The effect of foot structure and range of motion on musculoskeletal overuse injuries

The purpose of this prospective study was to determine whether an associati on exists between foot structure and the development of musculoskeletal ove ruse injuries. The study group was a well-defined cohort of 449 trainees at the Naval Special Warfare Training Center in Coronado, California. Before beginning training, measurements were made of ankle motion, subtalar motion , and the static (standing) and dynamic (walking) characteristics of the fo ot arch. The subjects were tracked prospectively for injuries throughout tr aining. We identified risk factors that predispose people to lower extremit y overuse injuries. These risk factors include dynamic pes planus, pes cavu s, restricted ankle dorsiflexion, and increased hindfoot inversion, all of which are subject to intervention and possible correction.