faster, and pain-free, we know that hydration plays a pivotal role in preventing soft-tissue fatigue, blistering, cramping, and overuse injuries. This article breaks down hydration strategies proven to improve performance, while keeping your fee

Introduction When it comes to pushing the limits of running performance, athletes are always searching for the edge - faster acceleration, efficient stride mechanics, and powerful ground contact. One training method stands out for its proven ability to enhance explosive speed: plyometric training. As podiatry-focused performance coaches, we pay attention to running mechanics from the ground up. Plyometrics train the neuromuscular system to maximise elastic energy and force ou

Overview A 2025 Medicina systematic review by Trevissón Redondo et al. examined the effectiveness and safety of local anaesthesia techniques used by podiatrists. With pain control and patient comfort central to modern podiatric surgery, this study offers valuable insights into which methods deliver optimal outcomes in both clinical and outpatient settings. The review followed PRISMA guidelines and analysed literature from the past decade, screening 485 studies across PubMed,

Background Flexible flat feet (where the arch collapses during weight-bearing but reforms when unloaded) are common in children and often seen in clinics concerned with running or walking discomfort. Urukalo and colleagues’ 2025 paper takes a fresh approach, using the “F-words” framework (fitness, functioning, friends, family, fun, and future) to map 42 symptoms linked with symptomatic flexible flat feet in children. This study is not about treatment outcomes or gait metrics

Background: The Rise of “Super Shoes” Since the debut of carbon-plated running shoes in 2016, nearly every marathon record has fallen. These Advanced Footwear Technologies (AFTs) — think Nike Vaporfly and Alphafly — combine lightweight PEBA foam, carbon plates, and rocker geometry to improve running economy (RE), or how efficiently a runner uses oxygen at a given speed. While short-term benefits (2–4% improved efficiency) are well-documented, researchers have questioned wheth