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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

Introduction Freiberg’s infarction (also known as Freiberg's disease), a rare osteonecrosis of the metatarsal head, remains a challenging condition for podiatric surgeons. In Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics (2023), Butler et al. presented a systematic review examining outcomes of various surgical interventions for Freiberg’s disease, aiming to consolidate evidence on clinical and radiological improvements, complications, and failure rates. This review explores the strengths and sho

The modern running shoe looks a little like a moon boot these days — thick foam slabs, springy carbon plates, and marketing promises of effortless speed. But does more cushion always mean better performance and fewer injuries? A new study from researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Kettner et al., 2025) suggests the opposite might be true: those towering “super shoes” could be changing the way you run — and not necessarily for the better. The modern running sho

The 2016 Nutrition and Athletic Performance position paper by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dietitians of Canada, and the American College of Sports Medicine has been described as the sports nutrition world’s gold standard. The document puts forward evidence-based guidance on how food, fluids, and supplements affect training, recovery, and competition. But nearly a decade later, how well does the paper stand up — especially for runners looking to improve their perfo

Achilles tendinopathy remains one of the most stubborn injuries in the running community. Despite decades of research, clinicians and...

Marathon running has long held a reputation for being the ultimate test of human endurance. But what really happens to your body when you...

The Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run (WSER) isn’t just one of the most iconic ultra-trail events, it’s also a natural laboratory for...

As the crisp air of autumn settles in, October brings a fantastic line-up of races across the UK. From scenic trails to bustling city...

In the pursuit of optimal performance, few topics stir as much debate among endurance athletes and coaches as training intensity...

Welcome back to our monthly series, where we shine a light on some of the standout races taking place across the UK. September is a...