Introduction Kaczor et al.(2025) state that flat feet (pes planus) aren’t just a structural variation they’re often linked to reduced ankle mobility, altered running biomechanics, and increased injury risk. For runners, this can mean anything from plantar heel pain to Achilles tendinopathy. In their 2025 randomized controlled trial Kaczor et al. set out to test whether myofascial release (MFR), a popular hands-on therapy can improve ankle range of motion (ROM) and foot function in adults with...

Introduction Flexible pes planovalgus (flatfoot) remains one of the most common presentations in paediatric podiatry, thought to account for nearly 90% of pediatric podiatry visits (according to the authors). For clinicians managing young athletes, the real question isn’t whether flat feet exist, it’s whether early intervention improves long-term outcomes in: Running performance Balance and neuromuscular control Injury risk (e.g., tibial stress, patellofemoral pain, Achilles overload) Kinetic...

📄 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 (torque), and gait...