Skip to main content
Log in

The Biomechanics of Running Implications for the Prevention of Foot Injuries

  • Research Review
  • Published:
Sports Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

Understanding the biomechanics of running has brought implications for the prevention of foot injuries. These biomechanical considerations, both functional and non-functional, must be evaluated by the sports medicine practitioner. Although functional biomechanical findings are clinically more accurate predictors of injury and diagnostic tools than static findings, a correlation between the two is essential. Other important variables, e.g. training methods, athletic shoes, psychology, general health, external environment (surfaces, weather) and overuse, must be correlated with the biomechanical findings.

The methodology and results of research are inconsistent with the direct predictability of various overuse injuries, based on biomechanical abnormalities and/or contributing factors. Until more research is carried out, clinical experience and the results of structured research investigations will provide the basis of treatment.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Brandell, B.R.: Analysis of muscle coordination and walking and running gaits; in Cerquiglini et al. (Eds) Medicine and Sport, vol. 8, Biomechanics III, pp. 278–287 (Karger, Basel 1973).

    Google Scholar 

  • Cavanagh, P.: The Running Shoe Book (Anderson World, Mt. View, California 1980).

    Google Scholar 

  • Cavanagh, P.R.; Clarke, T.; Williams, K. and Kalenak, A.: An evaluation of the effects of orthotics on force distribution and rearfoot movement during running. Presented at the American Orthopedic Society of Sports Medicine Meeting, Lake Placid, New York, June 1978.

    Google Scholar 

  • Finkleberg, M.E.: Computerized analysis of gait patterns of mid-distance runners; Unpublished data.

  • Hatze, H.: Optimization of human motion; in Cerquiglini et al. (Eds) Medicine and Sport, vol. 8, Biomechanics III, pp. 138–142 (Karger, Basel 1973).

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoshikawa, T.; Matsui, H. and Miyashita, M.: Analysis of running pattern in relation to speed; in Cerquiglini et al. (Eds) Medicine and Sport, vol. 8, Biomechanics III, pp. 342–348 (Karger, Basel 1973).

    Google Scholar 

  • James, S.L.; Bates, B.T. and Osternig, L.R.: Injuries to runners. American Journal of Sports Medicine 6: 40–50 (1978).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Manter, J.T.: Movements of subtalar and transverse talar joints. Clinical Orthopedics 30: 20 (1941).

    Google Scholar 

  • Miyashita, M.; Miura, M.; Kobayashi, K. and Hoshikawa, T.: A study of the relationship between physical performance and physical resources; in Cerquiglini et al. (Eds) Medicine and Sport, vol. 8, Biomechanics III, pp. 349–353 (Karger, Basel 1973).

    Google Scholar 

  • Nigg, B.N.: in Morecki and Phildeus (Eds) Biomechanics VII (University Park Press, Baltimore 1978).

  • Sgarlato, T.F.: Compendium of podiatric biomechanics. Presented at the California College of Podiatric Medicine, San Francisco, California, 1971.

    Google Scholar 

  • Subotnick, S.I.: Biomechanics of the subtalar and midtarsal joints. Journal of the American Podiatric Association 65 (No. 8): 756–764 (1975a).

    Google Scholar 

  • Subotnick, S.I.: Orthotic foot control and the overuse syndrome. Archives of Podiatric Medicine and Foot Surgery 2: 207–213 (1975b).

    Google Scholar 

  • Subotnick, S.I.: Podiatric Sports Medicine. Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Series, vol. 4 (Futura Publishing Co., Mt. Kisco, New York 1975c).

  • Wartenweilder, J.: Status report on biomechanics; in Cerquiglini et al. (Eds) Medicine and Sport, vol. 8, Biomechanics III, pp. 65–72 (Karger, Basel 1973).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Subotnick, S.I. The Biomechanics of Running Implications for the Prevention of Foot Injuries. Sports Medicine 2, 144–153 (1985). https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-198502020-00006

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-198502020-00006

Keywords

Navigation