Abstract
It is suggested that there is a link between arch type of the foot and overuse injuries. The use of individual selected running shoes can reduce running injuries substantially. To select the correct shoe the runner needs to have appropriate knowledge of his own foot anatomy and biomechanics. A questionnaire was used to investigate the knowledge of the runner about his arch height and biomechanics of running. Clinical examination was performed by 5 orthopaedic surgeons and experienced orthopaedic technicians. Weight-bearing podograms were used to further define the deformity.
We examined 92 volunteers with a mean age of 35.4 (12–63) years, a mean size of 176 cm (154–195) with a mean body weight of 70.38 kg (45–95). Eighteen out of 47 runners with a flatfoot deformity identified their deformity correctly. Twenty five out of 43 volunteers with a normal arch were correct in assessing their foot. Two runners with a cavus foot were correct in identifying their foot. Only 4 out of 38 runners that diagnosed themselves as being pronators have been found to be pronators. Four runners with a self-diagnosed non-pro-nating foot were classified as being pronators. Three runners that could not classify themselves were diagnosed as pronators.
This study demonstrates the poor knowledge of foot deformities in the running community.
Correspondence should be addressed to the editorial secretary: Associate Professor Jean-Claude Theis, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dunedin Hospital, Private Bag 1921, Dunedin, New Zealand.
