Sports podiatry

Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    Sports podiatry, the study of athletes

    Sports podiatry is aimed at athletes of all ages, from beginners to high-level competitors. The goal is to analyze posture and athletic movements (running stride, golf swing, static position in sports such as shooting, yoga, etc.) in order to optimize them.

    This applies to a wide range of sports, from running/trail running to road and city cycling, team sports (handball, basketball, soccer, etc.), dance, gymnastics, tennis, badminton, paddle tennis, squash, and even water sports (kitesurfing, surfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding) that require a high level of balance.

    By analyzing the patient’s foot strike on a stabilometric platform and on a treadmill with baropodometric sensors, or by performing a 3D analysis with sensors on different parts of the body, the podiatrist can obtain precise data in order to meet the athlete’s expectations.

    The proposed treatment will then be directly tailored and personalized to the athlete.

    This may consist of:

    • specific rehabilitation movements
    • manual therapy to remove any dislocations (“blockages” or “misalignments”) that may be restricting range of motion
    • if necessary, orthopedic insoles to restore balanced and stable footing and the best possible grounding to enable the body to function properly from the feet up. The pair of orthopedic insoles will be thermoformed to the patient’s feet and sports shoes, and manufactured with technical materials adapted to sports footwear (more or less narrow) and the sport itself: resistance to moisture, cold, repeated friction, etc.

    Sports podiatry also tends to study technopathies, i.e., pathologies or pain related to equipment (adjusting the cyclist’s position on their bike, adapting runners’ shoes to their profile (ground/air), their practice and morphology, adjusting the positioning straps on kitesurfing or wakeboarding boards, snowboards according to the motor profile.

    Running analysis

    Running analysis involves studying and evaluating various aspects of this sport, both physically and technically.

    Here are some elements that can be taken into account during such an analysis:

    • Running technique: observation of posture, stride, arm and leg movement, and the runner’s overall coordination.
    • Biomechanics: study of the forces and movements of the body during running. This can be done using video cameras or special sensors to measure the angles and forces exerted on the different joints. The aim is to determine whether the runner has optimal biomechanics or whether there are any imbalances or asymmetries that could cause joint strain.
    • Stride analysis: this involves studying the foot’s movement on the ground during running. We can observe the foot strike (forefoot, midfoot, or rearfoot), the type of stride (pronator, supinator, neutral, etc.), the movement of the heel, the distribution of forces on the foot, as well as the stability and alignment of the ankles, knees, and hips. This analysis can help us recommend suitable shoes or suggest exercises to improve the stride.
    • Performance evaluation: by analyzing running times, distances covered, speed variations, and competition results, it is possible to evaluate the runner’s performance over time. This helps determine strengths and weaknesses, identify goals to be achieved, and implement a suitable training plan.

    Running analysis helps optimize technique, prevent injuries, and improve the runner’s overall performance.

    The PodiatryLab is equipped with the RunTime baropodometric treadmill, with a fully sensorized surface that allows for accurate analysis of plantar pressures by detecting the distribution of load on the ground while walking and running.

    The use of cameras synchronized with the support also allows for a detailed assessment of postural attitude during movement. The data collected is imported and processed for simultaneous assessment of foot support, posture, and biomechanics.

    Motor preferences feat Volodalen®

    Motor preferences and their impact on athletic performance

    “The one-size-fits-all model is dead. Choose exercises that match your motor skills,” says Cyril Gindre.

    All of this data comes from the Swiss Volodalen research center, a laboratory for research and assessment of motor preferences, stress testing, individualized coaching, and physiotherapy. They train health and sports professionals to individualize care and preparation in accordance with Motor Preferences.

    The training program incorporates a range of knowledge and original insights.

    (Content registered and protected by VOLODALEN – Cyrille Gindre)

    For more information: www.volodalen.com

    Source: Volodalen by Cyrille Gindre | August 29, 2018

    Motor preferences: analysis of ground or air profiles

    The value of analyzing patients’ natural preferences allows us to:

    • identify your natural preferences
    • make correlations to understand their impact on sports
    • improve their performance
    • treat sports-related pain by adjusting their training to suit their profile (personalized exercises and orthopedic sports insoles if necessary)
    • choose equipment (shoes, bike, etc.)
    • create orthopedic insoles with materials that match your natural profile if you need to wear them
    • get training advice

    Of course, all data relevant to your posture and sports practice will be evaluated at the end of the assessment. This data will allow you to go directly to the exercises you need to do.

    The analysis of motor preferences also supports physical therapy rehabilitation in order to optimize its effectiveness through a multidisciplinary approach.

    Here are some examples of exercises based on each person’s preferred profile.

    3D analysis of athletic movements

    Postural analysis of athletic movements is not limited to runners: cycling, golf, team sports, dance… Each sport requires specific movements that are unique to it.

    Three-dimensional analysis of athletic movements provides detailed information on the biomechanics of the movement, such as position, speed, acceleration, joint angles, and force exerted.

    The aim is to detect any flaws or imbalances in the athlete’s movement technique.

    The 3D analysis of athletic movements involves several steps:

    • Placement of markers: reflective markers are placed on key parts of the body that will be analyzed to track the body’s movements in space.
    • Data capture: the athlete’s movement is recorded using specialized cameras placed around the activity area. The cameras capture the movements of the reflective markers and record the data in 3 dimensions.
    • Movement reconstruction: the captured data is then processed and analyzed by software.
    • Data analysis: The reconstructed data is analyzed. They examine joint angles, forces exerted, movement synchronization, etc., to detect any flaws or imbalances in movement technique.
    • Feedback and recommendations: The results of the analysis are then communicated to the athlete or coach. Specific recommendations may be made to improve movement technique, adjust posture, modify the training program, etc.

    Injuries & return to sport

    Sports injuries are unfortunately common among athletes, whether seasoned or novice, and can have a significant impact on their performance and well-being.

    Rehabilitation plays an essential role in recovery and return to physical activity. Podiatrists, as healthcare professionals specializing in foot and ankle problems, can make a valuable contribution to this rehabilitation process.

    Working with doctors, sports physicians, and physical therapists, podiatrists can assess and diagnose injuries and identify risk factors and biomechanical imbalances that may have contributed to the injury.

    Using specific rehabilitation techniques, such as strengthening and stretching exercises, customized foot orthotics, or advice on running technique, can help relieve pain, restore function, and prevent recurrence.

    Whether caused by overuse, poor positioning, incorrect sporting movements, or traumatic injury, here are some of the conditions frequently seen in podiatry practices:

    • Plantar fasciitis
    • Heel spurs
    • Stress fractures in the foot (metatarsals, etc.) and tibia
    • Dislocation, sprain, or fracture of the toes
    • Achilles tendinitis
    • Ankle or knee sprain
    • Iliotibial band syndrome (runner’s knee or Maissat’s syndrome)
    • Patellofemoral syndrome
    • Knee injuries (ligaments and meniscus)
    • Fracture or dislocation (dislocation)
    • Tendinitis (of the fascia lata, goose foot, quadriceps, etc.)
    • Pubalgia
    • Dislocation or instability of the knees
    • Muscle tears
    • Calf or quadriceps strain
    • Lower back pain
    • Herniated disc
    • Lower back, chest, or neck pain

    And many more…

    Scroll to Top